A contact mechanics study of 3D frictional conformal contact

A contact mechanics study of three-dimensional conformal contact with friction is presented, based on numerical calculations with Finite Element models and an extension of Kalker's exact contact theory which takes into account the effects of conformity. Both the normal and the tangential parts of the contact problem are studied in situations with different conformity levels, up to total contact angle variations in the contact patch of about 100°, assessing the particular characteristics brought about by conformity and the differences with respect to non-conformal contact. The study may be of interest in important industrial applications where conformal contact may be found, such as rolling bearings or the wheel-rail case.