ELASTIC BEHAVIOUR OF A SHARP OBTUSE WEDGE IMPRESSED ON A PLANE

The conditions have been examined experimentally under which a sharp but sufficiently obtuse wedge of elastic material may be forced on to a plane of similar elastic material with no consequent permanent deformation. Applications to the design of knife-edges for precision balances are dicussed. The torque developed when such an elastic system is tilted under load is considered theoretically and experimentally. Applications in the design of fluid seals and the generation of high pressures are discussed.