Hertzian Contact Apparatus
- The Hertzian Contact Apparatus is a self-contained and easy-to-use unit that shows the nature of contact between two surfaces.
- It compares experiment results with predictions based on Hertz’s original theories.
- A hand-operated hydraulic pump and cylinder force the two pads together.
- Students may rotate the lower pad, a pointer shows the angle of rotation.
- This allows a study of the effect of different relative curvatures.
- The apparatus has two pads with curved contact surfaces. The upper pad has a compound radii.
- The contact zone may be circular or elliptical, depending on the relative angular position of the two pads.
- Supplied is a transparent scale to measure the contact shape and angle.
- Locknuts on the threads of the pump work to limit the maximum pressure, preventing damage to the equipment.