Analysis of the Influence of Adhesion on Measured Runway Friction

Gadel Baimukhametov; Greg White

doi:10.3390/ma19102073

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Analysis of the Influence of Adhesion on Measured Runway Friction

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Analysis of the Influence of Adhesion on Measured Runway Friction

Gadel Baimukhametov and Greg White

Materials, Vol.19(10), pp.1-19

2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19102073

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Abstract

friction

runway

adhesion

surface tension

asphalt

British pendulum tester

temperature

viscous hydroplaning

Runway friction is a critical factor for aircraft operational safety, yet the role of adhesion in wet friction remains insufficiently understood, especially in areas where tyre rubber contaminates the surface. This study evaluated approximate adhesive contribution for representative common runway surfaces, using contact angle measurements and British pendulum tester friction tests. The results show that approximate adhesion influence varies strongly with surface type: negligible on cement concrete, 16% to 19% on rubber-contaminated asphalt, and up to 49% on roughened rubber. A linear correlation between friction and contact angle confirmed that wetting behaviour governs adhesion-driven friction. Friction tests at different temperatures also confirmed the adhesive nature of the temperature influence on friction. The analysis further indicates that material properties and greater effective surface area correlate with stronger adhesive contributions, explaining material-specific differences in friction performance. These findings may provide a conceptual basis for interpreting variability in continuous friction measurements and suggest the importance of considering adhesion effects in runway surface characterisation and maintenance systems.

Details

Title: Analysis of the Influence of Adhesion on Measured Runway Friction
Authors: Gadel Baimukhametov - University of the Sunshine Coast
Greg White (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
Publication details: Materials, Vol.19(10), pp.1-19
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date published: 2026
DOI: 10.3390/ma19102073
ISSN: 1996-1944
Data Availability: The original contributions presented in this study are included in the article. Further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.
Grants: Continuation of the Airport Pavement Research Program, 0980027110, Australian Airports Association
Organisation Unit: School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991231424502621
Output Type: Journal article

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