Dynamics of Deformable Fractal Surface in Contact with Harmonically Excited Rigid Flat

Dynamics of contact between a deformable fractal rough surface and a rigid flat is studied under harmonic excitation to the flat surface. Fractal surface is generated from the modified Weierstrass-Mandelbrot function and is imported to ANSYS to construct the finite element model of the same. A parameter called ‘nonlinearity exponent', is obtained from the force-displacement relationship of the rough surface and is used to find out the dynamic properties of the contacting interface using single spring-mass-damper model. The effect of variation in surface roughness and material properties on the system response is analyzed. The system exhibits superharmonic responses for different values of the nonlinearity exponent. The phase plot and time-displacement plots for the system are also furnished.