A Finite Element Study of Elastic-Plastic Contact Between Multiple Hemispherical Asperities

The objective of this paper is to elucidate the deformation behavior of elastic-plastic contact between hemispherical asperities. A finite element model for frictionless contact between two asperities is developed using a commercial FEM package and verified by comparing the numerical results in the elastic deformation regime, with the Hertzian theory. Analysis is then extended to multiple asperities to understand the influence of nearer asperities on deformation and load distribution behavior, covering the elastic-plastic regime. The analysis yields parameters like contact area, interference and maximum contact pressure for various values of normal loads.