Surface profiles with zero and finite adhesion force and adhesion instabilities

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the stability of axis-symmetric adhesive contacts considering the JKR-approximation, exploring various contact scenarios including zero adhesion, complete contact, and transitions based on body shape.

Contribution

It provides a general analysis framework for the stability of adhesive contacts considering different shapes and adhesion states within the JKR-approximation.

Findings

Identification of conditions for vanishing adhesive force

Analysis of transition scenarios between contact states

Dependence of contact stability on body shape

Abstract

A simple but general analysis of stability of axis-symmetric adhesive contacts is provided. Adhesion is considered in the JKR-approximation. Depending on the shape of the contacting bodies, various scenarios are possible, including vanishing adhesive force, complete contact as well as transitions between these states.