diff --git a/src/lagrangian/intermediate/submodels/Kinematic/CollisionModel/PairCollision/PairFunction/SpringSliderDashpot/SpringSliderDashpot.C b/src/lagrangian/intermediate/submodels/Kinematic/CollisionModel/PairCollision/PairFunction/SpringSliderDashpot/SpringSliderDashpot.C
index 90f5a3a1bf..3689a7ff58 100644
--- a/src/lagrangian/intermediate/submodels/Kinematic/CollisionModel/PairCollision/PairFunction/SpringSliderDashpot/SpringSliderDashpot.C
+++ b/src/lagrangian/intermediate/submodels/Kinematic/CollisionModel/PairCollision/PairFunction/SpringSliderDashpot/SpringSliderDashpot.C
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ void Foam::SpringSliderDashpot<CloudType>::evaluatePair
 
         scalar kN = (4.0/3.0)*sqrt(R)*Estar_;
 
-        scalar etaN = alpha_*sqrt(M*kN)*sqrt(sqrt(normalOverlapMag));
+        scalar etaN = alpha_*sqrt(M*kN)*pow025(normalOverlapMag);
 
         // Normal force
         vector fN_AB =