Finite element modelling and investigation of the interaction between an ultrasonic wave and a discontinuous interface

TL;DR

This paper develops a finite element model to study ultrasonic wave interaction with discontinuous interfaces, providing insights into interface behavior during contact and sliding, which is crucial for understanding tribological responses.

Contribution

It introduces a numerical finite element approach to simulate wave propagation at complex tribological interfaces, addressing the challenge of modeling dynamic junction formation and rupture.

Findings

Wave propagation is sensitive to interface stiffness and asperity contact conditions.

The model reveals how contact width and asperity number influence ultrasonic response.

Results help in understanding the evolution of junctions during sliding contact.

Abstract

When two surfaces are brought into contact and slide against each other, junctions are formed at the interface. The dynamics of formation, rupture and evolution of these junctions governs the tribological response of the macro-contact. Getting insight on the real behavior of these junctions is a challenging task. Theory states that contacts and asperities are continuously altered in two bodies due to applied pressure, which increases the number of active contacts. To addresses such altering interface conditions, wave propagation through tribological interface by means of the development of a numerical model is proposed. The proposed method is used to study and relate crucial parameters like stiffness, contact width, number of asperities that form a basis for an interface.