JKR Contact Mechanics Theory (contd...)

The equilibrium is attained at the minimum energy state of the system, which happens when, =>

	(9.13)

Solving we obtain an expression for :

	(9.14)

Stable solution is obtained for

	(9.15)

Hence the apparent Hertz load is bigger than the actual load due to the work of adhesion and the radius of contact of the two spheres is given as,

	(9.16)

From which we recover the Hertzian equation when .

At zero load the contact radius is finite and is given by,

	(9.17)