Influence of contact curvature on frictional energy dissipation under varying tangential loads

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of contact surface curvatures on the friction response under varying tangential loadings using a finite element (FE) model. The results showed that the geometry of the surface influences the contact force at the interface and reduces the friction effect through an unsteady distribution of the contact force. The relationship between the friction effect, excitation, and contact surface shape was also examined, revealing a linear inverse relationship between the friction and curvature. The findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the frictional interactions between elastic bodies and highlight the role of curvature as a design parameter for regulating the friction effect.