Rheological Modeling of Thin Film Lubrication

Abstract

Impressive strides through molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have been made in the modeling of thin film (nanometer-scale) lubrication. This mode of lubrication is likely to exist in MEMS applications. Furthermore, there have been many recent advances in experimentation from a pure science perspective -- the ability to perform meaningful tests on nano-meter-scale films. This convergence of MD and experiment has led to an optimism in scientific circles that the mechanisms of friction and boundary lubrication, studied for centuries, can soon be understood and predicted by first principles.