A study of elastic-plastic contact of rough surfaces using n-point asperity model

A theoretical study of elastic-plastic contact of rough surfaces is considered based on n-point asperity model and accurate finite element analysis (FEA) of elastic-plastic deformation of single asperity contact. Kogut and Etsion (2003) formulations for intermediate elastic-plastic regimes of deformation are integrated with pure elastic model of Greenwood and Williamson (1966) and pure plastic model of Abbott and Firestone (1933) to obtain contact load and area in rough surface contact. Using practical values of material properties and surface roughness parameters, the load separation and area-separation behaviour of surfaces are studied. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd.