Simulations for Nanoscale Meniscus Formation and Rupture by Using Molecular Dynamics

To investigate the dynamic behaviors of nanoscale meniscus intervening between a solid surface and a probe tip of a scanning probe microscope in molecular scale, meniscus formation and rupture process were simulated by using molecular dynamics method. Lennard-Jones molecules were used to model both the lubricant film and the solid probe, and the techniques to analyze the normal force exerting between the film and the probe were introduced to identify the meniscus formation time and the meniscus elongation. We clarified that the meniscus formation time became longer for wider spacings between the film surface and the probe, and that the meniscus elongation became longer for larger probe retracting velocity.