A Simple Geometrical Model for Solid Friction

TL;DR

This paper introduces a straightforward geometrical model that predicts how solid friction depends on velocity, normal force, and surface roughness, with implications for earthquake modeling.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel simple geometrical model that self-consistently relates macroscopic friction to surface properties and motion parameters.

Findings

Friction force depends on velocity, normal force, and surface ruggedness.

Model aligns with observed friction behaviors in geological contexts.

Provides insights into earthquake fault dynamics.

Abstract

We present a simple model for the friction of two solid bodies moving against each other. In a self consistent way we can obtain the dependence of the macroscopic friction force as a function of the driving velocity, the normal force and the ruggedness of the surfaces in contact. Our results are discussed in the context of friction laws used in earthquake models.