Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Stick-Slip Friction on a Metal Surface

Abstract:

Friction on the atomistic scale was simulated using a molecular dynamics model consisting of a slider and substrate. The slider is in contact with the substrate through interatomic forces, while being pulled by a spring connected to a tractor moving parallel to the substrate surface at a constant velocity. The frictional force, which is defined as the force working on the connecting spring, is registered as the slider moves over the substrate, and consequently stick-slip behavior is observed. The static frictional force is higher if the lattice mismatch between slider and substrate is smaller. The sliding velocity affects whether atoms can rapidly settle into a stable site, and hence affects the kinetic friction; at high velocities, the atoms are forcibly moved resulting in a smaller kinetic friction force and a steady force curve.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 459)
• Pages: 26-33
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.459.26
• Online since: October 2013
• Authors: Takuya Uehara*
• Keywords: Computer Simulation, Friction, Interatomic Interaction, Molecular Dynamic (MD), Stick-Slip Mechanism, Tribology

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