Dynamical transitions and sliding friction in the two-dimensional Frenkel-Kontorova model

TL;DR

This study investigates the nonlinear response and dynamical phase transitions of a 2D Frenkel-Kontorova model under external force, revealing universal features of sliding friction and hysteresis through molecular dynamics simulations.

Contribution

It demonstrates the occurrence of dynamical phase transitions and hysteresis in a 2D Frenkel-Kontorova model, highlighting their universality across different systems.

Findings

Identification of pinned, sliding, and hysteresis regimes.

Observation of phase transitions similar to Lennard-Jones models.

Universal features of nonlinear sliding friction.

Abstract

The nonlinear response of an adsorbed layer on a periodic substrate to an external force is studied via a two dimensional uniaxial Frenkel-Kontorova model. The nonequlibrium properties of the model are simulated by Brownian molecular dynamics. Dynamical phase transitions between pinned solid, sliding commensurate and incommensurate solids and hysteresis effects are found that are qualitatively similar to the results for a Lennard-Jones model, thus demonstrating the universal nature of these features.