Mechanical Engineering Faculty Research

Title

Thermal Activation in Atomic Friction: Revisiting the Theoretical Analysis

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Spring 5-29-2012

Abstract

The effect of thermal activation on atomic-scale friction is often described in the framework of the Prandtl–Tomlinson model. Accurate use of this model relies on parameters that describe the shape of the corrugation potential β and the transition attempt frequency f0. We show that the commonly used form of β for a sinusoidal corrugation potential can lead to underestimation of friction, and that the attempt frequency is not, as is usually assumed, a constant value, but rather varies as the energy landscape evolves. We partially resolve these issues by demonstrating that numerical results can be captured by a model with a fitted β and using harmonic transition state theory to develop a variable form of the attempt frequency. We incorporate these developments into a more accurate and generally applicable expression relating friction to temperature and velocity. Finally, by using a master equation approach, we verify the improved analytical model is accurate in its expected regime of validity.

Publication Title

Journal of Physics:Condensed Matter

Volume

24

Issue

26

First Page

265001

Last Page

265001

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