stick-slip friction

Stick-slip friction describes the movement of two surfaces relative to each other that occurs in a series of jerks. This happens because the surfaces alternately stick due to friction and then slide when the friction is overcome by an applied force.1

This phenomenon is distinct from static friction, which is the force resisting the initial sliding of stationary objects, and kinetic friction, which acts between objects already in motion. In stick-slip, static friction causes the surfaces to adhere, and when the applied force exceeds this static friction, a sudden slip occurs, reducing the friction to kinetic levels before the surfaces stick again.231