On the reduction method of dimensionality: The exact mapping of axisymmetric contact problems with and without adhesion

Starting from the classical theory of contact mechanics it is shown that the relationship between load, penetration and contact radius of any axisymmetric contact can be mapped exactly on a one-dimensional system, thus the reduction method of dimensionality is valid for conforming and non-conforming contacts. Furthermore the reduction method has been successfully extended to adhesive contact problems. The mapping of the classical theory of Johnson, Kendall and Roberts derived for spherical contacts as well as its application to axisymmetric contacts of arbitrary shape is possible; all results are reproduced precisely.