A Numerical Approach for Analyzing Three-Dimensional Steady-State Rolling Contact Including Creep Using a Fast Semi-Analytical Method

Abstract

This article presents a new rolling contact solver using a semi-analytical method (SAM) to analyze three-dimensional steady-state rolling contacts, including the effects of creep. This new solver includes both the normal and tangential contact issues for the pressure and shear tractions, respectively. The accuracy and efficiency of the present method are demonstrated by comparison to existing analytical and numerical solutions. Rolling contact problems for a smooth infinite roller pressed against a half space with either a single asperity or a sinusoidal wave are investigated. The results show the complexity of pressure and shear traction. Asperities produce higher localized pressures, which demand larger local shear tractions to produce slip in such regions. Stick regions are also observed at the trailing edge of the contact.

KEY WORDS:

• SAM
• Rolling Contact
• Rough Surfaces
• Stick and Slip

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors acknowledge support from the U.S. Department of Energy. Z. Wang also expresses sincere gratitude for support from the National Science Foundation of China under Grant No. 51105391 and the Ph.D. Programs Foundation of Ministry of Education of China under Grant No. 20110191120009.

Review led by Liming Chang