On the Topology of State-space, Linear vs. Nonlinear Theories and Dry Friction

Abstract

The work reported here aimed to eliminate the gap between static- and sliding friction on the ground of non-equilibrium thermodynamics with dynamic (internal) degrees of freedom introduced into the state space of the system. Here a germ of a thermodynamic theory is sketched without acquiring generality. Here the simplest model is looked for to eliminate the gap between static and kinetic friction. It is not a complete idea at all but may be a guideline for further modeling. The fork where the train of thoughts stops at gives way to several kinds of possibilities, a number of which by the author’s opinion may have their own realm of application. Finally, an accurately accountable model is given that may be assumed friction if we pretend not knowing its origin and the law differs signficantly from the nearly exclusively used Coulomb’s law. This example supports the idea that friction cannot be described in a simple and uniform theory.