The effect of sampling interval on the predictions of an asperity contact model of two-process surfaces

Contact of random machined two-process steel textures with a smooth, flat steel surface is discussed in this paper. Two-process surfaces were machined by vapour blasting followed by lapping. An elastic-plastic contact model was applied, assuming distributed radius of asperities. Calculation procedures allowed the mean surface separation, contact pressure, and area fraction to be computed as functions of sampling intervals. Parameters characterizing the summits important in contact mechanics were calculated for different sampling intervals. Plasticity index of two-process textures was calculated using the modified procedure. It was found that the influence of sampling interval on normal contact depended on the rough surface ability to plastic deformation. The use of a traditional method of calculation overestimated the plasticity index. Peaks from plateau surface region governed contact characteristics of two-process surfaces.