Oscillating viscoelastic periodic contacts: A numerical approach

A new numerical Boundary Element methodology is developed to investigate viscoelastic periodic contacts under general kinematic conditions. The approach is based on an integral formulation, where periodicity is accounted for by introducing an ad hoc defined periodic Green's function, and allows to study any motion law between viscoelastic bodies into contact. Results are shown for paradigmatic cases with a specific application interest and, specifically, for vertical, horizontal, and mixed oscillations. Outcomes in terms of pressure and displacement distributions, and, most crucially, of dissipated work provide key information and demonstrate the importance of taking into account viscoelasticity in the contact mechanics of soft materials. There are clear implications in all the engineering systems, where viscoelastic hysteresis is a variable to be controlled, including e.g. dampers, seals and pick-and-place devices.