2. Benchmark solution#

2.1. Calculation method used for the reference solution#

In 1881, Hertz established under certain hypotheses a solution to the problem that bears his name. Thus, assuming a contact without friction and for which the contact half width \(a\) is very small compared to the radius of the spheres \(R\) (\(a\ll R\)), the contact pressure at points \(\mathrm{C1}\) and \(\mathrm{C2}\) is equal to:

|:math: {P} _ {0} =-frac {E} =-frac {E} {E} {pi (1- {nu} ^ {2})}}sqrt {frac {2h} {2h} {R}} {R}}} | eq 2.1-1 | +——————————————————————+———-+

where \(h\) corresponds to the imposed overwrite, which is equal here to \(4\mathit{mm}\). Let’s be \({P}_{0}=-2798.3\mathit{Mpa}\).

The half-width of contact \(a\) is expressed as a function of the imposed crushing and the radius of the spheres:

|:math: `a=\ sqrt {\ frac {\ frac {\ mathrm {Rh}} {2}} `| eq 2.1-2 | +—————————————-+———-+

In this test, for an overwrite of \(4\mathit{mm}\), \(a=10\mathit{mm}\).

The contact surface is a disk with radius \(a\), the pressure distribution in this zone is as follows:

if:math: xle a then:math: `P (x) = {P (x) = {P} _ {0}sqrt {1- {(frac {x} {a})}}}} ^ {2}}}} `| eq 2.1-3 |

2.2. Reference quantities and results#

_images/Object_5.svg

at point \(G\) (analytical solution).

Displacements at three points from the edge (non-regression except for analytical \(G\)).

_images/Object_7.svg

in meshes based on \(G\) (non-regression).

Status and play at several points on the contact surface (analytical).

2.3. Uncertainties about the solution#

The analytical calculation, although valid for \(a\ll R\), generally gives a very good approximation of the solution.

2.4. Bibliographical reference#