Molecular aspects of boundary lubrication

• Published in: Tribology international Vol. 29; no. 8; pp. 627 - 629
• Main Author: Heyes, D.M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-12-1996
• Subjects: boundary lubrication; molecular dynamics computer simulation; molecular dynamics computer simulation; boundary lubrication
• ISSN: 0301-679X; 1879-2464
• DOI: 10.1016/0301-679X(96)00010-2

Recent molecular dynamics computer simulations of boundary lubrication, in which the lubricant and sliding solid surfaces are represented at an atomistic level, have given new insights into the mechanism of boundary lubrication. Combined with recent data from experiments on sliding surfaces, these simulations have forced us to modify our traditional view of lubrication in this regime. Stick-slip behaviour at low sliding velocities, discontinuous shear velocity profiles across the gap and lubricant states oscillating between solid-like and liquid-like extremes are some of the phenomena that occur in boundary lubrication. The Eyring model is discussed and directions for improvements proposed that would encompass stick-slip behaviour.