Contact analysis in functionally graded layer loaded with circular two punches

In this study, contact analysis in a functionally graded (FG) layer loaded with two circular punches is solved using the finite element method (FEM). The problem is consisted of a functionally graded layer that resting on an elastic semi-infinite plane and is loaded with two rigid punches of circular geometry. External loads P and Q are transferred to the layer via two rigid punches. The finite element model of the functionally graded layer is created using the ANSYS package program and a 2-dimensional analysis of the problem is analyzed. The contact lengths, obtained as a result of the analysis are compared with the analytical solution in the literature. In the study, the effects of parameters such as distances between punches, loads, inhomogenity parameter on contact zones, initial separation loads and distances, normal stresses, stresses across depth and contact stresses are investigated. As a result, in this study, it can be said that the magnitude of the stresses occurring in the FG layer is less than the homogeneous layer, therefore the life of FG materials will be longer than the homogeneous layer. When the distance between the punches is 2.25, the initial separation distance is 6.98, and when the distance between the punches is 4, the initial separation distance decreases to 6.10. In addition, when the load increased in the second punch, the initial separation load decreased from 55 to 18. The obtained results are presented in the form of graphs and tables.