Estimation for normal contact stiffness of joint surfaces by considering the variation of critical deformation

This paper aims to study the relationship between normal contact stiffness and contact load. It purpose a new calculation model of the normal contact stiffness of joint surfaces by considering the elastic–plastic critical deformation change of asperities contact.

The paper described the surface topography of joint surfaces based on fractal geometry, and fractal parameters and of fractal function derived from measurement data. According to the plastic–elastic contact theory, the contact deformation characteristic of asperities was analyzed; the critical deformation estimation model was presented, which expressed critical deformation as the function of fractal parameters and contact deformation; the contact stiffness calculation model of single asperity was brought forward by considering critical deformation change.

The paper combined the surface topography description function, analyzed the asperity contact states by considering the critical deformation change, and calculated normal contact stiffness based on fractal theory and contact deformation analysis. The comparison between theoretical contact stiffness and experimental data indicated that the theoretical normal contact stiffness agreed with the experimental data, and the estimation model for normal contact stiffness was appropriate.

Owing to the possibility of plastic deformation during the loading process, the experimental curve between the contact stiffness and the contact load is nonlinear, resulting in an error between the experimental results and the theoretical calculation results.

The paper established the relationship between critical deformation and fractal surface topography by constructing asperity distribution function. The paper proposed a new normal contact stiffness calculation model of joint surfaces by considering the variation of critical deformation in contact process.