Dynamic Contact Between a Rigid Indenter and a Zener Half-Space

This paper investigates the dynamic contact between an axi-symmetric rigid paraboloid and a standard solid (Zener) viscoelastic half-space. The load consists of a pulse cosine applied over a step function. Following the theory developed by Ting, analytical expression of contact radius for an advancing contact is derived. For receding contact, contact radius is numerically obtained. Contact pressures for increasing and decreasing contacts are derived. The influence of load frequency is evidenced. At low frequencies, contact pressure has an initial Hertz shape and then, as the contact increases, a relaxed one. As the contact reaches its maximum, the pressure tends again to an elastic pattern. Experimental tests were carried out on a contact between a polymeric sphere and a glass plate. A good agreement is found with theoretical results by measuring contact radius.