Chen, Shi-WenShi-WenChenWang, Gang-FengGang-FengWangCiavarella, MicheleMicheleCiavarella2025-10-222025-10-222025-10-08Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids 206: 106388 (2026)https://hdl.handle.net/11420/57987The adhesive contact of spherical shells is a critical problem across multiple length scales. In this study, we investigate the adhesive contact between an elastic spherical shell and a rigid plane. Two independent approaches are employed: the JKR theory from an energy perspective, and a simulation-based method incorporating a traction-separation law. Our results reveal a non-monotonic relationship between pull-off force and shell thickness. Specifically, for relatively thick shells, the pull-off force decreases with decreasing thickness; however, below a critical thickness, this trend reverses, and the pull-off force begins to increase. Furthermore, we explore the underlying mechanisms responsible for this behavior and examine the influence of adhesion parameters on the overall response.en1873-47822025Elsevierhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/AdhesionContact mechanicsElastic shellTechnology::620: EngineeringJournal Articlehttps://doi.org/10.15480/882.1599110.1016/j.jmps.2025.10638810.15480/882.15991Journal Article