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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 27, 2026

Knowledge Based Cloud FE Simulation of Sheet Metal Forming Processes

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Published on: December 13, 2016

Exploring and Explaining Friction with the Prandtl-Tomlinson Model.

Udo D Schwarz¹, Hendrik Hölscher²

¹Departments of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science and Chemical & Environmental Engineering and Center for Research on Interface Structures and Phenomena (CRISP), Yale University , New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States.

|January 15, 2016

Summary

The Prandtl-Tomlinson model, a simple mechanical analogy, accurately describes friction at single-atom contacts. This validates its use for understanding atomic-scale interactions in sliding interfaces.

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Area of Science:

Tribology
Nanomechanics
Surface Science

Background:

The Prandtl-Tomlinson model, developed in 1928, is a conceptual model for atomic-scale friction.
It has recently gained validation for multi-atom contacts.
It is widely recognized as a key mechanical analogue for sliding interfaces.

Purpose of the Study:

To demonstrate the applicability of the Prandtl-Tomlinson model to true single-atom contacts.
To validate simple mechanical models for atomically defined interfaces.

Main Methods:

Utilized the Prandtl-Tomlinson model.
Investigated atomic-scale friction at sliding interfaces.

Main Results:

The Prandtl-Tomlinson model was successfully applied to a single-atom contact.
The model's effectiveness was demonstrated for atomically precise interfaces.

Conclusions:

Simple mechanical models, like the Prandtl-Tomlinson model, can effectively explain atomic-scale friction.
The model's relevance extends to true single-atom contacts, reinforcing its utility in nanomechanics.