Contact Mechanics

This book describes the solution of contact problems with an emphasis on idealized (mainly linear) elastic problems that can be treated with elementary analytical methods. General physical and mathematical features of these solutions are highlighted. Topics covered include the contact of rough surfaces and problems involving adhesive (e.g. van der Waals) forces. 

The author is a well-known researcher in the subject with hands-on experience of the topics covered and a reputation for lucid explanations. The target readership for the book includes researchers who encounter contact problems but whose primary focus is not contact mechanics. Coverage is also suitable for a graduate course in contact mechanics and end-of-chapter problems are included.

“This book presents clearly the most thorough documentation to date on the age-old inter-disciplinary problem of contact mechanics. … the book will probably be of greatest interest to second year graduate students, especially those seeking theses and dissertation topics. The book undoubtedly stimulates additional reading, studying, and research.” (Ronald L. Huston, zbMATH 1400.74001, 2019)



“James R. Barber has written a fascinating and inspiring book that highlights analytical solutions while not veering too far from engineering applications. This book will undoubtedly be useful at different levels as a textbook for courses on contact mechanics and tribology. For many years to come,this book will serve as an invaluable reference guide for researchers in contact mechanics and related fields.” (Ivan I. Argatov, Mathematical Reviews, September, 2018)


“It represents both an outstanding reference book and a didactically excellent prepared textbook suitable for teaching master's degree candidates and PHD students. … The author provides a wealth of alternative and elegant analytical methods. … ‘Contact Mechanics’ by James R. Barber will greatly facilitate the work of many PHD students and prospective researchers, since the widely scattered research contributions of the last 30 years have now been summarized in one specialized book.” (Markus Heß, frontiers in Mechanical Engineering, September, 2018)



“A much simpler book, but very pleasant and never trivial, which however competes with many other books in the same area, including some in Italian. … a must in the library of any researcher in the flourishing area of contact mechanics, and a possible choice for advanced courses in the subject (but also, for its clarity, it could even serve the purpose of less advanced courses).” (M. Ciavarella, Meccanica, Vol. 53, 2018)

 “The monograph gives a concise presentation of the various analytic methods in contact mechanics and will thus serve as a comprehensive reference for researchers working in associated fields or practitioners aiming to get a deeper understanding of contact mechanics. ... 'Contact Mechanics' by James Barber is an excellent work of a brilliant and passionate writer, teacher and scientist and a must in the library of any professional tribologist.” (Valentin L. Popov and Emanuel Willert, Tribology Letters, Vol. 66 (73), 2018)
 

James Richard Barber graduated in Mechanical Sciences from the University of Cambridge in 1963. He then joined British Rail, who later sponsored his research at Cambridge between 1965 and 1968 on the subject of thermal effects in braking systems. In 1969 he became a Lecturer and later Reader in Solid Mechanics at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, U.K.  He moved to the University of Michigan, Department of Mechanical Engineering in 1981. His current research interests are in solid mechanics with particular reference to thermoelasticity, contact mechanics and tribology. He is a Chartered Engineer in the U.K., a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and has engaged extensively in consulting work in the field of stress analysis for engineering design. Dr. Barber is author of two books and numerous articles in the fields of Elasticity, Thermoelasticity, Contact Mechanics, Tribology, Heat Conduction and Elastodynamics and he is a member of the editorial boards of the International Journal of Mechanical Sciences and the Journal of Thermal Stresses.