Nanoscale origins of dynamic friction in an asymmetric contact geometry

Phys Rev Lett. 2006 Nov 24;97(21):216104. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.97.216104. Epub 2006 Nov 22.

Abstract

Friction, adhesion, and bounce dynamics are found to be asymmetric with respect to sliding direction for a tilted pad sliding at high speed. The differences originate from the nanoscale effects of the mechanical action against the lubricant layer forming an asymmetric meniscus around the pad and from a self-excited vibration induced by friction hysteresis coupled with adhesion hysteresis.