The indentation of a half-space of hexagonal elastic material by a circular punch of arbitrary end-profile

Abstract

S U M M A R YThe problem is considered of the indentation by a smooth rigid punch of a half-space composed of linear elastic material of hexagonal symmetry whose plane boundary is parallel to the basal planes. The case is considered in which the area of contact between the punch and the half-space is circular, the end of the punch with is in contact with the haft-space having.an arbitrary profile. An integral equation is formulated and solved for the boundary value of the normal displacement in the half-space, and an expression is derived for the distribution of pressure under the punch.