On the Indentation of a Transversely Isotropic Half-Space With Application to Thin Solid Lubricant Films

Abstract

In this investigation, the contact between a model rigid ellipsoidal asperity and the surface of an oriented solid lubricant film has been simulated using an analysis developed previously for contact of a transversely isotropic half-space. In this case, unlike most previous work, the plane of isotropy is oriented normal to the plane of contact, instead of parallel. Under this condition, the contact patch is of a general elliptical form, depending on the shape and orientation of the model asperity and on the elastic constants of the solid lubricants. Several applicable material compositions are examined using the analysis, and the influence of asperity shape and elastic constants in relation to friction and potential design of solid lubricant formulations is discussed.