Multistep Locked-to-Sliding Transition in a Thin Lubricant Film

Journal Article · Thu Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1999 · Physical Review Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.82.3097· OSTI ID:336697

Braun, O M; Bishop, A R; Roeder, J ^[1]; Braun, O M ^[2]

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1. Theoretical Division and Center for Nonlinear Studies, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545 (United States)
2. Institute of Physics, National Ukrainian Academy of Sciences, UA-252022 Kiev (Ukraine)

Using Langevin simulations, we study dynamical transitions in a model three-layer atomic film confined between two rigid substrates moving with respect to each other. With the increase of a dc force applied to the top substrate, first the middle layer of the lubricant film transitions from locked to sliding states; this regime shows a stick-slip behavior with a relatively high effective friction. Next, the layers closest to the substrates start to slide over the substrates, as well as with respect to the middle layer; the effective friction in this regime may be explained by energy losses due to the excitation of phonons in the lubricant. Finally, at high velocities the lubricant film decouples from the substrates and achieves a {open_quotes}flying{close_quotes} regime characterized by a very low friction coefficient. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Laboratory
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• OSTI ID: 336697
• Journal Information: Physical Review Letters, Journal Name: Physical Review Letters Journal Issue: 15 Vol. 82; ISSN 0031-9007; ISSN PRLTAO
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

66 PHYSICS
ENERGY LOSSES
LANGEVIN EQUATION
LENNARD-JONES POTENTIAL
LUBRICANTS
LUBRICATION
PHONONS
SIMULATION
SLIDING FRICTION
SUBSTRATES
THIN FILMS