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Molecular probes reveal deviations from Amontons’ law in multi-asperity frictional contacts

Author

Listed:
  • B. Weber

    (University of Amsterdam
    Science Park 110)

  • T. Suhina

    (University of Amsterdam
    University of Amsterdam)

  • T. Junge

    (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology)

  • L. Pastewka

    (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
    Fraunhofer IWM
    University of Freiburg)

  • A. M. Brouwer

    (University of Amsterdam)

  • D. Bonn

    (University of Amsterdam)

Abstract

Amontons’ law defines the friction coefficient as the ratio between friction force and normal force, and assumes that both these forces depend linearly on the real contact area between the two sliding surfaces. However, experimental testing of frictional contact models has proven difficult, because few in situ experiments are able to resolve this real contact area. Here, we present a contact detection method with molecular-level sensitivity. We find that while the friction force is proportional to the real contact area, the real contact area does not increase linearly with normal force. Contact simulations show that this is due to both elastic interactions between asperities on the surface and contact plasticity of the asperities. We reproduce the contact area and fine details of the measured contact geometry by including plastic hardening into the simulations. These new insights will pave the way for a quantitative microscopic understanding of contact mechanics and tribology.

Suggested Citation

  • B. Weber & T. Suhina & T. Junge & L. Pastewka & A. M. Brouwer & D. Bonn, 2018. "Molecular probes reveal deviations from Amontons’ law in multi-asperity frictional contacts," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 9(1), pages 1-7, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:9:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-018-02981-y
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-02981-y
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    Cited by:

    1. Kasra Farain & Daniel Bonn, 2023. "Predicting frictional aging from bulk relaxation measurements," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-6, December.

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