<div class="description">
<p>A proper understanding of the mechanism of contact between two or more nominally flat surfaces is crucial  in the design process of many devices. This thesis, using analytical and computational methods, models the former  through the use of fractal characteristics at the contact interface. A parametric analysis of the fractal surface was  completed in order to properly understand fractal geometry and its effect on surface properties. The fractal surface  was simplified so that Hertz theory could be used to model surface deformation and resulting contact stresses. The  data gathered from the model was then input into an existing electromagnetic rail gun program to study the contact  surface effect on exit velocity, temperature, electrical conductivity, and contact area ratio. Finally, a study of the  fractal parameter effects on the electromagnetic rail gun was completed.
</p>
<br>Subjects: Hypervelocity guns; Contact mechanics; Fractals</div>
<div class="fn value">
Shellock, Matthew R.</div>
Internet Archive identifier