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Numerical study of pattern formation in compliant surfaces scraped by a rigid tip
Pedro J Martínez1,2, Enrico Gnecco3, Juan J Mazo1,4
1Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón (INMA), CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain.
Physical Review. E
|March 19, 2021
Summary
A new model explains surface pattern formation on polymers during wear. It predicts ripples and dotted areas based on tip speed and scan spacing, revealing complex cooperative effects during multi-line scanning.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Tribology
- Surface Physics
Background:
- Surface pattern formation during plowing wear on compliant materials is complex.
- Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) tips can create quantifiable surface patterns on polymers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the applicability of a phenomenological model for describing surface pattern emergence during plowing wear.
- To analyze the influence of scanning parameters on pattern formation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a phenomenological model based on viscoplastic indentation and elastic shear stress.
- Performed numerical estimations of pattern characteristics (amplitude, period, orientation) for varying parameters.
- Revisited and derived an equation for single-line scan pattern formation.
Main Results:
- The model successfully reproduces observed wavy features (ripples) during multi-line AFM tip scanning.
- Observed dotted areas and coexistence of rippled and dotted domains at low driving velocity and scan line spacing.
- Derived an equation for single-line scan patterns, noting its inapplicability to multi-line cooperative processes.
Conclusions:
- The phenomenological model effectively describes ripple formation due to competing mechanical stresses.
- Surface pattern evolution is dependent on scanning parameters and exhibits cooperative effects during multi-line scans.
- A distinct mechanism governs single-line versus multi-line pattern formation.
