Contact Mechanics and Friction

Prof. Dr. Valentin L. Popovstudied physics and obtained his doctorate from the Moscow State Lomonosow University. He worked at the Institute of Strength Physics and Materials Science of the Russian Academy of Sciences. After a guest-professorship in the field of theoretical physics at the University of Paderborn, he has headed the department of System Dynamics and Friction Physics in the Institute of Mechanics at the Berlin University of Technology since 2002. His areas of interest, among others, include tribology, nanotribology, tribology at low temperatures, biotribology, the influence of friction through ultrasound, numerical simulation of frictional processes, research regarding earthquakes, as well as themes relating to materials sciences such as the mechanics of elastoplastic media with microstructure, strength of metals and alloys, and shape memory alloys. He is the joint editor of international journals and regularly organizes international conferences and workshops over diverse tribological themes.

Selected by Choice magazine as an Outstanding Academic Title for 2017“This is a remarkable book, considering the large number of examples involving the principles, analysis, and application of the contact forces and wear at the interface between two different phases … . A variety of example problems, figures, and diagrams are included, as well as a list of problems with each chapter. … is best suited for advanced students and those actively involved in the field of research. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above; faculty and professionals.” (R. Darby, Choice, Vol. 55 (3), November, 2017)

• Introduction.- Qualitative Treatment of Contact Problems – Normal Contact without Adhesion.- Qualitative Treatment of Adhesive Contacts.- Capillary Forces.- Rigorous Treatment of Contact Problems – Hertzian Contact.- Rigorous Treatment of Contact Problems – Adhesive Contact.- Contact between Rough Surfaces.- Tangential Contact Problems.- Rolling Contact.- Coulomb’s Law of Friction.- The Prandtl-Tomlinson Model for Dry Friction.- Frictionally Induced Vibrations.- Thermal Effects in Contacts.- Lubricated Systems.- Viscoelastic Properties of Elastomers.- Rubber Friction and Contact Mechanics of Rubber.- Wear.- Friction Under the Influence of Ultrasonic Vibrations.- Numerical Simulation Methods in Friction Physics.- Earthquakes and Friction.- Appendix.- Further Reading.- Figure Reference.- Index.