Molecular dynamics simulation of stick-slip

Molecular dynamics simulation was carried out to investigate the stick-slip on an atomic scale by using the embedded atom method potential for Ni–Al. The analyses of the dynamic features of the atoms in the sliding block clearly show that the elastic deformation of the surface layers is the main cause for the stick-slip phenomenon, which is consistent with the macroscopic stick-slip. The simulation results also indicate that phonons are emitted during stick-slip, and a commensurate fit between the contacting surfaces is not significant for the stick-slip friction.