Computational Contact Mechanics

This research concerns the development and analysis of finite element-based methods for the solution of contact/impact problems between bodies that may undergo large motions and deformations. Much of the work concentrates on so-called ``dual'' formulations, that is those which employ Lagrange multipliers to enforce the constraint(s) of impenetrability. Emphasis is placed on the development of methodologies that are rigorous, robust and suitable for large-scale computations.

The following image is a plot of the true stress in the deformed configuration resulting from a 3-D aluminum rod dynamically impacting a rigid wall. The material is modeled as a finitely deforming rate-independent elastic-plastic solid.

Computational


Related Publications:

  • J.M. Solberg, R.E. Jones and P. Papadopoulos. ``A Family of Simple Two-pass Dual Formulations for the Finite Element Solution of Contact Problems'', Comp. Meth. Appl. Mech. Engrg., 196, pp. 782-802, (2007).

  • R.E. Jones and P. Papadopoulos. ``Simulating Anisotropic Frictional Response using Smoothly Interpolated Traction Fields'', Comp. Meth. Appl. Mech. Engrg., 195, pp. 588-613, (2006).

  • J.M. Solberg and P. Papadopoulos. ``An Analysis of Dual Formulations for the Finite Element Solution of Two-body Contact Problems'', Comp. Meth. Appl. Mech. Engrg., 194, pp. 2734-2780, (2005).

  • R.E. Jones and P. Papadopoulos. ``A Novel Three-Dimensional Contact Finite Element Based on Smooth Pressure Interpolations'', Int. J. Num. Meth. Engrg., 51, pp. 791-811, (2001).