Numerical simulation of sliding contact over a half-plane

Abstract

Sliding contact of a cylindrical steel pin on an oxygen free high conductivity (OFHC) copper flat was numerically simulated and the results were compared with experimental measurements. The numerical simulations were performed using EPIC II, an elastic-plastic, 2D finite element code which uses a Lagrangian formulation and triangular mesh. This code can accommodate very large deformations, large strains and high strain rates without the need to remesh during the computational process. The simulation results showed that extremely large strains ( ε c=3–6 ) occurred in the contact area, however, these large strains were local, being limited to small regions adjacent to the slider. Very large deformations were evident on the contact surface where extrusions developed. The profile predicted in the simulation agreed well with the experimental results, although the numerical analysis did not model the effects of the wear debris that was generated. It was demonstrated that the EPIC code is able to simulate the severe conditions, namely large deformations, large strains and high strain rates, which are involved in sliding contact.