An Improved Model of Asperity Interaction in Normal Contact of Rough Surfaces

Abstract

Normal contact of nominally flat rough surfaces is studied with an improved analytical model of asperity interaction. A finite element model of a representative model rough surface is created, and normal contact of this model is simulated to provide a basis of validation for the developed model. The developed model is also compared to an existing model in the literature and shown to correlate better with the finite element model. Furthermore, asperity spacing (density) is shown to be an important roughness parameter in determining the effects of asperity interaction in the load-interference response of the rough contact.