Exactly Quantized Dynamics of Classical Incommensurate Sliders

We report peculiar velocity quantization phenomena in the classical motion of an idealized 1D solid lubricant, consisting of a harmonic chain interposed between two periodic sliders. The ratio v_c.m./v_ext of the chain center-of-mass velocity to the externally imposed relative velocity of the sliders stays pinned to exact “plateau” values for wide ranges of parameters, such as slider corrugation amplitudes, external velocity, chain stiffness, and dissipation, and is strictly determined by the commensurability ratios alone. The phenomenon is explained by one slider rigidly dragging the kinks that the chain forms with the other slider. Possible consequences of these results for some real systems are discussed.