More about the programme
Atomic-scale stick slip on solid surfaces, confinement of liquids between surfaces, electrical and mechanical properties of quantum contacts are subjects of this research. Since the processes in the tribocontact are highly complex, modelling is necessary. Atomistic simulations, preferably embedded in elastic continua, are dedicated to the study of small contacts. The comparison between experiments and modelling makes necessary the joint research between different groups and the formation of a network. Specific questions to be addressed by NATRIBO: Dissipation mechanism of contacts in relative motion, novel nano-materials for tribology, tribochemistry, triboluminescence and mechanical properties of quantum contacts.
R&D keywords of the proposal:
Tribology on the nanometer scale, friction, adhesion, wear, atomic-scale stick slip, quantum wires, confinement of liquids, shear melting, friction force microscopy, dissipation force microscopy, electronic and phononic contributions to friction, triboluminescence, tribochemistry
