On the Contact Problem of Thin Circular Rings

Abstract

It is well known that the solution of an elastica subjected to end loads can be obtained in terms of elliptic functions. In the present paper, the combined problem of elastic contact between uniform circular rings or cylinders is reduced to a set of end-loaded elasticas. The approach is demonstrated by finding the complete solution in closed form for two unequal rings pressed between rigid anvils of constant curvature. Numerical results are obtained for the set of problems of two rings with equal stiffness but unequal radii compressed between two rigid flat plates.