The Subsurface Stress Field Created by Three-Dimensionally Rough Bodies in Contact with Traction

A numerical simulation technique for calculating the complete subsurface stress field for three-dimensionally rough bodies in sliding contact is described. The stresses are calculated using real digitized three-dimensional surface profiles. The effects of the surface roughness and the sliding friction are presented. Using an existing contact simulation code, the digitized surfaces are mathematically pressed together and the real areas of contact and the asperity pressures are calculated. The surfaces are assumed to remain elastic throughout the contact simulation process. The shear forces at the asperity contact interfaces are assumed to be proportional to their calculated normal pressures. The subsurface stresses are then determined with these known normal and tangential forces at the surface.