Prediction of coefficient of friction based on footwear outsole features

Abstract

Traction testing of footwear is expensive, which may create barriers for certain users to assess footwear. This study aimed to develop a statistical model that predicts available coefficient of friction (ACOF) under boundary lubrication conditions based on inexpensive measurements of footwear outsole features. Geometric and material hardness parameters were measured from fiftyeight footwear designs labeled as slip-resistant. A robotic friction measurement device was used to quantify ACOF with canola oil as the contaminant. Stepwise regression methods were used to develop models based on the outsole parameters and floor type to predict ACOF. The predictive ability of the regression models was tested using the k-fold cross-validation method. Results indicated that 87% of ACOF variation was explained by three shoe outsole parameters (tread surface area, heel shape, hardness) and floor type. This approach may provide an assessment tool for safety practitioners to assess footwear traction and improve workers' safety.

Going Beyond Traditional Roughness Metrics for Floor Tiles: Measuring Topography Down to the Nanoscale

“…In a slipping scenario, the interaction involves the surface of the elastic shoe rubber and the surface of the (comparatively rigid) floor tile, often with a lubricant or contaminant layer between them. It should be noted that various factors influence shoe-floor friction, including floor tile roughness [12,13], lubricant conditions [13], testing conditions such as the slipping speed [14,15], and the shoe-sole pattern design [13,16]. The lubrication regime relevant to shoe-floor-contaminant slips, which is described by the Stribeck curve [14,17], can influence the parameters relevant to friction [16,18].…”

“…It should be noted that various factors influence shoe-floor friction, including floor tile roughness [12,13], lubricant conditions [13], testing conditions such as the slipping speed [14,15], and the shoe-sole pattern design [13,16]. The lubrication regime relevant to shoe-floor-contaminant slips, which is described by the Stribeck curve [14,17], can influence the parameters relevant to friction [16,18]. For treaded shoes with sufficient channels, slipping commonly occurs in the boundary lubrication regime [19][20][21].…”

Physical Property of 3D-Printed N-Pointed Star-Shaped Outsole Prepared by FDM 3D Printer Using the Lightweight TPU

“…By virtue of the high rate of fall injury that is mostly related to footwear slip resistance, the development of shoe-safety properties is very important. Comfort is the most considered factor in footwear function; however, the prediction of comfort not only relies on the physical property, but the perception of user also needs to be considered [ 26 ].…”

Effect of plantar pressure on stepping friction under cross‐slope condition

“…It not only seriously affects the physical and mental health of the human body, but also causes huge economic losses. Falls have been ranked consistently among the top two disabling occupational injuries in the U.S. from 1998 to 2010 [1]. In China, hospitalisation of accidental slips accounted for 35% of the total cases each year, in which the aged are as high as 63.8%, with disability of about 9.69 million [2].…”