Kontaktkurvan

Kontaktkurvan is a term used in Swedish to refer to a curve that represents the locus of contact points between two surfaces or objects in a contact situation. The exact meaning varies by discipline, but in general it describes how and where objects touch as force, movement, or seating change over time.

In dentistry, kontaktkurvan commonly describes the line or curve formed by the points of contact between opposing teeth in an occluding bite. It is used in diagnosis and treatment planning to assess occlusion, adjust restorations, and minimize uneven wear or interference during function. Analysts may reconstruct the kontaktkurva from dental impressions, digital scans, or articulated models to evaluate balance across the dental arches.

In mechanical engineering and contact mechanics, the term refers to the geometric locus where two surfaces come into contact during pressing or relative motion. Knowledge of the kontaktkurva helps model contact pressures, wear, lubrication needs, and the transition between sticking and sliding at interfaces. It is relevant for gears, bearings, cams, and other assemblies where surface interaction governs performance and longevity.

Measurement and modelling approaches include analytical theories (such as Hertzian contact for elastic bodies), numerical methods (finite element analysis), and experimental techniques to map contact regions under varying loads and motions. The concept is used to compare designs, optimize performance, and predict failure modes in both biological and engineered systems.

See also: occlusion, contact mechanics, curve of occlusion, wear analysis.