Simulation of Regular Relief Sliding over an Elastomer

Abstract

The contact problem concerning sliding of a solid surface with a regular relief along a fixed ring-shaped elastomer under normal load and rotational moment is studied. The concept of an effective (integral) coefficient of friction is introduced, and the aim of this study is to analyze the dependence of this value on the density of contact spots. The problem is solved by direct computer modeling in finite-element formulation. It is shown that dependences of an effective friction coefficient on time have a nonmonotonic cyclic character with transition to the steady-state regime. The amplitude values of an effective friction coefficient are higher for a lower density of contact spots at a fixed value of the normal load on the sample, whereas its averaged value is higher for a higher density of contact spots.