Principles of Engineering Tribology

3: Characterization of solid surfaces in contact

Abstract

Understanding the nature of the contact between solid surfaces is very significant in determining their tribological implementations. Hertzian theory basics are introduced to solve the problems in different contact configurations such as line, point, elliptical, conical, and circular contact. Solution techniques including analytical and numerical methods are introduced. Two practical applications to the contact theory, rolling element bearings, and wheel/rail contact are discussed. The calculation and measurement of the real contact area between rough surfaces are introduced. Adhesive contact was also argued based on three different models; Bradley, Derjaguin-Muller-Toporov, and ...