Finite Element Modeling of RMS Roughness Effect on the Contact Stiffness of Rough Surfaces

The present study considers finite element analysis of an elastic and elastic-plastic contact between a rigid flat and a real rough surface taking into account the asperities interaction. Numerical modeling and measurement of the normal interfacial stiffness were conducted. Surfaces with different rms roughness values were investigated in the elastic and power-law hardening models to highlight the combined effect of the topography and the strain hardening on the contact characteristics. The influence of the surface roughness on the interaction between neighboring micro-contacts, the residual stress and deformation for the power-law hardening material was analyzed. The obtained results have shown the importance of considering the strain hardening in the modeling of a rough contact especially for rougher surface.