British Journal of Applied Physics · 1958 · 103 citations · 0 references
EngineeringMaterials EngineeringMaterials ScienceApplied MechanicsMechanical Behavior Of MaterialsSolid MechanicsContact MechanicsElasticity TheoryInterfacial TensionStrength Of MaterialsSurface TensionTensile PropertiesAdhesion ForcesAdhesion MechanicsAdhesion MechanismsAdhesive ContactAdhesive Contact MechanicsContact StressesElastic ContactElasticity Of Solids
A theoretical analysis is made of the stresses acting at the contact surface of two elastic spheres which are assumed to adhere to each other after the force pressing them together has been removed. The stress at the periphery of the contact area is shown to be tensile and infinite, so that adhesion is physically impossible; the spheres would peel apart. The theoretical results are consistent with the experimental work of Bowden and Tabor.