Contact between a pin and a plate with a hole under interference-fit and clearance-fit conditions

Abstract

The contact problem of a circular pin journalled in an almost conforming hole in a plate, and subject to a radial force, is considered. Both interference-fit and clearance-fit cases are treated, uniformly, as is the problem when the elements are elastically dissimilar, but the interface frictionless. The strength of the contact is assessed by classical yield criteria, and a calibration is given for the crack tip stress intensity factor for a radial crack, so that the brittle fracture strength may also be assessed.