Large deformations of a rubber sphere under diametral compression. (Part 1: Theoretical analysis of press approach, contact radius and lateral extension)

Abstract

Concerning the largely deformed shapes of a soft rubber sphere created by impact or compression, some interesting phenomena are observed which cannot be explained by the Hertz theory. To understand such phenomena, this paper presents a recently proposed theory and another new theory for estimating the contact stresses and deformations of a solid rubber sphere under diametral compression, placing an emphasis on press approach, radial extension of its contact areas, and lateral extension of its free surface.