Contact Mechanics

This book describes the solution of contact problems with an emphasis on idealized (mainly linear) elastic problems that can be treated with elementary analytical methods. General physical and mathematical features of these solutions are highlighted. Topics covered include the contact of rough surfaces and problems involving adhesive (e.g. van der Waals) forces. 

James Richard Barber graduated in Mechanical Sciences from the University of Cambridge in 1963. He then joined British Rail, who later sponsored his research at Cambridge between 1965 and 1968 on the subject of thermal effects in braking systems. In 1969 he became a Lecturer and later Reader in Solid Mechanics at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, U.K.  He moved to the University of Michigan, Department of Mechanical Engineering in 1981. His current research interests are in solid mechanics with particular reference to thermoelasticity, contact mechanics and tribology. He is a Chartered Engineer in the U.K., a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and has engaged extensively in consulting work in the field of stress analysis for engineering design. Dr. Barber is author of two books and numerous articles in the fields of Elasticity, Thermoelasticity, Contact Mechanics, Tribology, Heat Conduction and Elastodynamics and he is a member of the editorial boards of the International Journal of Mechanical Sciences and the Journal of Thermal Stresses.