Mechanics of axisymmetric wavy surface adhesion: JKR-DMT transition solution

Recent work on the mechanics of detachment of a rigid sphere from an elastic axisymmetric wavy surface in the presence of JKR adhesion has shown that the presence of small-amplitude waviness introduces instabilities into the detachment process which dissipate mechanical energy. These instabilities result in interface toughening and strengthening; both the external work and peak force required for separation of a wavy interface are higher than those for a flat interface. in this paper, we summarize the key dimensionless parameters governing axisymmetric wavy surface adhesion in the JKR regime. We then proceed to derive a solution for the JKR-DMT adhesion transition for the axisymmetric wavy surface contact problem using a Maugis-Dugdale cohesive zone formulation. The phenomenon of interface toughening and strengthening due to the presence of surface waviness is seen to be restricted primarily to the JKR adhesion regime. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.