Static friction models for a rod deforming on a cylinder

We develop a comprehensive geometrically-exact theory for an end-loaded elastic rod con-strained to deform on a cylindrical surface. By viewing the rod-cylinder system as a special case of an elastic braid, we are able to obtain all forces and moments imparted by the deforming rod to the cylinder as well as all contact reactions. This framework allows us to give a complete treatment of static friction consistent with force and moment balance. In addition to the commonly considered model of hard frictionless contact we analyse in detail two friction models in which the rod, possibly with intrinsic curvature, experiences either lateral or tangential friction. As applications of the theory we study buckling of the constrained rod under compressive and torsional loads, finding critical loads to depend on Coulomb-like friction parameters, as well as the tendency of the rod to lift off the cylinder under further loading. Our results are relevant for many engineering and medical applications in which a slender structure winds inside or outside a cylindrical boundary.

Automated summary

We develop a comprehensive theory for an end-loaded elastic rod constrained to deform on a cylindrical surface, considering various friction models. Our results are applicable in engineering and medical applications involving slender structures winding inside or outside a cylindrical boundary, providing insights into buckling and lifting off behavior under different loads.