The Rolling Contact Problem

Abstract

In this chapter we will consider the continuum theory of rolling contact. In our considerations, we concentrate on the continuum aspects of rolling : how a contact region is formed between massive elastic bodies, and how the tangential force is distributed over the contact region and inside the elastic bodies. In a rigid body system with friction, the bodies either slip over each other, or the friction keeps them glued together. In an elastic body system with friction, it can be that in part of the contact area there is slip, while in another part there is adhesion. As a consequence, the bodies seem to slide slowly at the contact, a phenomenon called creepage. Rigid systems and elastic bodies are compared in Fig. 1.1.KeywordsContact AreaContact ProblemContact FormationRolling ContactUndeformed StateThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.