Ultrastrong adhesion in the contact with thin elastic layers on a rigid foundation

Abstract: In the present short note, we generalize simple approximate Johnson-Jaffar-Barber solutions for the indentation by a rigid punch of a thin elastic layer on a rigid foundation to the case of adhesion. This could be an interesting geometry for an adhesive system, a limit case of the more general class of layered systems, or FGMs (Functionally Graded Materials). We show that ultrastrong adhesion (up to theoretical strength) can be reached both in line contact or in axisymmetric contact for thin layers (typically of nanoscale size), which suggests a new possible strategy for "optimal adhesion". In particular, in line contact adhesion enhancement occurs as an increase of the actual pull-off force, while in axisymmetric case the latter is apparently very close to the classical JKR case. However, it appears in closer examination that also for axisymmetric case, the enhancement occurs by reducing the size of contact needed to sustain the pull-off force. These effects are further enhanced by Poisson's ratio effects in the case of nearly incompressible layer.