MECHANICS OF EDGE EFFECTS ON FRICTIONLESS CONTACTS

This paper investigates edge effects on frictionless contacts. Edge phenomena are simulated by considering elastic contact near the edge of a wedge with varying wedge angle. Previous two-dimensional analysis is first reviewed and discussed to develop an understanding of the mechanics when edges are in contact. Three-dimensional wedge contact is then considered. The integral equation for rigid indentation of an incompressible wedge derived by the authors is presently modified to study indentation by a dissimilar elastic body. The analysis will focus on evaluating the effect of proximity to the wedge apex on contact stress, contact area geometry and contact compliance. The effect of varying wedge angles and elastic mismatch (encompassed by the Dundurs constant alpha) will also be quantified. The conditions under which elastic mismatch results in a singular contact stress when contact extends to the wedge apex, derived by Dundurs and Lee, will be discussed and used to interpret the present numerical results.