Contact of an asymmetrical rounded apex wedge with a half plane

Two-dimensional elastic contact problem of an asymmetrical rounded apex wedge with a half plane is considered and an analytical solution is presented for vertical and horizontal external loading in the presence of coulomb friction. The pressure and shear distribution functions are found in closed form under partial slip condition. Further by utilizing a new relation Muskhelishvili’s potential function is obtained and results are analyzed. Designing better cutting tools, selecting fretting fatigue test pads and deeper lap joint analyzing are several practical applications of the outcomes.

► We resolve elastic contact of an asymmetrical rounded apex wedge with a half plane.
► We obtain the closed form of tractions and Muskhelishvili’s potential functions.
► We investigate effects of geometric parameters on the maximum pressure.
► Asymmetry causes the maximum pressure to decrease for the fixed sum of wedge angles.