Conformability elastic material compressed on a wavy surface

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
Sign up Log in
1 reply · 2K views
SolMech
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Hey there,

I'm struggling in finding the useful equations to determine some conformability parameters for a finite elastic material (EPDM) compressed on a rigid slightly wavy surface. I would like to optimize the thickness of the elastic material in terms of indentation depth and thus contact area and pressure. To describe the situation I've added the following picture.
upload_2016-6-1_9-17-9.png


I would like to determine indentation depth u in terms of thickness t, pressure P and elastic modulus E. Could you assist me in finding the solution.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
My inclination would be to solve this using finite element, particularly if the depth of the undulations is significant (compared to the thickness of the elastic material). You can use a "unit cell" consisting of half the wave laterally. I can't think of a simple "strength of materials" approximation that would work on this.