Surface adhesion and hardening effects on elastic–plastic deformation, shakedown and ratcheting behavior of half-spaces subjected to repeated sliding contact

Deformation of homogeneous elastic-perfectly plastic (EPP) and elastic-linear kinematic hardening plastic (ELKP) half-spaces due to repeated adhesive sliding contact is examined with a two-dimensional finite element model. Interfacial adhesion is modeled by nonlinear springs with a force-distance constitutive relation derived from the Lennard–Jones potential. Deformation behavior is interpreted in terms of dimensionless parameters, such as the Maugis parameter, interaction distance (interfacial gap), and plasticity parameter. Numerical results provide insight into the stress–strain response and the evolution of subsurface plasticity. The effects of the interaction distance, plasticity parameter, interfacial adhesion, and Maugis parameter on the friction and normal forces and the accumulation of plastic strain are analyzed in terms of the number of sliding cycles. Deformation maps providing information about the steady-state mode of deformation are presented for both EPP and ELKP material behaviors. Results of this study illustrate the importance of elastic–plastic material behavior and interfacial adhesion in contact deformation due to repeated surface sliding.