Macro‐ and microtribology — similar results, different origins?

Abstract

Many friction effects are investigated extensively on both the macroand the nanoscale. However, the range between these limitsthe range of rnicrometres and micronewtons has scarcely been probed. Using new test equipment, this particular range Itas been analyscd. The exarnple of the stick-slip phenomenon was chosen for disciission of tlie internal pliysical properties at different lengtli scales. Results are presented for the entire range, from newtons to iianonewtons. Reality was simulated by friction testers operating at varioiis length and force scales. The data were acquired with the lielp of a pinon-disc tester for the macroscale, a novel micro-friction tester for the inicroscale, and an atomic force microscope for the nanoscale.