Frictional Energy Dissipation in Wavy Surfaces

Abstract

Accurate estimation and tuning of frictional damping are critical for proper design, safety, and reliability of assembled structures. In this study, we investigate how surface geometry and boundary conditions affect frictional energy dissipation under microslip contact situations. In particular, we investigate the frictional losses of a two-dimensional (2D) deformable wavy surface in contact with rigid plate under specific normal and tangential loading. We also propose a dissipation tuning mechanism by tension-induced wrinkling of a composite surface. This surface is made of stiff strips printed on a compliant substrate. We show that the contact geometry of wrinkling surfaces can be altered significantly by tensile loading and design of the composite surface. Using this, we present frictional dissipation maps as functions of applied tension and one of the geometric parameters in the composite design; spacing between stiff strips. Those maps illustrate the dissipation tuning capability of wrinkled surfaces, and thus present a unique mean of damping control.