Analytical Theory of Ice-Skating Friction with Flat Contact

The article delves into the complex mechanisms behind ice-skating friction, particularly focusing on the role of the thin meltwater layer formed during sliding. It presents a self-consistent prototype model that reveals how the meltwater layer regulates friction, leading to the development of an analytical model for the coefficient of friction (CoF). The model is validated through numerical solutions and experimental data, providing a comprehensive understanding of the physics behind ice-skating friction. The study highlights the balance between ice melting and meltwater squeezing, which maintains a constant thickness of the water layer, thereby reducing friction. This analytical theory offers valuable insights into the optimization of friction on ice, with potential applications in various fields requiring understanding of low-friction systems.