Multiple 3D inhomogeneous inclusions in a half space under contact loading

A semi-analytic solution is given for multiple three-dimensional inhomogeneous inclusions of arbitrary shape in an isotropic half space under contact loading. The solution takes into account interactions between all the inhomogeneous inclusions as well as the interaction between the inhomogeneous inclusions and the loading indenter. In formulating the governing equations for the inhomogeneous inclusion problem, the inhomogeneous inclusions are treated as homogenous inclusions with initial eigenstrains plus unknown equivalent eigenstrains, according to Eshelby’s equivalent inclusion method. Such a treatment converts the original contact problem concerning an inhomogeneous half space into a homogeneous half-space contact problem, for which governing equations with unknown contact load distribution can be conveniently formulated. All the governing equations are solved iteratively using the Conjugate Gradient Method. The iterative process is performed until the convergence of the half-space surface displacements, which are the sum of the displacements due to the contact load and the inhomogeneous inclusions, is achieved. Finally, the obtained solution is applied to two example cases: a single inhomogeneity in a half space subjected to indentation and a stringer of inhomogeneities in an indented half-space. The validation of the solution is done by modeling a layer of film as an inhomogeneity and comparing the present solution with the analytic solution for elastic indentation of thin films. This general solution is expected to have wide applications in addressing engineering problems concerning inelastic deformation and material dissimilarity as well as contact loading.