Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Bestimmung des Oberflaechen- Reibungskoeffizienten von Koerpern

NOVELTY - A process and assembly determines the surface coefficient of friction of a body, esp. a medical catheter (1). DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The catheter (1) under test is pulled through a gel-like soft viscous elastic substance (2). The (frictional) force required to pull the catheter is measured. The viscous elastic substance is subjected to a defined pressure so that a defined surface normal force is exerted upon the catheter surface. By subjecting the substance to be measured to a predetermined, defined pressure, surface pressures on each surface element of the catheter surface are precisely determined and maintained constant. By applying a constant pressure on the surface, the total normal force can be kept constant and the friction coefficient determined for the diameter and consistence of each catheter. USE - Process and assembly to determine the coefficient of friction on material used esp. as a medical catheter. ADVANTAGE - The process and assembly provide a standard method by means of which the coefficient of friction is established. The results are reproducible and are not dependent on the geometry or consistency of the catheter material.