Molecular dynamics studies of atomic-scale friction for roller-on-slab systems with different rolling-sliding conditions

This paper presents the use of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate atomic-scale frictional behaviour between a roller and a slab under rolling-sliding conditions. The simulations consider both abrasive wear and non-abrasive wear during the rolling-sliding process. Different rolling-sliding conditions are simulated by implementing various separation distances between the roller and the slab and by changing the angular velocity of the roller. The frictional and normal forces acting at the interface between the roller and the slab, and the temperature of both operating components, are calculated during the rolling-sliding process. The relationships between the roller-slab friction phenomena and the rolling-sliding conditions are investigated. Finally, the rolling-sliding characteristics associated with a hard-on-soft rolling-sliding system are compared with those of a soft-on-soft rolling-sliding system.