title: Predictions and observations of multiple slip modes in atomic-scale friction.
abstract: Using the quasistatic Tomlinson model as a simple representation of an atomic force microscope, conditions for transitions in atomic-scale friction behavior from smooth sliding to single slips and then multiple slip regimes are derived based on energy minimization. The calculations predict and give a general explanation for transitions between different stick-slip regimes in the limit of low damping. The predictions are consistent with experimental observations of these transitions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.
authors.forename: Sergey N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Medyanik
authors.forename: Wing Kam
authors.initials: WK
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: In-Ha
authors.initials: IH
authors.lastname: Sung
authors.forename: Robert W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Carpick