THE SUBSURFACE STRESS-FIELD CREATED BY 3-DIMENSIONALLY ROUGH BODIES IN CONTACT WITH TRACTION

A numerical simulation technique for calculating the complete subsurfa ce stress field for three-dimensionally rough bodies in sliding contac t is described. The stresses are calculated using real digitized three -dimensional surface profiles. The effects of the surface roughness an d the sliding friction are presented. Using an existing contact simula tion code, the digitized surfaces are mathematically pressed together and the real areas of contact and the asperity pressures are calculate d. The surfaces are assumed to remain elastic throughout the contact s imulation process. The shear forces at the asperity contact interfaces are assumed to be proportional to their calculated normal pressures. The subsurface stresses are then determined with these known normal an d tangential forces at the surface.