Simplified Solution for Elliptical-Contact Deformation Between Two Elastic Solids

Abstract

A linear regression by the method of least squares is made on the geometric variables that occur in the equation for elliptical-contact deformation. The ellipticity and the complete elliptic integrals of the first and second kind are expressed as a function of the x, y-plane principal radii. The ellipticity was varied from 1 (circular contact) to 10 (a configuration approaching line contact). The procedure for solving for these variables without the use of charts or a high-speed computer would be quite tedious. These simplified equations enable one to calculate easily the elliptical-contact deformation to within 3 percent accuracy without resorting to charts or numerical methods.