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Velocity-Independent Dry Friction on Mica: Realization of Ideal Amontons-Coulomb Friction

Hiroshi Sakuma1,*, Diane E. Moore2, David A. Lockner2,†, and Toshihiro Kogure3

  • *Contact author: sakuma.hiroshi@nims.go.jp
  • †Contact author: dlockner@usgs.gov
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Phys. Rev. Lett. 137, 046201 – Published 20 July, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/y3jy-nqcd

Abstract

The Amontons-Coulomb friction law assumes that the frictional force between materials is independent of sliding velocity. However, as Coulomb noted, this is a rough approximation, and a second-order dependence of friction on the logarithm of sliding velocity is incorporated in a commonly used “rate- and state-dependent” friction representation. Here, we conduct shear experiments on mica, a layer-structured mineral, at temperatures ranging from 22 to 200 °C and under normal stress of 100 MPa. The friction coefficient clearly depends on the logarithmic sliding velocity at 22 °C, but rate sensitivity decreases with increasing temperature until at 200 °C, the friction coefficient is independent of sliding velocity. Our findings could initiate the development of velocity-independent frictional materials, realizing the ideal Amontons-Coulomb friction.

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Phys. Rev. Lett. 137, 046201– Published 20 July, 2026
  • Received 7 January 2026
  • Revised 27 April 2026
  • Accepted 17 June 2026
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