Elastic Deformation and the Contact of Surfaces

Abstract

THE friction, wear and electrical contact resistance of surfaces in stationary or sliding contact have been interpreted in terms of the real area of contact between the surfaces formed by the deformation of the material in the regions where they touch¹. In general, it is to be expected that the total real area of contact will be divided between a number of individual areas. Recently, the implications of such multiple-contact conditions have been considered by using simple models to represent the contacting surfaces. In this way Lincoln² has attempted to explain the variation with load of the friction of high polymers, and I have discussed the contact resistance and wear of nominally mating surfaces³. It is the purpose of the present communication to emphasize the physical concepts which are inherent in these treatments and to indicate some general considerations which are independent of the particular model used.