Wear minimization through utilization of atomic-scale functional surface structure

A method for wear minimization through utilization of an atomic-scale functional surface structure is proposed. The basic idea is to effectively dissipate the frictional energy generated during contact sliding so that its contribution to permanent displacement of atoms is minimized. This may be achieved by using a surface structure with optimum compliance that can accommodate the contact stresses through elastic, rather than permanent, deformation of the structure. This method was verified through molecular dynamics simulation of atomic-scale wear of a tip sliding against a hard coating layer that is supported by an atomic-scale functional surface structure.