An Extension of Hertz’s Theory in Contact Mechanics

Hertz’s theory, developed in 1881, remains the foundation for the analysis of most contact problems. In this paper, we consider the axisymmetric normal contact of two elastic bodies, and the body profiles are described by polynomial functions of integer and noninteger positive powers. It is an extension of Hertz’s solution, which concerns the contact of two elastic spheres. A general procedure on how to solve this kind of problem is presented. As an example, we consider the contact between a cone and a sphere. The relations among the radius of the contact area, the depth of the indentation, the total load, and the contact pressure distribution are derived.