Low-velocity friction between macroscopic solids

Abstract

We analyze the physical mechanisms taking place in unlubricated friction between surfaces of micrometric roughness at sliding speeds $\text{<100}$ μm$\text{·}$s${}^{\mathrm{-1}}$. This analysis is based on extensive experimental investigations of the time and velocity dependences of static and dynamic friction forces, and of non-stationary sliding. It fully supports the state and rate dependent friction model first proposed by Rice and Ruina.