A multiscale Molecular Dynamics approach to Contact Mechanics

Abstract

The friction and adhesion between elastic bodies are strongly influenced by the roughness of the surfaces in contact. Here we develop a multiscale molecular dynamics approach to contact mechanics, which can be used also when the surfaces have roughness on many different length-scales, e.g., for self affine fractal surfaces. As an illustration we consider the contact between randomly rough surfaces, and show that the contact area varies linearly with the load for small load. We also analyze the contact morphology and the pressure distribution at different magnification, both with and without adhesion. The calculations are compared with analytical contact mechanics models based on continuum mechanics.

Format Revtex4, two columns, 13 pages, 19 pictures. Submitted for publication in the European Physical Journal E. Third revision with minimal changes: Corrected a few mistyping