The coefficient of lateral friction, also known as the coefficient of side friction, is a measure of the resistance to lateral (sideways) motion between two surfaces in contact. It quantifies the frictional force acting perpendicular to the direction of motion when an object or body is sliding or moving laterally.
The coefficient of lateral friction is denoted by the symbol μ_lateral. It is defined as the ratio of the lateral frictional force (F_lateral) to the normal force (N) between the surfaces:
μ_lateral = F_lateral / N
Here, F_lateral represents the force acting perpendicular to the direction of motion, and N represents the normal force, which is the force exerted by one surface on another in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface.
The coefficient of lateral friction is a dimensionless quantity and its value depends on the nature of the surfaces in contact. It can vary for different material combinations and surface conditions. It provides a measure of the relative ease or difficulty of lateral motion between the surfaces. A higher coefficient of lateral friction indicates a greater resistance to lateral motion, while a lower coefficient implies less resistance.