A numerical study of the frictional dependence on the sliding velocity

Abstract

In this project I address the questions of how the frictional force depend on the sliding velocity. Can asperity creep give a velocity weakening effect on the dynamic coefficient of friction for low sliding velocities, and a transition between static and dynamic friction?

In this project I will study a physical system where a block is pushed by a piston on a rough base. I will develop a discrete element method with next-nearest neighbor interactions, and interactions between the slider and the base. I will simulate sliding at different sliding velocities and study the resulting friction laws of the relation between the sliding velocity and the dynamic coefficient of friction. Two different models for adhesion is also introduced to study the effect of adhesion on the dynamic coefficient of friction with and without time dependence of the real area of contact.