Stribeck Curve
Updated 2026-08-05
INTRODUCTION
English translation pending.
CORE DEFINITION
Named after Richard Stribeck, the curve relates the coefficient of friction to the Hersey number, the product of speed and viscosity divided by load. It identifies three regimes: boundary lubrication, where surfaces contact and friction is high; mixed lubrication, where friction falls to a minimum; and hydrodynamic lubrication, where a full fluid film forms and friction rises slowly again. The core claim is that friction is not monotonic in speed. The qualification is that the shape depends on load and viscosity, not speed alone.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
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- Use Startup Expectation: Expect maximum friction at low speed and plan for the hard starting phase. - Use Speed Lever: Raise speed past the boundary regime so the system enters smoother operation. - Use Regime Selection: Choose lubricant and load so the system runs near the friction minimum.
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At low speed the fluid film cannot build up, so surface asperities contact directly and friction is high. As speed rises the film begins to separate the surfaces and friction falls, reaching a minimum in the mixed regime. At higher speeds viscous drag within the thick film becomes dominant, so friction rises again, which is why the curve is U-shaped and why its minimum is the operating target.
MINIMUM ACTION
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Source support: Explicit
- zh.wikipedia.orghttps://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%96%AF%E7%89%B9%E9%87%8C%E8%B2%9D%E5%85%8B%E6%9B%B2%E7%B7%9Averified
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