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Dynamical chiral symmetry breaking in sliding nanotubes
X H Zhang1, G E Santoro, U Tartaglino
1International School for Advanced Studies, Via Beirut 2-4, I-34014 Trieste, Italy.
Physical Review Letters
|April 28, 2009
Summary
Simulations reveal that sliding nanotubes spontaneously break symmetry, generating angular momentum from phonons at critical speeds. This nanoscale phenomenon is linked to increased sliding friction and involves unique "nano" effects like umklapp scattering.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
Background:
- Coaxial nanotubes exhibit perfect left-right symmetry and are nonchiral.
- Understanding nanoscale friction and associated phenomena is crucial for advanced material applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the emergence of dynamical symmetry breaking in sliding coaxial nanotubes.
- To identify the origins and characteristics of spontaneous angular momentum generation at the nanoscale.
Main Methods:
- Conducting molecular dynamics simulations of sliding coaxial nanotubes.
- Analyzing the emergence of angular momentum and its correlation with sliding velocity and friction.
Main Results:
- A spontaneous, nonzero angular momentum of phonon origin was observed at critical sliding velocities.
- Large peaks in sliding friction corresponded with the onset of symmetry breaking.
- The governing nonlinear equations share similarities with forced string rotational instability, with unique nanoscale elements.
Conclusions:
- Dynamical symmetry breaking occurs unexpectedly in sliding nanotubes, driven by phonon interactions.
- Nanoscale umklapp scattering and sliding nanofriction play critical roles in this phenomenon.
- The findings offer new insights into the complex physics of nanoscale friction and rotational dynamics.
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