Springer Introduction to Contact Mechanics - Engineering Series

Master the fundamentals of solid body mechanics with Introduction to Contact Mechanics from the Springer Mechanical Engineering Series. This textbook provides a comprehensive study of how solid bodies interact during contact, a field directly linked to essential topics like elasticity, hardness, and fracture mechanics. Readers will gain a solid foundation starting with the mechanical properties of materials and general fracture mechanics. The text moves into specific applications, providing detailed descriptions of indentation stress fields for both elastic and elastic-plastic contact. This resource is designed to help students and professionals understand the mechanics behind material behavior under pressure. Detailed coverage includes the formation of Hertzian cone cracks in brittle materials and the study of subsurface damage in ductile materials. By exploring the meaning of hardness and the complexities of material deformation, this book serves as a vital resource for those studying mechanical engineering and material science.