On the imperfect interface of a functionally graded thermoelectric layered structure

Abstract

This paper investigates the frictionless contact problem of a functionally graded thermoelectric (FGTE) layered half-plane under the action of a rigid flat punch. The punch is an electrical and thermal conductor. The electro-thermo-elastic properties of the FGTE materials vary exponentially with thickness. Especially, the imperfect interface conditions are taken into account. The problem is reduced to a pair of Cauchy singular integral equations using the Fourier integral transform technique, which are numerically solved to yield the surface normal electric current density, the surface normal energy flux, and the surface normal contact pressure. The asymptotic analysis of the kernel function is supplied. The intensity factors are provided to characterize the singularity at the punch ends. The contact behavior of the FGTE coating-TE substrate systems is significantly influenced by the imperfect interface condition and the material property gradient according to numerical results. The design of thermoelectric coating structures may benefit from the theoretical research done here.