Page History

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• Assumptions:  Assumptions for classical Hertz contact mechanics are discussed.
• Mathematical model:  Governing equations and boundary conditions, as well as additional relations will be discussed.
• FEM approach:  We will discuss solution strategy used in solving a nonlinear problem in FEM.

Assumptions

This problem is a classic

 example of _Hertz Contact Mechanics_\[1\], and hence, makes the following assumptions:

1. Surfaces are continuous and non-conforming, which means that initial contact is a point or a line.  In our example of sphere-plate, the initial contact interface is in a form of a point.
2. Strains are small.
3. Solids are elastic.  This means that the material response of stress and strain behaves linearly.
4. Surfaces are frictionless and cannot penetrate into each other.

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