ARRAY-ENHANCED FRICTION IN THE PERIODIC STICK-SLIP MOTION OF NONLINEAR OSCILLATORS

We study the nonlinear contribution to stick-slip motion in a weakly c oupled discrete one-dimensional array of oscillators subject to a peri odic potential. We find a dramatic increase in the friction coefficien t of the array compared to that of a single uncoupled oscillator, even though the same constant force f is applied to each oscillator in the array. The sliding friction coefficient is found to diverge as eta no t congruent to (kappa- kappa(c))(-1/2), where kappa(c) is the critical value of the coupling constant kappa, and shows two dynamical transit ions as we increase the external force f applied to each of the oscill ators.