Finite Element Analysis of the Contact between Rough Surfaces

Abstract

This paper is devoted to present a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of the frictionless normal contact between a rough metallic surface and a rigid plane. The computation takes into account large plastic deformation and a fine mesh. Cumulative plastic deformation and von Mises stress distribution close to the contact surface are studied. Evolution of height distribution and the influence of contacting asperities on their neighborhood are also described.