Smooth indentation of an isotropic cantilever beam (Q1062526)

The response of an isotropic cantilever beam of finite length under the action of frictionless cylindrical and flat indenters is studied. Solutions are obtained through a local-global technique, which accounts for both the local behavior near the indenter, as well as the global beam behavior. The method of analysis superposes an infinite-layer solution, derived through the use of integral transforms with a pure-bending beam- theory solution. Local indenter stresses, as well as displacements and rotations, are computed for each case and plotted for various ratios of contact width to beam thickness, and for various positions of the indenter. Where possible, the results are compared to Hertz theory of contact stresses and to beam-theory displacement and rotation solutions.