In order to obtain the friction mechanism of friction element in engagement with the changes of speed and pressure boundary condition, a newer speed control test method for friction characteristic of friction element with different grooves is proposed. The effect of mixed, boundary and adhesion friction can be well embodied in friction and lock-up experimental process of the friction element. The grooves can impact the trends of the friction coefficient curves with the increase of speed. The static friction coefficient declines with the increase of load and tends to be stable in the end. The friction coefficient sensitivity to speed is different. It is verified that Cu-based sintered friction material can work in heavy duty condition and the one with double arc grooves can engage more smoothly by the fiction static and dynamic ratio investigation.