Axisymmetric contact with friction of a rigid sphere with an elastic half-space

Abstract

The problem of normal contact with friction of a rigid sphere with an elastic half-space is considered. An analytical treatment of the problem is presented, with the corresponding boundary-value problem formulated in the toroidal coordinates. A general solution in the form of Papkovich–Neuber functions and the Mehler–Fock integral transform is used to reduce the problem to a single integral equation with respect to the unknown contact pressure in the slip zone. An analysis of contact stresses is carried out, and exact analytical solutions are obtained in limiting cases, including a full stick contact problem and a contact problem for an incompressible half-space.