An electro-mechanical contact analysis of a three-dimensional sinusoidal surface against a rigid flat

All engineering surfaces have roughness that obstructs the flow of electrical current between two contacting surfaces. The peaks of roughness on the surface are modeled using the single asperity concept. In this work a semi-analytical model is developed for a sinusoidal asperity in contact and conducting electrical current. Also to verify the accuracy of the semi-analytical model, a finite element electro-mechanical three-dimensional perfectly elastic sinusoidal asperity in contact with rigid body is modeled. These results could be used in rough surface contact models that are based on sinusoidal shaped asperities.