Surface Forces and Tribology (REU Supplement)

本研究的目的是在分子水平上阐明边界层摩擦和润滑的机制。一种微观摩擦装置已经开发出来，在这种装置中，弯曲的、原子光滑的云母表面的交叉圆柱体可以彼此相对移动，分离保持在极小的水平。感兴趣的变量包括分子层数、实际表面积、表面和边界层的化学性质、正常载荷、附着力和变形频率。

The objective of this research is to elucidate mechanisms of boundary layer friction and lubrication at the molecular level. A microscopic friction apparatus has been developed in which crossed cylinders of curved, atomically smooth mica surfaces can be moved relative to one another with separation maintained at extremely small levels. Variables of interest include number of molecular layers, actual surface area, chemistry of the surface and of the boundary layer, normal load, adhesion and frequency of deformation.