Analytical Theory of Ice-Skating Friction with Flat Contact

Although a thin meltwater layer that acts as lubricant attributes to the low friction on ice, there still lacks analytical theories that can forecast the friction force on ice. Based on the evolution of the thin meltwater layer, this study builds an analytical theory to the friction force on ice with flat contacts, which matches experimental measurement nicely. This study reveals that a dynamic balance between the ice melting caused by frictional heat and the water squeezing caused by slider regulates the thickness of the self-lubricating interstitial meltwater layer, which guarantees the low friction on ice. This analytical model provides a self-consistent explanation to the ice friction, which may help to regulate the friction on ice purposely. [GRAPHICS] .