A four-part boundary value problem in elasticity — indentation by a discontinuously concave punch

A solution is given for the frictionless indentation of an elastic half-space by a flat-ended cylindrical punch with a central circular recess, when the load is large enough to establish a circular region of contact in the recess. The problem is reduced to two simultaneous Fredholm equations using the method of complex potentials due to Green and Collins. Results are presented for the relationship between load, contact radius and penetration for various punch geometries.