Boundary element modelling of coated materials in static and sliding ball–flat elastic contact

• Published in: Surface & coatings technology Vol. 102; no. 1; pp. 148 - 153
• Main Authors: Kouitat Njiwa, R, Consiglio, R, von Stebut, J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 01.04.1998; Elsevier
• Subjects: Boundary element modelling; Coating optimization; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Elastic contact; Exact sciences and technology; Mechanical and acoustical properties; Physical properties of thin films, nonelectronic; Physics; Spherical indentation; Subsurface stress field; Surfaces and interfaces; thin films and whiskers (structure and nonelectronic properties); Testing optimization; Boundary element modelling; Testing optimization; Coating optimization; Subsurface stress field; Spherical indentation; Elastic contact; Stress analysis; Stress distribution; Digital simulation; Theoretical study; Mechanical properties; Modelling; Coatings; Boundary element method
• ISSN: 0257-8972; 1879-3347
• DOI: 10.1016/S0257-8972(97)00689-0

Boundary element modelling of elastic ball–flat contact is presented. The loading of a homogeneous medium is considered and the validity of the half space assumption is shown to depend on the relative dimensions of the specimen; i.e. the ratio of the real dimensions over the contact radius. The subsurface stress field in a coating–substrate composite is analysed. It is influenced by the ratio of Young's moduli of the materials. As to the impact of relative specimen dimensions, the key parameter is the relative coating thickness. All the general tendencies of the subsurface stress field modifications are identical to those of plane strain (cylinder–flat) contact geometry. Friction is shown to mainly affect stresses in the coating close to the contact surface.