Dissipation of mechanical energy in an oscillating adhesive contact between a hard indenter and an elastomer

A model of hysteresis in an adhesive contact under oscillating loading is proposed, based on the chemical inhomogeneity of the indenter surface. Results of numerical simulation are compared with experimental data obtained with a setup allowing direct observation of the dynamics of contact area. It is shown that the hysteresis almost disappears if the amplitude of the oscillating load is smaller than a critical value depending on the maximum indentation depth.