Large-scale atomistic studies of sliding friction in polycrystalline aluminum interfaces

We discuss large-scale non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) simulations of ductile metal sliding comprising up to 1.8 x 10(9) atoms over time scales of 100 ns. The results of these simulations have identified a variety of physical mechanisms that are important in determining the steady-state frictional force for a wide range of velocities at compressed metal-metal interfaces. These include grain growth and refinement, the evolution of large plastic strains and strain rates, material mixing, and melting. These phenomena can be included in a strain, strain rate, and grain size model that gives good agreement with the NEMD simulations and can be applied to macroscopic continua.& nbsp;Published under an exclusive license by AIP Publishing.

Automated summary

This study uses large-scale non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the steady-state frictional force at different velocities during metal sliding. The results reveal various physical mechanisms that influence the frictional force, including grain growth and refinement, evolution of plastic strains and strain rates, material mixing, and melting. These mechanisms can be applied to macroscopic continua.