On DMT methods to calculate adhesion in rough contacts

In this paper, we compare different rough contact-mechanics theories with the assumption of weak interfacial adhesion. Two different approaches for the local modeling of adhesion are also considered: the DMT force approach (DMT-F) and the Maugis’ approximation (DMT-M). The first approach is based on the idea of summing up attractive interactions that act outside the contact zone; the latter considers a constant adhesive load for each asperity in contact. A comparison with numerical data proves the DMT-F approach is very accurate when hard solids and low adhesive interactions are considered. The DMT-M approach shows, instead, less accuracy especially at low fractal dimensions.