Newly Developed Universal Analytical Approach to Incomplete Spherical Conformal Contact Problems: Application to Spherical Plain Bearings with Self-Lubricating Fabric Liner

Abstract

To address the conformal contact problem in self-lubricating spherical plain bearings bonded with a self-lubricating layer, a universal analytical model for normal contact between friction-less spheres is established. The accuracy and generality of this new model are verified through numerous finite element analyses. Our model overcomes the limitations of elastic half-space and small deformation assumptions. It can accurately calculate the contact stress distribution of self-lubricating spherical bearings bonded with a self-lubricating layer. Based on the new model, the complex non-linear relationship between the variables is being investigated. The model can be extended and applied to the conformal contact problem of spherical contact surfaces in biomechanics and other fields.

Keywords: conformal contact, self-lubricating spherical plain bearing, analytical model, spherical contact surfaces, contact stress