Influence of the Curvature of Contacting Bodies on Their Elastic Approach during Linear Contact

The influence of the curvature of cylindrical bodies on their elastic approach upon initial linear contact has been studied. It is shown that the approach of two circular cylinders depends on the sum of their radii of curvature, and does not depend on the radius of curvature of an individual cylinder. It is shown that despite the fact that the reduced radius of curvature at the meshing pole of the gears is greater than at the point of their engagement, the contact stiffness does not change, because the sum of the radii of curvature at these points is constant. Analytical equations in general form are obtained to determine the influence of curvature on the approach of elastic bodies upon initial contact along a line.