Adhesive contact between a rigid power-law shaped axisymmetric asperity and an elastic layer bonded on a rigid foundation

In this paper, the adhesive contact between a rigid power-law shaped axisymmetric asperity and an elastic layer bonded on a rigid foundation is analyzed. Previously, most studies on this topic were conducted within the framework of the JKR theory. In this study, the adhesive contact is investigated using the boundary element method for different Tabor parameters, layer thickness, and power index. The results are compared with the existing analytical models and numerical simulations. It is found that the adhesive contact is governed by the Tabor parameter, the non-dimensional layer thickness, and the power index. When the Tabor parameter is small, the adhesive contact can be approximated by the half-space Bradley-n model. For large Tabor parameter and small layer thickness, the adhesive contact approaches the thin-layer JKR-n model. For large Tabor parameter and large layer thickness, the adhesive contact can be approximated by the half-space JKR-n model. For small Tabor parameters or large layer thickness, the adhesive contact can be approximated by half-space simulation. The empirical functions for pull-off forces and contact radii at zero load are proposed.