The loaded surface profile: a new technique for the investigation of contact surfaces

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Description/Abstract

Contact between rough surfaces produces a complex contact profile. The contact area is usually estimated according to roughness statistics in conjunction withsurface models or by examining the surfaces before and after contact. Most of the existing literature on loaded surface profiles is theoretical or numerical in nature.
This paper presents a methodology for a new system to measure the loaded surface profile, based on a non-contact 3D laser profiler. The system allows the measurement of contact area, deformation and contact resistance in terms of the contact force and plane displacement, all whilst the surfaces are actually in contact. This paper presents the initial study of the methodology and focuses on the
method for determining the real contact area.
The laser performs the scan through a transparent flat slide supported in a fixed position above the base. A test contact is mounted on a force sensor on an adjustable screw support such that this sub-assembly can move into contact with the fixed transparent surface.
The main results are in the demonstration of the measurement method and in the initial study of contact force and contact area on a hemispherical Ag/SnO electrical contact surface.