Application of a constitutive model for micro-slip in finite element analysis Original Research Article

Micro-slip is a phenomenon that occurs between contacting surfaces when a frictional load, less than that necessary to produce macro-slip, is applied to the contacting surfaces. Micro-slip is an elastoplastic physical behavior that is important for fretting fatigue, control engineering, the damping and stiffness of connections and joints. A micro-slip friction law suitable for finite element (FE) analysis of systems of interacting bodies where micro-slip effects are of importance has been implemented in a commercial FE software. Physical arguments for a micro-slip friction law are presented. The friction law is based on asperity deformation and is capable of simulating oscillating movements. An important feature of the frictional model is that it decouples the parameters that are related to shape, material and surface topography, respectively. Two examples are chosen to illustrate the applicability of the model. Significant differences in friction force distribution between an elastic Coulomb friction law and the micro-slip friction law are detected on local level as well as on global level.