First visualization of friction at the atomic level
26 July 2022
New research led by the University of Pittsburgh unveils the atomic-scale friction of a single tungsten asperity, or rough edge, in real time, showing atomic motion for the first time with electron microscopy. The work, completed by two labs in the Swanson School of Engineering, was recently published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology.
Friction and wear are detrimental to functionality and reduce the service life of products with mechanical elements. Here, we unveil the atomic-scale friction of a single tungsten asperity in real time through a high-resolution transmission electron microscopy investigation of a nanocontact in countermotion, induced through a piezo actuator. Molecular dynamics simulations provide insights into the sliding pathway of interface atoms and the dynamic strain/stress evolution at the interface. We observe a discrete stick–slip behaviour and an asynchronous process for the accumulation and dissipation of the strain energy together with the non-uniform motion of interface atoms. Our methodology allows for studying in situ atomic-friction phenomena and provides insights into friction phenomena at the atomic scale.
—Wang et al.
For machines with mechanical elements, friction is an unavoidable enemy. It is a major source of service failure and can reduce the lifespan of any machinery, from bicycles and cars to airplanes and assembly lines.
Until now, no one has been able to actually see the atomically resolved friction process with a clear-cut interface, so the relationship between the friction mechanisms and the interface hasn’t been fully understood,.In this study, we were able to actually see the sliding pathway of interface atoms and the dynamic strain and stress evolution on the interface that has only previously been shown by simulations.
—Guofeng Wang, CNG Faculty Fellow and professor of mechanical engineering and materials science, co-corresponding author
Wang’s group collaborated with now-retired John Swanson Endowed Professor Scott X. Mao’s research group in the Swanson School to provide the first visualization of friction at the atomic scale. Using a high-resolution transmission electron microscope, Mao’s group was able to actually view the movement of atoms across the surface when two surfaces made contact and moved. Wang’s group was then able to use their computer simulations to verify what the microscopic visualizations showed and understand more about the forces at play.
Though this study focused on tungsten atoms because of their high resistance to the microscope’s heat, the method can be applied to any material to understand friction and wear.
What we found is that no matter how smooth and clean the surface is, friction still occurs at the atomic level. It’s completely unavoidable. However, this knowledge can lead to better lubricants and materials to minimize friction and wear as much as possible, extending the life of mechanical systems.
—Guofeng Wang
Resources
Wang, X., Liu, Z., He, Y. et al.(2022) “Atomic-scale friction between single-asperity contacts unveiled through in situ transmission electron microscopy.” Nat. Nanotechnol. 17, 737–745 doi: 10.1038/s41565-022-01126-z
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