Non-slipping adhesive contact between mismatched elastic spheres: A model of adhesion mediated deformation sensor

Shaohua Chen, Huajian Gao*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

50 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A generalized JKR model is established for non-slipping adhesive contact between two dissimilar elastic spheres subjected to a pair of pulling forces and a mismatch strain. We discuss the full elastic solution to the problem as well as the so-called non-oscillatory solution in which tension and shear tractions along the contact interface is decoupled from each other. The model indicates that the mismatch strain has significant effect on the contact area and the pull-off process. Under a finite pulling force, a pair of adhering spheres is predicted to break apart spontaneously at a critical mismatch strain. This study suggests an adhesion mediated deformation sensing mechanism by which cells and molecules can detect mechanical signals in the environment via adhesive interactions.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1548-1567
Number of pages20
JournalJournal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids
Volume54
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2006
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Adhesion and adhesives
  • Bio-adhesion
  • Biological material
  • Contact mechanics

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Chen, S., & Gao, H. (2006). Non-slipping adhesive contact between mismatched elastic spheres: A model of adhesion mediated deformation sensor. Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids, 54(8), 1548-1567. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmps.2006.03.001