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Using a tight-binding atomistic simulation, we simulate the recent atomic-force microscopy experiments probing the slipperiness of graphene flakes made slide against a graphite surface. Compared to previous theoretical models, where the…
With the help of a two-dimensional model we study rolling lubrication by circular (2D fullerenes) molecules for a wide range of parameters. The conditions under which microscopic rolling friction may be effective are identified and related…
The sliding motion of objects is typically governed by their friction with the underlying surface. Compared to translational friction, however, rotational friction has received much less attention. Here, we experimentally and theoretically…
We report classical and tight-binding molecular dynamics simulations of the C$_{60}$ fullerene and cubane molecular crystal in order to investigate intermolecular dynamics and polymerization processes. Our results show that, for 200 K and…
Using atomic force microscopy experiments and molecular dynamics simulations of gold nanoislands on graphite, we investigate why ultra-small friction commonly associated with structural lubricity can be observed even under ambient…
We present a model for the motion of hard spherical particles on a two dimensional surface. The model includes both the interaction between the particles via collisions, as well as the interaction of the particles with the substrate. We…
The contact mechanics of individual, very small particles with other particles and walls is studied using a nanoindenter setup that allows normal and lateral displacement control and measurement of the respective forces. The sliding,…
We study the influence of the surface energy and contamination films on rubber adhesion and sliding friction. We find that there is a transfer of molecules from the rubber to the substrate which reduces the work of adhesion and makes the…
Contacts between particles in dense, sheared suspensions are believed to underpin much of their rheology. Roughness and adhesion are known to constrain the relative motion of particles, and thus globally affect the shear response, but an…
The wear-driven structural evolution of nanocrystalline Cu was simulated with molecular dynamics under constant normal loads, followed by a quantitative analysis. While the microstructure far away from the sliding contact remains unchanged,…
The friction of a nanosized sphere in commensurate contact with a flat substrate is investigated by performing molecular dynamics simulations. Particular focus is on the distribution of shear stress within the contact region. It is noticed…
In a pioneer experiment, Bohlein et al. realized the controlled sliding of two-dimensional colloidal crystals over laser-generated periodic or quasi-periodic potentials. Here we present realistic simulations and arguments which besides…
The motion of submerged magnetic microspheres rolling at a glass-water interface has been studied using magnetic rotation and optical tweezers combined with bright-field microscopy particle tracking techniques. Individual microspheres of…
A carbon nanotube is an ideal object for understanding the atomic scale aspects of interface interaction and friction. Using molecular statics and dynamics methods different types of motion of nanotubes on a graphite surface are…
Using molecular dynamics (MD) we study the dependency of the contact mechanics on the sliding speed when an elastic block (cylinder) with a ${\rm cos} (q_0 x)$ surface height profile is sliding in adhesive contact on a rigid flat…
Two-dimensional (2D) materials are envisaged as ultra-thin solid lubricants for nano-mechanical systems. So far, their frictional properties at the nanoscale have been studied by standard friction force microscopy. However, lateral…
We present an experimental study of the statistical properties of millimeter-size spheres floating on the surface of a turbulent flow. The flow is generated in a layer of liquid metal by an electromagnetic forcing. By using two magnet…
Molecular dynamic (MD) simulations are applied to investigate the dependency of the kinetic friction coefficient on the temperature at the nano-scale. The system is comprised of an aluminum spherical particle consisting of 32000 atoms in an…
We present an extensive but concise review of our present understanding, largely based on theory and simulation work from our group, on the equilibrium behavior of solid surfaces and nanosystems close to the bulk melting point. In the first…
Hydrocarbon films confined between smooth mica surfaces have long provided an experimental playground for model studies of structure and dynamics of confined liquids. However fundamental questions regarding the phase behavior and shear…