Numerical Model for Hydration-Lubricated Contact and Its Friction Behavior at Nanoscale

Abstract

In this study, we propose a numerical model to investigate the contact and friction behaviors of hydration-lubricated contact in an aqueous solution confined in a gap of several molecular diameters. A force–distance curve was obtained under different surface forces, and friction behavior was determined using the modified Eyring thermal activation model. The results showed that the normal boundary contact pressure and contact gaps were obtained using the proposed numerical model. In addition, friction force increased with the logarithm of sliding velocity. Hence, the Eyring model could predict the friction behavior of hydration lubrication. Moreover, it could capture the underlying physical principles of the contact and friction behaviors of hydration lubrication.