A simple method for spherical indentation of an elastic thin layer with surface tension bonded to a rigid substrate

An alternative method is proposed to solve the spherical indentation problem of an elastic thin layer with surface tension bonded to a rigid substrate. Based on the Kerr model, we establish a simple modified governing equation incorporating the surface tension effects for describing the relationship between the pressure and downward deflection of the impressed surface of the layer. This modified governing equation holds both inside and outside the contact zone, making it possible to analyze the whole layer by a unified differential equation. Numerical results are presented for the contact pressure inside the contact zone, the surface deflection of the elastic layer and the load-contact zone width relation to illustrate the present method. The validity and accuracy of the present method are demonstrated by comparing our results with those available in the existing literature. (C) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.