Sliding Friction in the Frenkel-Kontorova Model

Abstract

A two-dimensional \underline{Frenkel-Kontorova model} under a steady external force is used to study the nonlinear sliding friction between flat macroscopic surfaces with a lubricant layer in between. The nonequilibrium properties of the model are simulated by a Brownian molecular dynamics and results are obtained as a function of temperature and a microscopic friction parameter $\eta$.

16 pages, Latex, to appear in "The Physics of Sliding Friction", Adriatico Conf. (95). (Kluwer Publ.)