An asymmetric dimer in a periodic potential: a minimal model for friction of graphene flakes

Remco Hens and Annalisa Fasolino ()
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Remco Hens: Radboud University Nijmegen, Institute for Molecules and Materials
Annalisa Fasolino: Radboud University Nijmegen, Institute for Molecules and Materials

The European Physical Journal B: Condensed Matter and Complex Systems, 2016, vol. 89, issue 7, 1-5

Abstract: Abstract We discuss the friction and motion of a model of a dimer with asymmetric interactions with a substrate potential. Starting from the consideration that a rigid dimer with spacing equal to half of the period of the potential has exactly zero static friction like the infinite incommensurate Frenkel Kontorova model, we show how stick-slip behaviour and friction arise as a function of asymmetry. We argue that this model can yield a simple yet insightful description of the frictional behaviour of graphene flakes on graphite and of superlubricity. The results can also be of interest for diatomic molecules on surfaces.

Keywords: Solid; State; and; Materials (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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DOI: 10.1140/epjb/e2016-70273-5

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