Contact and friction of single crystal nickel nanoparticles using molecular dynamics

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations using the embedded atom method potentials were performed to describe the interparticle behavior of two single crystal spherical nickel nanoparticles during compaction based on the particle size and contact angle. We analyzed the evolution of the contact surfaces during the MD simulations and investigated the frictional effects at the contact surfaces. Using macroscale contact laws and the Amontons–Coulomb friction law, we compared the MD contact results to previous studies and showed length scale dependence in friction.