The Strength of Some Non-Hertzian Plane Contacts

Abstract

The problem of plane elastic contact between a symmetrical indentor and a half-plane is addressed. The form of the contacting profile of the indentor is represented in terms of Chebyshev polynomials, and the resulting stress-field is deduced, for both static and sliding contact. It is shown that by making the profile somewhat flatter than a cylinder a large load may be sustained without yielding. Practical implications of the result, including profiles needed to attain optimal contact conditions, are discussed.