Theory of Reciprocating Contact for Viscoelastic Solids

TL;DR

This paper develops a comprehensive theory for reciprocating contact in linear viscoelastic materials, revealing complex behaviors influenced by motion parameters and relaxation times, with broad practical implications.

Contribution

It introduces a novel theoretical framework for reciprocating contact in viscoelastic solids, capturing complex interactions not previously described.

Findings

Contact behavior varies from steady-state to complex interactions.

Traction forces can oppose sliding direction in certain conditions.

The theory applies to diverse fields like seismic engineering and biotechnology.

Abstract

A theory of reciprocating contacts for linear viscoelastic materials is presented. Results are discussed for the case of a rigid sphere sinusoidally driven in sliding contact with a viscoelastic half-space. Depending on the size of the contact, the frequency and amplitude of the reciprocating motion, and on the relaxation time of the viscoelastic body, we establish that the contact behavior may range from the steady-state viscoelastic solution, in which traction forces always oppose the direction of the sliding rigid punch, to a more elaborate trend, never observed before, which is due to the strong interaction between different regions of the path covered during the reciprocating motion. Practical implications span a number of applications, ranging from seismic engineering to biotechnology.