Molecular dynamics simulation of adhesion processes

Adhesion of a hemispherical tip to the flat surface in nano-structures is simulated using the molecular dynamics technique. The tip and plates are modeled with the Lennard-Jones molecules. The simulation focuses on the deformation of the tip. Detailed descriptions on the evolution of interaction force, the energy dissipation due to adhesion hysteresis, the formation-growth-breakage of adhesive junction as well as the evolution of molecular distribution during the process are presented. The effects of the tip size, the maximum tip approach, the tip. temperature, and the affinity between the tip and the mating plate are also discussed.