MULTICHAIN FRENKEL-KONTOROVA MODEL FOR INTERFACIAL SLIP

Using the results of large-scale molecular-dynamics simulations of dry , wearless friction between two flat one-dimensional interfaces, a sim ple frictional model is formulated with specified parameters. The mode l, a two-chain-driven Frenkel-Kontorova model with unidirectional moti on, is studied numerically and analytically. In a certain regime of sl ip 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 insig hts 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.