An LT-FFT based model for diffusion-affected contacts

Abstract This work aims at a time-dependent contact model for the diffusion-affected interactions at the contacting interface between a rigid cylinder and a half-plane. The closed-form frequency response functions (FRFs) of species concentration, displacements, and stresses, are derived by using the Fourier-Laplace integral transforms. The mathematical solutions are so formulated that the fast numerical techniques can be utilized, including the combined Laplace-Talbot and discrete convolution-fast Fourier transform (LT-FFT) algorithms, and the conjugate gradient method (CGM). Numerical results reveal the mechanisms of diffusion-affected contact and diffusion-induced contact transition. A method to determine the critical diffusion flux density to contact instability is suggested and the limiting diffusion flux density without contact transition is identified.