Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Friction Of (110) Diamond In The Presence Of Small Hydrocarbon Molecule, Catherine Manning

Honors Theses

Molecular dynamic simulations have been used to explore the friction between two (110) diamond surfaces in sliding contact. In general, when a third-body hydrocarbon molecule is placed between two computer generated diamond surfaces in sliding contact, the result is a reduction of friction as the load iH increased compared to the same surfaces in the absence of third-body molecules. The size, shape, and alignment of the third-body hydrocarbon molecules play an essential role in the reduction of friction. Results for a system with ethane presented as a third-body molecule will be compared to previous theoretical studies as well as existing …