Wedge Friction and Screw Friction:

Wedge Friction

Generally wedges are used to move heavy loads by applying a force that is considerably smaller than the weight of the load. Owing to the friction existing among the surfaces in contact, a wedge remains in place after being forced under the load. Thus, for small adjustments in the position of heavy pieces of machinery wedges are widely utilized.

The problems including wedges may be solved by applying the friction laws to the several parts of the device. The example given below shall illustrate the process to solve problems involving wedges.