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Problem Specification

Consider two semicircular disks made of elastic material which are pressed together by forces P as shown in the figure below. The disks are initially in contact at a single point. The principal radii of curvature of the surface of the upper disk at the point of contact are R₁ and R₁'. Likewise, R₂ and R₂' are the principal radii of curvature of the surface of the lower disk at the point of contact. The line of action of force P lies along the axis that passes through the centers of curvature of the disks and through the point of contact.

 

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