Mechanics of axisymmetric wavy surface adhesion: JKR–DMT transition solution

Recent work on the mechanics of detachment of a rigid sphere from an elastic axisymmetric wavy surface in the presence of JKR adhesion has shown that the presence of small-amplitude waviness introduces instabilities into the detachment process which dissipate mechanical energy. These instabilities result in interface toughening and strengthening; both the external work and peak force required for separation of a wavy interface are higher than those for a flat interface. In this paper, we summarize the key dimensionless parameters governing axisymmetric wavy surface adhesion in the JKR regime. We then proceed to derive a solution for the JKR–DMT adhesion transition for the axisymmetric wavy surface contact problem using a Maugis–Dugdale cohesive zone formulation. The phenomenon of interface toughening and strengthening due to the presence of surface waviness is seen to be restricted primarily to the JKR adhesion regime.