What characterizes breakaway torque?

Breakaway torque is defined as the amount of torque needed to overcome the static friction in order to initiate motion from a stationary position. This is particularly important in systems where objects must be moved from rest, as the force of static friction is typically higher than that of kinetic friction once motion is already established.

When a system is at rest, various resistive forces, such as friction between surfaces, must first be surmounted before any movement can begin. The torque required to do so is essential for understanding the behavior of pneumatic systems, especially when starting up. This measurement is crucial for designers and engineers as it impacts the selection of motors and actuators that must provide enough force to achieve the desired motion.

In contrast, torque that maintains speed pertains to the energy needed to keep an object moving once it is already in motion, while torque generated at high speeds refers to the output of a motor or system operating at its operational limits. These aspects do not address the initial requirement to break the static friction threshold, which distinctly identifies breakaway torque.