Fractal Geometry in Contact Mechanics: Characterization, Simulation and Real-World Applications
A special issue of Fractal and Fractional (ISSN 2504-3110). This special issue belongs to the section "Geometry".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2026 | Viewed by 13
Special Issue Editors
2. Materials Science and Technology, Department of Electromechanical, Systems and Metals Engineering, Ghent University, Technologiepark 46, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
Interests: surface; fractal geometry; boundary dislocation sources
Interests: fractal analysis; AFM; mechanical engineering; friction; steel; copper; aluminum alloys; microstructure; EBSD; sliding contact; wear; tribology; MMC
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Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Since the introduction of random process theory in the analysis of surface roughness by Whitehouse (1970), its applications have broadened, and its complexity has extended far beyond the original proposals. The realization, in the 1980s, that many surfaces can be accurately described by random fractal theory has led to a broad field of research into the theory, simulation, characterization, and applications of random fractal surfaces. Within the disciplines of engineering and solid-state physics, applications include surface treatments and coatings, fracture mechanics, contact mechanics, and multiphysics phenomena such as wetting and lubrication.
This Special Issue aims to provide a broad overview of the essential theoretical and experimental aspects of fractal geometry in contact mechanics. This includes the experimental determination of the fractal characteristics of surfaces, the algorithms used to quantify fractal dimension and other surface properties, simulation of (multi)fractal surfaces, including approaches that may conflict with the well-established (multi)fractal approach. Within the specific area of contact mechanics, the editors are looking for purely experimental studies, modelling studies on measured surfaces, and simulation of contact between simulated surfaces, under the assumption of elastic, plastic, viscoelastic, or multilayer behaviour. Papers focusing on the difference between fractal and non-fractal behaviour will receive due attention; original research articles and comprehensive reviews will be considered for inclusion in this Special Issue.
Prof. Dr. Rafael Schouwenaars
Dr. Carlos Figueroa
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Fractal and Fractional is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- random fractal surfaces
- contact mechanics
- fractal dimension
- multifractal surfaces
- measurement and characterization
- surface simulation
- contact simulation
- finite element method
- boundary element method
- elastoplastic behavior
- viscoelastic behavior
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