The paper by O'Carrol et al. (1), which addresses the problem of an elastomeric disc indented by a spherical punch, has been evaluated. The sources of disagreement between linear elastic numerical predictions and experimental measurements noted in this paper have been critically examined in the light of finite element forecasts obtained with a package which incorporates finite elasticity effects and incompressibility.
O'CarrolS.JinZ. M.DowsonD.FisherJ.JobbinsB.Determination of contact area in ‘cushion form’ bearings for artificial hip joints. Proc. Instn Mech. Engrs, Part H, 1990, 204(H4), 217–223.
2.
HayesX. C.KeerL. M.HerrmannG.MockrosL. F.A mathematical analysis for indentation tests of articular cartilage. J. Biomechanics, 1972, 5, 541–551.
3.
MatthewsonM. J.Axi-symmetric contact on thin compliant coatings. J. Mech. Phys. Solids, 1981, 29(2), 89–113.
4.
DragoniE.StrozziA.Analysis of an unpressurized, laterally restrained, elastomeric O-Ring seal. Trans. ASME, J. Tribol., 1988, 110, 193–200.
5.
ABAQUS user's manual, 1989 (Hibbitt, Karlsson and Sorensen).
6.
StrozziA.UnsworthA.Axisymmetric finite element analysis of hip replacement with an elastomeric layer: the effects of layer thickness. Proc. Instn Mech. Engrs, Part H, 1994, 208(H3), 139–149.
7.
StrozziA.Contact stresses in hip replacements. PhD thesis, University of Durham, 1992.
8.
GoodmanL. E.KeerL. M.The contact stress problem for an elastic sphere indenting an elastic cavity. Int. J. Solids Structures, 1965, 1, 407–415.
9.
UnsworthA.StrozziA.Axisymmetric finite element analysis of hip replacements possessing an elastomeric layer: the effects of clearance and Poisson's ratio. Proc. Instn Mech. Engrs, Part H, 1995, 209(H1), 59–64.
