Elements of Friction Theory and Nanotribology

Combining the classical theories of contact mechanics and lubrication with the study of friction on the nanometer range, this multi-scale book for researchers and students alike guides the reader deftly through the mechanisms governing friction processes, based on state-of-the-art models and experimental results. The first book in the field to incorporate recent research on nanotribology with classical theories of contact mechanics, this unique text explores atomic scale scratches, non-contact friction and fishing of molecular nanowires as observed in the lab. Beginning with simple key concepts, the reader is guided through progressively more complex topics, such as contact of self-affine surfaces and nanomanipulation, in a consistent style, encompassing both macroscopic and atomistic descriptions of friction, and using unified notations to enable use by physicists and engineers across the scientific community.

Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. Dry friction and damped oscillators; Part I. Elastic Contacts: 3. Elements of theory of elasticity; 4. Normal contacts; 5. Tangential contacts; 6. Elastic rolling; 7. Beams, plates and layered materials; Part II. Advanced Contact Mechanics: 8. Rough contacts; 9. Viscoelastic contacts; 10. Adhesive contacts; 11. Thermal and electric effects; 12. Plastic contacts; 13. Fracture; 14. Stick-slip; Part III. Nanotribology: 15. Atomic-scale stick-slip; 16. Atomic-scale stick-slip in two dimensions; 17. Instrumental and computational methods in nanotribology; 18. Experimental results in nanotribology; 19. Nanomanipulation; 20. Wear on the nanoscale; 21. Non-contact friction; Part IV. Lubrication: 22. Drag in a viscous fluid; 23. Lubrication; 24. Viscous phenomena in confined or spreading liquids; Appendix A; Appendix B; Appendix C; Notes; References; Index.

Enrico Gnecco is a Senior Scientist at IMDEA Nanoscience, Madrid, where his research focuses on friction phenomena on the atomic scale, controlled manipulation of nanoparticles and theoretical bases of nanotribology.
Ernst Meyer is Professor of Experimental Physics at the University of Basel and module coordinator in the NCCR for Nanoscale Science. He is a former Chairman of the European Science Foundation collaborative network 'Nanotribo'.