Abstract
Recent advances in the understanding of the atomic origins of friction are described and illustrated with simple simulations. Examples of macroscopic and nanometer scale systems that violate Amontons’ laws of friction are discussed. A more general friction relation is motivated and shown to fit data from simple atomic simulations that can be downloaded and modified. The simulations illustrate the fundamental relation between static friction and potential energy, and between kinetic friction and energy dissipation. Conceptual difficulties in understanding how almost all pairs of surfaces lock together in a potential energy minimum are described, and possible resolutions are discussed. We conclude with an explanation of why Amontons’ laws work so well in many macroscopic systems.
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