Ian Wark Research Institute,
University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes SA 5095 Australia.
Phys. Rev. E 63, 011601 (2001)
Abstract
The spreading of an elastic adhesive sphere on a substrate
is calculated using continuum elasticity theory
and the van der Waals interaction between the solid surfaces.
The deformation and contact area are obtained self-consistently
as a function of load.
Hysteresis is demonstrated between the loading
and the unloading cycles:
the receding contact angle exceeds the advancing one.
In addition,
for a given deformation (flattening),
or for a given applied load,
the receding contact area exceeds the advancing one.
This non-equilibrium phenomenon
is velocity dependent and in accord with experiments
on adhesion and crack propagation.
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