Molecular Dynamics Analysis of "Stiction" Based on Multi-Body EAM Potential Function

Aiming to explain phenomena of "stiction" and "snap-back," a ball-surface adhesion is simulated with molecular dynamics (MD) based on multi-body EAM potential function. Lattice dislocations appear at the adhesion interface. Surface atoms "summon up" and migrate, which lead to the phenomenon of "stiction." The migration velocity of interface atom is not consistent. Some atoms migrate too fast, which lead to the phenomenon of "snap-back." The "Snap-back" phenomenon appears twice during the adhesion process. A "neck-separation" phenomenon is found. In adhesion surface, some atoms show the attractive force, while some atoms show the repulsive force. With the change of the adhesion distance, the transformation between the attractive force and repulsive force is discovered. The adhesive force in the separation process obviously lagged the adhesive force in the contact process, which shows there is energy loss during the adhesion process. The curve of adhesion deformation is simulated finally, and compared with relevant results.