Simulation for rubber friction on self‐affine surface based on energy method

Here, the authors propose an energy method to obtain the friction coefficient of a rubber block sliding on self-affine substrates via simulation. Due to the multi-scale property, the rough surfaces are modelled with four harmonic rigid frictionless roads. As the rubber block is a viscoelastic solid, energy dissipation in the contact area results in friction. The authors propose a new simulation method to obtain friction coefficient through energy dissipation. With different loads and sliding velocities, the change law of friction coefficient is calculated. The authors design a test instrument to verify the friction coefficients of rubber on some certain surface. The findings of this research constitute a theoretical basis for safe tire design and tire grip improvements.