Analytical solution of the spherical indentation problem for a half-space with gradients with the depth elastic properties

The contact problem for the impression of spherical indenter into a non-homogeneous (both layered and functionally graded) elastic half-space is considered. Analytical methods for solving this problem have been developed. It is assumed that the Lame coefficients vary arbitrarily with the half-space depth. The problem is reduced to dual integral equations. The developed methods make it possible to find the analytical asymptotically exact problem solution, suitable for a PC. The influence of the Lame coefficients variation upon the contact stresses and size of the contact zone with different radius of indenter as well as values of the impressing forces are studied. The effect of the non-homogeneity is examined. The developed method allows to construct analytical solutions with presupposed accuracy and gives the opportunity to do multiparametric and qualitative investigations of the problem with minimal computation time expenditure. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.