Molecular dynamics investigation of two-dimensional atomic-scale friction

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies of two-dimensional atomic-scale factional force are presented. The motivation for this work is to gain insight into the effects of interatomic forces on the frictional phenomena. Instantaneous friction coefficients are calculated for an atom scanning across the surface of a two-dimensional Lennard-Jones type crystal in both static and dynamic modes. It is found that net frictional force can arise even in the absence of adhesive interaction between the scanning atom and the substrate. Furthermore, in the case of nondestructive sliding the frictional interaction leads to increase in the substrate temperature which can be calculated.