Work

Adhesive contact of elastic spherical shells: Non-monotonic thickness dependence of pull-off force

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The adhesive contact of spherical shells is a critical problem across multiple length scales. In this study, we investigate the adhesive contact between an elastic spherical shell and a rigid plane. Two independent approaches are employed: the JKR theory from an energy perspective, and a simulation-based method incorporating a traction-separation law. Our results reveal a non-monotonic relationship between pull-off force and shell thickness. Specifically, for relatively thick shells, the pull-off force decreases with decreasing thickness; however, below a critical thickness, this trend reverses, and the pull-off force begins to increase. Furthermore, we explore the underlying mechanisms responsible for this behavior and examine the influence of adhesion parameters on the overall response.

Source: Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids

DOI: 10.1016/j.jmps.2025.106388

Authors: Shi-Wen Chen, Gang-Feng Wang, Michele Ciavarella

Institutions: Xi'an Jiaotong University, Polytechnic University of Bari, Hamburg University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Adhesion, Friction, and Surface Interactions

Subfield: Mechanics of Materials

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,220

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Ministero dell’Istruzione, dell’Università e della Ricerca, Ministero dell'Istruzione e del Merito