A Review on the Contact Mechanics Modeling of Rough Surfaces in the Elastic Regime: Fundamentals, Theories, and Numerical Implementations

Abstract

This chapter reviews advanced models for solving the normal contact problem of two elastic bodies with rough boundaries. Starting from the fundamental formulation of Greenwood and Williamson, an extension is proposed with details on the possible algorithmic implementation to consider the interactions between asperities. A second multi-scale-based approach, considering the self-affine nature of the rough surface, also known as Persson’s theory, is briefly discussed. As a third method, special attention is given to review the standard Boundary Element Method (BEM). Finally, all the mentioned methods are applied to a rough gold surface measured by Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) and the evolution of the real contact area with loading is analyzed. The aim of this contribution is to present the basic guidelines to tackle the problem of contacting rough surfaces, accounting for the real surface topography.