Experimental analysis and modeling of frictional behavior of lavender flowers (Lavandula stoechas L.)

•Static and dynamic friction coefficients of lavender were determined.•Effect of moisture content, contact surface and sliding velocity were evaluated.•To predict friction coefficients, simple/multiple linear regression were assessed.•Dynamic friction coefficient was linearly increased as sliding velocity increased.

Static friction coefficient (SFC) and dynamic friction coefficient (DFC) of lavender flowers were determined as influenced by moisture content (4.9-22.4 d. b.%), contact surface (plywood, galvanized steel, rubber, glass and aluminum) and sliding velocity (0.75-13.7 cm/s). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out to determine the effect of main treatments on SFC and DFC. Duncan's multiple range test was used to compare levels of treatments. To predict the SFC and DFC of lavender, simple linear regression (SLR) and multiple linear regression (MLR) were applied. Predictive ability of linear regression models was assessed regarding the coefficient of determination, root mean square error and mean absolute percentage error. Results indicated that the highest and lowest SFC were obtained in moisture contents of 22.4 and 4.9 d. b.% on rubber and glass, respectively. Maximum and minimum DFC were also found in maximum and minimum sliding velocities of 13.7 and 0.75 cm/s, respectively. ANOVA results showed that not only the effects of main treatments, but also the interactions of them were significant on SFC and DFC (P < 0.01). The SFC increased as moisture content increased. The DFC increased in a linear trend as moisture content and sliding velocity increased. Demonstrating statistically acceptable parameters, SLR and MLR could satisfactorily model SFC and DFC, respectively.

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