# Frictional contact of soft polymeric shells

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2401.14926 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2401.14926/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 26 Jan 2024.

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Inverse Design of Metainterfaces for Static Friction Control: Beyond the Hertzian Limit](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2605.11012/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

The classical Hertzian contact model establishes a monotonic correlation between contact force and area. Here, we showed that the interplay between local friction and structural instability can deliberately lead to unconventional contact behavior when a soft elastic shell comes into contact with a flat surface. The deviation from Hertzian contact first arises from bending within the contact area, followed by the second transition induced by buckling, resulting in a notable decrease in the contact area despite increased contact force. Friction delays both transitions and introduces hysteresis during unloading. However, a high amount of friction suppresses both buckling and dissipation. Different contact regimes are discussed in terms of rolling and sliding mechanisms, providing insights for tailoring contact behaviors in soft shells.