The combined slip and finite sliding models in a frictional contact interaction of two spherical particles

Abstract

A simplified analytical modelling of tangential contact interaction of two elastic spheres was presented accounting for the kinematically induced sphere trajectory or a load controlled sliding process. The evolution of driving force in combined slip and finite sliding interaction was considered for both monotonic and reciprocal sliding motion. The analytical formulae and diagrams for the evolution of driving force along the sliding path in terms of the main contact geometry parameters were specified. The sliding trajectories and contact tractions were also determined. The analytical formulae were briefly presented for prediction of the tangential restitution coefficient and time of contact. The results presented can be applied in the experimental testing of frictional response of contacting bodies, wear studies of rough surfaces or in the contact interaction analysis of granular material during flow. The results can also be relevant for development of the discrete element method widely applied in simulation of granular material flow, where the sliding regime conditions prevail in intergranular contact interactions.