Recent Advancements in the Tribological Modelling of Rough Interfaces

This paper analyses some effective strategies proposed in the last few years to tackle contact mechanics problems involving rough interfaces. In particular, we present Boundary Element Methods capable of solving the contact with great accuracy and, at the same time, with a marked computational efficiency. Particular attention is paid to non-linearly elastic constitutive relations and, specifically, to a linearly viscoelastic rheology. Possible implications deal with all the tribological mechanical systems, where contact interactions are present, including, e.g., seals, bearings and dampers.

Automated summary

This paper analyzes effective strategies proposed in recent years for tackling contact mechanics problems involving rough interfaces. It presents Boundary Element Methods as a highly accurate and computationally efficient solution to contact problems. The focus is on non-linearly elastic constitutive relations and linearly viscoelastic rheology. Possible implications include all tribological mechanical systems with contact interactions, such as seals, bearings, and dampers.