Numerical analyses on elliptical adhesive contact

A numerical method for determining the elliptical adhesive contact in rectangular coordinates is proposed. Using a fast Fourier transform (FFT), the matrix multiplication can be performed. Then, using the preconditioned inexact Newton-bi-CGSTAG (bi-conjugate stabilized) method and the path-following method, the adhesive contact can be found. The elliptical adhesive contact can then be investigated by this method. It is found that the pull-off force depends on the Tabor parameter and the ratio between the principal relative radii of curvature. It is also found that the contact area is approximately elliptical.