A singularity analysis in Keer’s elastic indentation problem

Abstract

A non-axisymmetric three-dimensional frictionless contact problem for an elastic half-space and a cylindrical indenter with the face in a wedge form is considered under the assumption of a circular region of contact. Explicit formulas are derived for the critical indenter displacement and contact force that are needed to ensure full contact over the entire contact region. It is shown that the contact pressure beneath the indenter maintains a logarithmic singularity, which is produced by the wedge edge and is similar to the singularity of the contact pressure in the corresponding two-dimensional contact problem for a wedge rigid indenter.