Rheological Models for Stick-Slip Behavior

Abstract

Stick-slip is a complex phenomenon which has been studied by researchers from many points of view. A variety of engineering factors, such as surface roughness, may contribute to this behavior. However, recent studies from basic science have shown that molecularly smooth surfaces separated by a film also exhibit stick-slip. Thus, the process may be intrinsically film-induced due to transitions between solid-like and fluid-like behavior. The authors of such studies often state that this kind of response indicates the futility of trying to describe such behavior from a continuum perspective. A purpose of this paper is to refute that point of view. Other studies, both experimental and theoretical, have indicated that continuum rheological models may be valid for films of molecular (nanometer) scale. Various rheological models which can predict stick-slip are proposed in this paper. Calculated results are similar to those of experiment.