Problem Specification — Lesson 1

Problem Specification:

Consider a simple problem that illustrates a comparison between the analytical and numerical results. As shown in the diagram below, consider a problem where we apply a downward force (F) of 60π N to a spherical object with a radius (R₁) of 8 mm. This isotropic sphere has an axial modulus (E₁) of 1 GPa and a Poisson’s ratio (ν₁) of 0.3. In addition, this sphere is fixed vertically at the contact interface with a rigid wall. Since we are modeling the wall as a rigid body, we assume the axial modulus (E₂) equals +∞ and Poisson’s ratio (ν₂) equals 0. Also, the radius of curvature of the wall (R₂) can be assumed to be zero.