The frictional brachistochrone

Forces in Mechanics 2026 Open access

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Authors: Shiva P. Pudasaini
DOI: 10.1016/j.finmec.2026.100379
Cited by: 0
References: 15

Abstract

Here, I construct an elegant frictional brachistochrone for a mass point motion of a granular material with the Coulomb frictional energy dissipation that inherently includes the evolving path curvature. The simple model reveals several striking mechanical phenomena. It is applicable to any frictional particle. With increasing friction, the particle path becomes less and less curved until a straight brachistochrone is attained in the limit of sufficiently high friction. The existence of the straight-brachistochrone is phenomenal. Some potential industrial applications of the frictional brachistochrone are considered.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Geophysics and Sensor Technology

Publication details

Journal / source
Forces in Mechanics
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
24
Pages
100379–100379
Publication date
15 August 2026
Language
EN