The Frenkel-Kontorova-Tomlinson (FKT) model represents mechanical systems in which the atomic smooth surfaces of two bodies slide against each other. The model is very sensitive to changes of the system parameters, and ranges from simple stable harmonic to chaotic solutions. The design of the model between two bodies for the dynamic problem, following the network method rules, is explained with precision and run on standard electrical circuit simulation software. It provides the phase diagrams of atom displacement for each atom and the total friction force by the summation of all the atom displacements. This article is focused on studying the effect of the selected time step on the result and in the lack of sensitivity of Lyapunov exponents to assess chaotic behaviour.

Dry friction cannot be understood on a macroscopic scale without knowing what happens at the contact of sliding surfaces on an atomic scale. Tests on this scale are very expensive and very sensitive to the effects of contamination or inaccurate fittings. On the other hand, the sample dimensions are small because of the requirements of the test equipment, which makes it difficult to generalise the conclusions drawn. This work reviews the models used to analyse friction processes, and proposes the application of one of the models, the Frenkel–Kontorova–Tomlinson (FKT) model, to study the dry frictional behaviour of doped surfaces. The study shows that for concreted types of doped pattern, the behaviour can change from chaotic to periodic depending on the stiffness, which in turn are associated with temperature.

Dedicado a mis hermanos Ángel y Silvia.Dedicado a mis sobrinos Álvaro, Saúl, Rubén y Victoria Dedicado a María José, que ha soportado todas mis conversaciones con la voz en off presente en casa estos últimos años.