Spatial contact problems for rough elastic bodies under elastoplastic deformations of the unevenness (Q1074390)

A model is constructed for the contact between a rigid stamp and a rough body taking elastoplastic deformations of the unevenness into account. The contact model for rough bodies with elastic deformations of the unevenness is a special case. A classical approach utilizing boundary integral equations is applied in the mathematical formulation of the contact problem. Under quite general assumptions (for instance, the multiconnectedness of the contact domain desired), the uniqueness and existence of the solution are investigated. A method is developed to determine the contact pressure, the closure of the bodies, and also the contact area which consists of two parts in the general case, a zone of elastoplastic deformation of the unevenness and a zone of their elastic deformation. The efficiency of the method is shown in examples of new contact problems. The solution is represented in a convenient form for analysing the influence of roughness. This is of considerable value for material testing by a contact method.