Contact between a pin and a plate with a hole under interference-fit and clearance-fit conditions

The contact problem of a circular pin journalled in an almost conforming ho le in a plate, and subject to a radial force, is considered. Both interfere nce-fit and clearance-fit cases are treated, uniformly, as is the problem w hen the elements are elastically dissimilar, but the interface frictionless . The strength of the contact is assessed by classical yield criteria, and a calibration is given for the crack tip stress intensity factor for a radi al crack, so that the brittle fracture strength may also be assessed.