Indentation of a spherical cavity in an elastic body by a rigid spherical inclusion: influence of non-classical interface conditions

This paper examines the indentation of an elastic body by a rigid spherical inclusion. In contrast to conventional treatments where the contact between a rigid inclusion and the elastic medium is regarded as being perfectly bonded, we examine the influence of non-classical interface conditions including frictionless bilateral contact, separation and Coulomb friction on the load–displacement behaviour of the spherical rigid inclusion. Both analytical methods and boundary element techniques are used to examine the inclusion/elastic medium interaction problems. This paper also provides a comprehensive review of non-classical interface conditions between inclusions and the surrounding elastic media.