Sunday, 24 November 2013

Tractor Wheels - Maximising Friction



This tractor has 'tracks' with jagged pieces of metal sticking out to maximise friction (the tread). This surface digs into slippery surfaces with a lot more surface area than normal tyres could, because conventional tyres can only grip onto the ground with bottom of the tyres. 
Not very useful if you want to go anywhere quickly and efficiently, but perhaps the opposite (smooth with less surface area) could help?

 (Sorry about the unclear picture!)

 Alex C
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1 comment:

  1. Catherine Palmer24 November 2013 at 22:09

    I think Sir Edmund Hillary was just wanting to get to the South Pole in one piece and grip was more important than speed in this case!
    Great example Alex, thank you.

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