An explicit solution to a three-dimensional wedge problem considering two edges effect

The paper presents an explicit matrix algorithm to solve the problem of an elastic wedge with three loaded surfaces. The algorithm makes use of a recently published concept of transformation matrix, by which the original surface loads are converted to equivalent loads in half-space. The three loaded edges are considered simultaneously. The developed algorithm is used to study the effects of two free edges of a steel block and tapered rollers with different contact angles. The two load-free edges can substantially increase deformation if the two edges are close in distance. The results of the tapered roller simulation show that deformation is considerably sensitive to the contact angle of the tapered roller. The largest deformation appears at the big end of the roller. Furthermore, empirical formulae for correction factors for the calculation of block or quarter-space deformation based on half-space solutions are summarized.