A device for the experimental investigation of surface contact under load

The structure of a device for the investigation of the contact deformations of flat surfaces under normal load is described. The conditions, for which the device must satisfy in order to ensure normal load are defined. Errors which may occur during the loading of a rough specimen, relating to the mechanical structure of the device, the specimen itself and the measuring systems, are estimated. Finally, the device is subjected to testing which includes specimen roughness measurements before and after loading, the loading and unloading of the specimens in the device and again measuring their roughness. The device developed herein can be characterisedby its vacuum mounting method of the specimen and also by the accurate and simple loading mechanism, i.e., movable member.