Molecular dynamics simulations are performed to investigate the atomic-scale stick-slip phenomenon of a pyramidal diamond tip inserted into the Ag(010) surface. The mechanisms behind the stick-slip events are investigated by considering sliding speeds between 1.0 and $5.0{\mathrm{ms}}^{-1}$ and vertical support displacements of 5 and 15 Å. The analysis of the dynamic features of the substrate shows that dislocations are extrinsically linked to the stick events, with the emission of a dislocation in the substrate region near the tip, when slip occurs after stick. For small vertical displacements, the scratch in the substrate is not continuous because the tip can jump over the surface when slipping, whereas at 15 Å, a continuous scratch is formed. The dynamic friction coefficient increases from $\sim 0.13$ to $\sim 0.46$ with increasing depth, but the static friction coefficient increases only from $\sim 0.32$ to $\sim \mathrm{0.54.}$ At the larger depths the tip does not come to a halt during stick as it does for shallow indents. Instead the tip motion is more continuous with stick and slip manifested by periods of faster and slower motion. Although the exact points of stick and slip depend on the sliding speed, the damage to the substrate, the atomistic stick-slip mechanisms, and the friction coefficients are relatively independent of speed over the range of values considered.

• Received 23 January 2004

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.69.205407