A method of solving the periodic contact problem for a system of indenters
of arbitrary shape and an elastic half-space is proposed. Different version
s of the arrangement of the indenters, at one and at several levels, are co
nsidered. The results are used to analyse the effect of the parameters of t
he microgeometry of the characteristics of a discrete contact and the stres
sed state of solids possessing regular microrelief. (C) 1999 Elsevier Scien
ce Ltd. All rights reserved.