An isotropic, thermoelastic half-space is at rest when a rigid sphere is pressed into
the surface and translated along a straight path over the surface with constant speed.
The speed is rapid but subcritical, and translation is opposed by surface friction and
accompanied by thermal convection. A dynamic steady state ensues, so that the
contact zone assumes a constant shape that translates at the same speed as the
sphere. An analytical solution, based on robust asymptotic expressions in
integral transform space, is developed. The roles of sliding friction and thermal
convection on solution form are identified. Examination of the solution shows in
particular that in the absence of convection, contact zone geometry is self-similar
whether or not friction exists. If convection is accounted for, self-similarity is
lost.
Keywords
3D dynamic, thermoelastic, sliding contact, friction,
convection
