Modelling small and large displacements of a sphere on an elastic half-space exposed to a dynamic force

Abstract

Spheres at medium interfaces are encountered in many applications, including in atomic force microscopy or indentation tests. Although the Hertz theory describes the contact mechanics between an elastic sphere and an elastic half-space for static loading and small deformations very well, there is a need to consider the density of the medium, the mass of the sphere and the radiation damping for dynamic loading to obtain reliable results. In this study, an analytical model for predicting the small and large displacements of a sphere on an elastic half-space exposed to a dynamic force is developed. For this purpose, after summarizing a mathematical model that has recently been proposed for the sphere at a medium interface, a finite element model for the sphere at an elastic interface is developed. Based on the comparison of the mathematical and finite element models, an improved analytical model for the sphere at an elastic interface is developed. In addition to considering the elastic properties of the medium and the size of the sphere, the model developed here takes into account the density of the medium, the mass of the sphere, and the radiation damping, and the model is valid for small and large sphere displacements. The developed model can be used to understand the dynamic responses of spherical objects at medium interfaces in practical applications. Furthermore, the proposed model is a remarkable tool for undergraduate and graduate students and researchers in the fields of engineering, materials science and physics to gain insight into the dynamic responses of spheres at medium interfaces. © 2021 European Physical Society.