Computer simulation of the contact of rough surfaces

Abstract Rough contact was simulated by adding height measurements of a number of pairs of real surfaces, both isotropic and anisotropic, by computer and analyzing the resulting contour maps. The number of contours per unit area was computed for various separations, where a contour may enclose either a contact or a void. Measurements of the contour density agreed well with theory. Voids begin to appear at a separation of about 1 1 2 times the roughness, and it is suggested that they may act as lubricant traps. The size distribution of contacts was also investigated and was found to be log-normal.

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