title: Origin of stick-slip motion in boundary lubrication.
abstract: Molecular dynamics simulations of atomically thin, fluid films confined between two solid plates are described. For a broad range of parameters, a generic stick-slip motion is observed, consistent with the results of recent boundary lubrication experiments. Static plates induce crystalline order in the film. Stick-slip motion involves periodic shear-melting transitions and recrystllization of the film. Uniform motion occurs at high velocities where the film no longer has time to order. These results indicate that the origin of stick-slip motion is thermodynamic instability of the sliding state, rather than a dynamic instability as usually assumed.
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.forename: M O
authors.initials: MO
authors.lastname: Robbins