MECHANICS OF EDGE EFFECTS ON FRICTIONLESS CONTACTS

This paper investigates edge effects on frictionless contacts. Edge ph enomena are simulated by considering elastic contact near the edge of a wedge with varying wedge angle. Previous two-dimensional analysis is first reviewed and discussed to develop an understanding of the mecha nics when edges are in contact. Three-dimensional wedge contact is the n considered. The integral equation for rigid indentation of an incomp ressible wedge derived by the authors is presently modified to study i ndentation by a dissimilar elastic body. The analysis will focus on ev aluating the effect of proximity to the wedge apex on contact stress, contact area geometry and contact compliance. The effect of varying we dge angles and elastic mismatch (encompassed by the Dundurs constant a lpha) will also be quantified. The conditions under which elastic mism atch results in a singular contact stress when contact extends to the wedge apex, derived by Dundurs and Lee, will be discussed and used to interpret the present numerical results.