Finite element analysis of magnetic disk with a horizontal subsurface crack.

ABSTRACT Sliding contact of a rigid rough surface with a semi-infinite medium including a horizontal subsurface crack was investigated by using linear elastic fracture mechanics and finite element method (FEM). The fractal geometry was used to characterize the rigid rough surface. The propagation of crack was studied with the shear and tensile stress intensity factors. The effect of surface roughness, crack length to depth ratio and friction at the contact and crack interfaces was investigated by using the FEM. It was shown that increasing friction coefficient at the contact interface increases both KII and KI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]