Multichain Frenkel-Kontorova model for interfacial slip

Abstract

Using the results of large-scale molecular-dynamics simulations of dry, wearless friction between two flat one-dimensional interfaces, a simple frictional model is formulated with specified parameters. The model, a two-chain-driven Frenkel-Kontorova model with unidirectional motion, is studied numerically and analytically. In a certain regime of slip velocities behavior similar to that of the large-scale simulations is observed. This is characterized by kink-antikink excitations and a weakening of frictional force with increasing slip velocity. The insights given by the simple model lead us to postulate a mechanism for the nucleation of structures perpendicular to the interface in the large-scale system.