Micro-Contact Models for Metallic Line-Contact Based on Measured Surface Profile

In order to study the dry rough line-contact mechanism between two longitudinally rough metallic surfaces, the measured profile is mathematically described by quadratic functions for the application of the existing micro-contact models. The mechanical parameters are determined using the different approximating criteria. Next, based on these deterministic parameters, different micro-contact models are employed and extended to predict the characteristics of a line-contact. Comparison of different theoretical calculation results reveals that the greater maximum values of the contact deformation and the ratio of real to nominal contact area are predicted by the Hertz model as compared to the micro-contact models considering the elastoplastic deformation, and that the KE (Kogut and Etsion) and JG (Jackson and Green) models predict closer results. It is also found that when the rough surfaces are described by quadratic functions according to the same area criterion or same root mean square (RMS) criterion, the line-contact responses between them prescribed by any micro-contact models have the same tendency.