Shear behavior of squalane and tetracosane under extreme confinement. I. Model, simulation method, and interfacial slip

Journal Article · Mon Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1997 · Journal of Chemical Physics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.474171· OSTI ID:550463

Gupta, S A; Cochran, H D; Cummings, P T ^[1]

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1. Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-2200 (United States)

In this three part study, nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulation of the rheology of confined films is used to explore the microscopic properties and response of model lubricants under shear. The rheological behavior of two alkanes that differ in molecular structural complexity is examined: tetracosane (C{sub 24}H{sub 50}), which is a linear alkane, and squalane (C{sub 30}H{sub 62}), which has six symmetrically placed methyl branches along a 24 carbon backbone. The model lubricants are confined between model walls that have short chains tethered to them, thus screening the wall details. Shear flow is generated by moving the walls at constant velocity, and various properties are calculated after attainment of steady state. Heat generated by viscous dissipation is removed by thermostatting the first two atoms of the tethered molecules at 300 K, which allows a temperature profile to develop across the width of the lubricant layer. This paper details the molecular model and simulation method, and examines interfacial slip at the interface between the tethered chains and the fluid alkane. The effects of various parameters on the slip behavior are presented. Two subsequent papers respectively address the structural features of these liquid alkanes under shear flow and compare the viscosities from independent calculations of the bulk and confined fluids. {copyright} {ital 1997 American Institute of Physics.}

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-96OR22464
• OSTI ID: 550463
• Journal Information: Journal of Chemical Physics, Journal Name: Journal of Chemical Physics Journal Issue: 23 Vol. 107; ISSN JCPSA6; ISSN 0021-9606
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
ALKANES
INTERFACES
LIQUIDS
LUBRICANTS
MOLECULAR DYNAMICS METHOD
RHEOLOGY
SHEAR PROPERTIES
SIMULATION
SLIP FLOW
SQUALANE
TEMPERATURE DISTRIBUTION
THIN FILMS
VISCOSITY