Numerical Evaluation of the Surface Deformation of Elastic Solids Subjected to a Hertzian Contact Stress

The elastic deformation of two ellipsoidal solids in contact and subjected to a Hertzian stress distribution has been evaluated numerically as part of a general study of the elastic deformation of such solids in elastohydrodynamic contacts. In the analysis, the contact zone is divided into equal rectangular areas and it is assumed that a uniform pressure is applied over each rectangular area. A study has been made of the influence on the size of the rectangular area upon accuracy. The results also indicate how far from the center of the contact one needs to go before elastic deformation becomes insignificant. Presented at the JSLE/ASLE International Lubrication Conference in Tokyo, Japan, June 9–11, 1975.