Boundary friction thermodynamic model of ultrathin lubricant film confined between two atomically smooth solid surfaces

The thermodynamic theory of ultrathin lubricant film melting, confined between two atomically flat solid surfaces has been investigated. The film melts when the temperature or shear stress exceeds the critical value. For the system kinetics investigation the mechanical analogue of the simple tribological system has been considered. The stick-slip motion mode is shown to be realized as a result of periodic second-order phase transitions. The behaviour of the system governed by external parameters has been studied.