Quasi-static normal indentation of an elasto-plastic half-space by a rigid circular cylinder of infinite length

Abstract

Abstract The title problem is treated under the conditions of frictionless and completely adhesive contact within the context of incremental elasto-plasticity. The analysis employs a constant-strain-triangle, finite element code, together with a grid expansion technique which aids computational efficiency. Attendant results are checked where possible then processed to furnish: the indentation extent with increasing pressure, the contact and interior stresses on loading and unloading, yield region growth, and relative displacement profiles at the surface. Comparisons with related experiments in the literature are made and generally show reasonable agreement.