liukuvuus

Liukuvuus is a Finnish term used in tribology and surface science to describe the propensity of a surface to allow sliding between contacting bodies. It refers to slipperiness or the ease with which relative motion occurs, and is typically understood in relation to the friction that resists that motion. In practice, higher liukuvuus means surfaces are more prone to slip under a given load, and it is usually associated with a lower friction coefficient, though the exact relationship depends on conditions such as speed, lubrication, and surface state.

Liukuvuus depends on multiple factors. Surface roughness and texture, material pairings, and the presence of coatings or lubricants strongly influence slip behavior. The thickness and quality of a lubrication film, contaminants, temperature, and humidity also play significant roles. Because liukuvuus is not a single absolute property, it is often described through measurements of friction under defined test conditions, or qualitatively in safety and design contexts. Tribological testing with tribometers or slip tests can provide comparative indicators of slipperiness for different materials or surfaces.

Applications and implications of liukuvuus span everyday life and engineering. On roads, wet or icy conditions increase liukuvuus, elevating the risk of skidding; in manufacturing and machinery, controlling liukuvuus is crucial for reliable motion, wear resistance, and energy efficiency. Designers may aim for low liukuvuus in traction surfaces or high liukuvuus in components intended to slide easily, depending on the function and safety requirements. See also kitkakerroin (coefficient of friction), tribology, lubrication, and surface roughness.