SLOW SLIDING OF NONHOMOGENEOUS ROUGH SURFACES

Abstract

A theoretical model of inhomogeneous friction of nominally flat surfaces is formulated. Two types of inhomogeneity are considered: a random fluctuation of the fractal relief of rough surfaces, and inhomogeneous density of asperities. It is shown that interaction of inhomogeneities can lead to instability during slow sliding. A jump in displacement occurs under smooth relative movement of contacting surfaces. High rates of displacement appear as a precursor immediately before the instability onset: $\vert\partial u/\partial t\vert\sim(t_c-t)^{-1/2}$.

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Computational Seismology, Vol. 2.