On non-symmetrical plane contacts

Plane elastic contact problems are considered, with particular emphasis on asymmetrical punch profiles, in the case of 'complete', 'partially complete ' and 'incomplete' contact. An explicit, analytical solution is presented f or the case of a single area of contact where the overlap is described by a generic spline function, and examples presented. The interior stress field and strength of the contact, under full or partial slip conditions, are al so discussed, and some example shown for representative cases. It is found also that the direction of sliding has a significant effect for the strengt h of non-symmetrical contacts. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights re served.