Characterising the process zone in complete fretting contacts using plain fatigue sharp V-notch specimens

The object of this analysis is to demonstrate that it is possible to replicate the conditions prevalent in the process zone of a ‘complete’ locally slipping contact with an equivalent V-notch plain fatigue specimen. The methodology is as follows: using an asymptotic approach, we can determine the eigenvalues and hence spatial distribution of stresses for both the fretting and notch configurations, in the latter case, based on the Williams’ solution. The first step, is to match these eigenvalues, and subsequently, to compare the resulting distribution of stresses. It will be shown that, although there is a comparatively large range of combinations of pad geometry and coefficients of friction where this is feasible, it is only for a very limited range that the resulting stress distributions coincide. This therefore, presents a means of isolating the effects of the differential motion and hence, slip displacement, characteristic of fretting contacts. The experimental implications of these results together with their limitations will be discussed.