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PUBLICATIONS

Friction and wear in micro and nanomachines

Published

Author(s)

Maarten de Boer, Sameer Shroff, Frank W. DelRio, W R. Ashurst

Abstract

The prediction and characterization of multi-length-scale tribological phenomena is challenging, yet essential for the advancement of micro- and nanomachine technology. Here, we consider theoretical underpinnings of multi-asperity friction, review various approaches to measure micro- and nanoscale friction and discuss the effect of monolayer coatings to reduce friction and wear. We then overview a theoretical framework known as rate and state friction (RSF), in which friction is a continuous function of velocity and interface state. A microscale test platform that is used to measure friction over multiple decades of velocity and normal load is presented and results are reported. Using the RSF framework, we quantitatively predict and validate the transition from stick-slip to steady sliding, enabling the creation of a microscale kinetic phase diagram. Next, we take a brief look at continued progress in spinning micromachine motor technology. Finally, we discuss wear- and tribopolymer-related phenomena in micro- and nanoswitches, which are promising devices to complement transistors due to their low on resistance and steep subthreshold swing. We anticipate great progress towards reliable, contacting micro- and nanomachines by linking theory and experiment to nano- and microscale tribological phenomena and by improving the testing, materials, and processing methods used to characterize these phenomena.
Citation
Springer Handbook of Nanotechnology
Publisher Info
Springer, Heidelberg, -1
Pub Type
Book Chapters

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Keywords

friction, wear, MEMS, stick-slip, steady sliding
Nanomechanics

Citation

de Boer, M. , Shroff, S. , DelRio, F. and Ashurst, W. (2017), Friction and wear in micro and nanomachines, Springer Handbook of Nanotechnology, Springer, Heidelberg, -1, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=924761 (Accessed April 26, 2024)

Created December 14, 2017, Updated October 12, 2021