Numerical Solution of Non-Hertzian Elastic Contact Problems

A general method for the numerical analysis of frictionless nonconformable non-Hertzian contact of bodies of arbitrary shape is developed. Numerical difficulties arise because the solution is extremely sensitive to the manner in which one discretizes the governing integral equation. The difficulties were overcome by utilizing new techniques, referred to as the method of redundant field points (RFP) and the method of functional regularization (FR). The accuracy and efficiency of the methods developed were tested thoroughly against known solutions of Hertzian problems. To illustrate the power of the methods, a heretofore unsolved non-Hertzian problem (corresponding to the case of rounded indentors with local flat spots) has been solved.