Tri-method analysis of contact mechanics in orthotropic-isotropic materials

This study examines the contact mechanics of a homogeneous orthotropic layer resting on a homogeneous isotropic half-space without being bonded, subjected to loading by a rigid cylindrical punch. The effect of the orthotropic layer’s body force has been taken into account in the study. The study is conducted in three phases. In the first phase, the contact problem is analytically tackled using advanced methods such as elasticity theory, integral transform techniques, and Gauss–Chebyshev integration. The second phase utilizes finite element analysis through ANSYS software, accurately modeling the system. In the final phase, an artificial neural network is employed, allowing the system to learn and recognize intricate patterns in the data. The standout feature of this study is its thorough comparison of these three distinct methodologies, offering a comprehensive understanding of the contact mechanics between isotropic and orthotropic materials. The results reveal key insights into contact length, maximum contact stress, critical separation load, and separation distance, all as functions of critical dimensionless parameters. This study is significant in today’s advancing field of contact mechanics as it not only explores the combined impact of body forces and the interaction between orthotropic and isotropic materials but also uniquely compares the results using three distinct methods, offering comprehensive insights that address both theoretical and practical challenges.