Masters Theses

Abstract

"Friction and adhesion are the major issues limiting the realization of microelectro-mechanical-systems (MEMS). When the object size approaches micro- and nanoscale, surface forces dominate, and the gravitational forces are negligible. These surface forces result in high friction and adhesion, thus limiting the application where a relative movement between micro- and nano-sized components is desired. Experimental study of tribology at these scales is limited because of the high resources required. In addition, there are system limitations like contaminants and humidity. Molecular dynamics simulation (MOS), which considers inter- and intra-molecular forces can simulate surface forces and are, therefore, suitable to study tribology at micro- and nanoscale. Molecular dynamics simulations have been used with considerable success for studying the tribological properties of micro components.

In this study, adhesion and friction are modeled and simulated for metal-to-metal interaction. The interaction between two aluminum surfaces is simulated since the focus of this study is on the atomic-scale frictional characterization of metallic micro components. The interaction between copper and diamond surfaces is also simulated to study the lubricating and wear resistant properties of diamond coatings. Morse potential function is used to calculate the intra- and inter-atomic forces between the atoms of the sliding surfaces. Results are presented that simulate the adhesion process when the surfaces come in contact. Also, the calculated coefficient of friction for various values of contact pressure, sliding speed, and asperity level are presented. General trends observed here agree with the results obtained by other researchers for different materials"-- Abstract p. iii

Advisor(s)

Krishnamurthy, K.

Committee Member(s)

Miller, F. Scott
McAdams, Daniel

Department(s)

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Comments

Accompanying CD-ROM, available at Missouri S&T Library, contains animated movies and corresponding force curves.
System requirements: Windows Media Player.

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

Summer 2003

Pagination

ix, 47 pages, CD-ROM

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 44-46)

Rights

© 2003 Amlesh S. Lutade, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Microelectromechanical systemsMolecular dynamicsAluminum -- Testing

Thesis Number

T 8337

Print OCLC #

54890239

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