On the indentation of a poroelastic layer

The paper examines the axisymmetric contact problem related to the indentation of a fluid saturated poroelastic layer by a smooth rigid punch. The layer rests in bonded contact with a rigid impermeable base and the surface of the layer is considered to be either permeable or impermeable. The paper develops the integral equations governing the problem for the generalized case where the pore fluid exhibits compressibility. The numerical results presented in the paper illustrate the influence of the relative layer thickness, drainage conditions and the compressibility of the pore fluid on the degree of consolidation settlement of the indenting punch.