2000/04/05 by M. R. Falvo, Falvo, M. R., J. Steele +18
Engineering · Physics and Astronomy · #Adhesion, Friction, and Surface Interactions #Condensed Matter (cond-mat) #FOS: Physical sciences #Force Microscopy Techniques and Applications #Mechanical and Optical Resonators #cond-mat
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.cond-mat/0004076
7 pages, 4 figures
arxiv created 2000/04/05 · openalex publication_date 2000/04/05 · arxiv updated 2009/11/30 · openalex created_date 2016/06/24 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
We report, through experimental observations and computer simulations, that atomic lattice interlocking can determine whether an object rolls or slides on a surface. We have quantitatively manipulated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on a variety of substrates with an atomic force microscope (AFM) and observe rolling to occur only on graphite. We measure the forces when the CNT is in-registry with the graphite lattice, and observe rolling only in this lock-in state. Atomistic computer simulations identify the energy barriers for sliding and rolling, elucidate atomic-scale features of slip-roll motion, and explain the details of the lateral force data in terms of the intrinsic faceting of multiwall CNTs.