Session J39: Focus Session: Friction and Contact

11:15 AM–2:15 PM, Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Morial Convention Center Room: 231

Sponsoring Units: DMP GSNP
Chair: Mark Robbins, Johns Hopkins University

Abstract ID: BAPS.2008.MAR.J39.1

Abstract: J39.00001 : A rigorous approach to the contact mechanics of rough, elastic solids

11:15 AM–11:27 AM

Preview Abstract

Author:

  Martin Muser
    (Univ Western Ontario)

The basic ideas of a statistical field theory is presented, which allows one to calculate the displacement field and the pressure distribution $\Pr(p)$ in a contact formed by an elastic body and a rigid counter face of arbitrary topography. The theory is a cumulant expansion, which contains Persson's contact mechanics theory as the leading-order term. The cumulant approach provides a framework with which corrections can now be systematically derived. Comparison is made to numerical data for surfaces that interact via exponentially repulsive forces.

To cite this abstract, use the following reference: http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2008.MAR.J39.1