An elliptical microcontact model considering elastic, elastoplastic, and plastic deformation

This study developed an elastic-plastic microcontact model that considers the elliptical contact of surface asperities. In the elastoplastic regime, the relations of the mean contact pressure and contact area of asperity to its contact interference are modeled considering the continuity and smoothness of variables across different modes of deformation. Results obtained from this model are compared with other existing models such as that calculated by the GW, CEB, Zhao and Horng models. The elliptic contact model and circular contact model can deviate considerably in regard to the separation and real area of contact.