Atomistic mechanisms of adhesive contact formation and interfacial processes

Abstract

In this paper, discrete probabilistic models of interfaces are elaborated, focusing on the description of the damage and adhesion phenomena between two solid–solid interfaces. A discrete approach to damage is elaborated, adopting as a starting point the Daniels model of a set of interconnected springs endowed with a probabilistic rupture threshold. Brittle (elastic) and ductile (viscoelastic) behaviours of the bundle are successively envisaged. The consideration of a progressive degradation of the bonds between two surfaces in contact as a representation of damage leads to a limit Scott–Blair-type constitutive law with a fractional derivative. The inverse situation of the adhesive contact between two solids is analysed in the same vein.