Nicola Manini et al 2007 J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 19 305016 doi:10.1088/0953-8984/19/30/305016
Nicola Manini1,2, Marco Cesaratto1,2, Giuseppe E Santoro2,3,4, Erio Tosatti2,3,4 and Andrea Vanossi5
Show affiliationsWe analyse in some detail the recently discovered velocity quantization phenomena in the classical motion of an idealized one-dimensional solid lubricant, consisting of a harmonic chain interposed between two periodic sliders. The ratio w = vcm/vext of the chain centre-of-mass velocity to the externally imposed relative velocity of the sliders is pinned to exact 'plateau' values for wide ranges of parameters, such as sliders corrugation amplitudes, external velocity, chain stiffness and dissipation, and is strictly determined by the commensurability ratios alone. The phenomenon is caused by one slider rigidly dragging the density solitons (kinks/antikinks) that the chain forms with the other slider. Possible consequences of these results for some real systems are discussed.
68.35.Ja Surface and interface dynamics and vibrations
81.40.Pq Friction, lubrication, and wear
Issue 30 (1 August 2007)
Received 5 February 2007, in final form 26 February 2007
Published 13 July 2007
Nicola Manini et al 2007 J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 19 305016
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