Finite element analysis of large contact deformation of an elastic-plastic sinusoidal asperity and a rigid flat

Normal contact deformation of an asperity and a rigid flat is studied within an axisymmetric finite element model. The asperity features a sinusoidal profile and is elastic-plastic with linear strain hardening. Influences of geometrical (asperity height and width) and loading (the maximum interference) parameters on frictionless contact responses are explored for both loading and unloading. Dimensionless expressions for contact size and pressures covering a large range of interference and asperity ratio values are obtained in power-law forms. Results show the mean contact pressure after fully-plastic contact reaches a plateau only for small asperity ratios, while it continues increasing for large asperity ratios. The residual depth is found to be associated with plastically dissipated energy.