Partial slip contact problem between a transversely isotropic half-space of multi-ferroic composite medium and a spherical indenter

Abstract

This article concerns partial slip contact problem of a composite medium half-space punched by a spherical indenter. The indenter is subjected to the normal indentation force, electric and magnetic loads, and then exerted by a progressively increasing tangential load. The tangential load, which is not sufficient to cause complete sliding, results in the contact region split into the slip region and the stick region. Coulomb friction law is adopted in the slip region and four possible physical cases are considered in view of the magneto-electric properties of indenter. Three-dimensional (3D) magneto-electro-elastic coupling fields associated with four cases are obtained in terms of the elementary functions by use of the potential theory and ignoring effect of the tangential load on the generalized normal stresses in the contact region. The contact radius and the stick radius are determined by the equilibrium equations. The stress intensity factors are introduced to characterize the stress singularity. The obtained solutions are verified by comparing with results related to the frictionless contact problem and the fundamental solutions. Influence of the frictional coefficient and the magneto-electric properties of indenter on the physical quantities are analyzed. It is worth noting that the frictional coefficients have obvious effect on the von Mises stress and the maximum shear stress. The suitable electric and magnetic loads may eliminate the stress concentration. These results not only are the theoretical fundamental to the forthcoming indentation experiments and the fretting contact, but also serve as guiding design of the smart devices.