Abstract
This paper presents a numerical analysis of adhesion force-displacement relationship due to meniscus formation between a sphere and flat considering the elastic deformation of the contacting surfaces. Analytical model and basic equations for numerical analysis are explained first. Meniscus contact characteristics calculated for 2 mm radius glass sphere on a magnetic disk coated with submonolayer mobile lubricant and 20 nm radius asperity on bonded lubricant layer with a low elasticity are presented. It was found that the sphere-flat contact with submonolayer liquid meniscus shows DMT-like behavior to JKR-like one as the lubricant thickness is decreased to 0.4-0.35 nm. This method can be used for rigorous analysis of various meniscus adhesion contact problems.
