A general FE computer program for 3D incremental analysis of frictional contact problems of elastoplasticity

The paper presents an original computer program PLAST for incremental analysis of 3D geometrically (unknown geometry of contact) and physically (frictional) non-linear contact problems of elasticity (thermoelasticity) or elastoplasticity (thermoelastoplasticity ) with or without strain hardening. Linearized contact problems of elastoplasticity and elasticity can also be analyzed. The program is based on the general algorithm combining different procedures for Coulomb and elasto-Coulombian friction models with or without hardening. All the friction terms for both the models are consistently defined as global (on the level of structure nodes). The program is assigned for large moving or stationary technological structures consisting of two bodies in contact with or without manufacturing or assemblage deviations. The capabilities of the program include strain and stress, stress concentration and contact analyses. The program can cooperate with commercial pre- and postprocessors. Verification of the program is based on calculations of test examples that can be easily checked analytically. Usefulness of the program for technological problems is supported with real turbomachinery blade attachment calculations.     

A reliable algorithm to solve 3D frictional multi-contact problems: Application to granular media

We present in this paper an improved non-smooth Discrete Element Method (DEM) in 3D based on the Non-Smooth Contact Dynamics (NSCD) method. We consider a three-dimensional collection of rigid particles (spheres) during the motion of which contacts can occur or break. The dry friction is modeled by Coulomb’s law which is typically non-associated. The non-associativity of the constitutive law poses numerical challenges. By adopting the use of the bi-potential concept in the framework of the NSCD DEM, a faster and more robust time stepping algorithm with only one predictor-corrector step where the contact and the friction are coupled can be devised. This contrasts with the classical method where contact and friction are treated separately leading to a time stepping algorithm that involves two predictor-corrector steps. The algorithm has been introduced in a 3D version of the NSCD DEM software MULTICOR. Numerical applications will show the robustness of the algorithm and the possibilities of the MULTICOR software for solving three-dimensional problems.     

A geometric interpretation of frictional contact mechanics

The work-conjugacy of pressures and tangential tractions with so-called “gap”and “stick” constraints is deduced in order to delineate a rigid-plastic model of a frictional interface. This is accomplished by pursuing a differential-geometric view of the two surfaces that comprise the frictional interface. Given that contact is described in the current configuration, Lie derivatives are shown to be the natural means of establishing the work-conjugacy between tractions and constraints.     

A finite algorithm for solving general quadratic problems

Here we propose a global optimization method for general, i.e. indefinite quadratic problems, which consist of maximizing a non-concave quadratic function over a polyhedron inn-dimensional Euclidean space. This algorithm is shown to be finite and exact in non-degenerate situations. The key procedure uses copositivity arguments to ensure escaping from inefficient local solutions. A similar approach is used to generate an improving feasible point, if the starting point is not the global solution, irrespective of whether or not this is a local solution. Also, definiteness properties of the quadratic objective function are irrelevant for this procedure. To increase efficiency of these methods, we employ pseudoconvexity arguments. Pseudoconvexity is related to copositivity in a way which might be helpful to check this property efficiently even beyond the scope of the cases considered here.     

Qualitative analysis of 3D elastostatic contact problems with orthotropic Coulomb friction and solution-dependent coefficients of friction

This paper analyzes a discrete form of 3D contact problems with local orthotropic Coulomb friction and coefficients of friction which may depend on the solution itself. The analysis is based on the fixed-point reformulation of the original problem. Conditions guaranteeing the existence and uniqueness of discrete solutions are established. Finally, numerical results of a model example are presented.     

Coupled FEM-BEM for elastoplastic contact problems using Lagrange multipliers

The coupling of the elastoplastic finite element and elastic boundary element methods for two-dimensional frictionless contact stress analysis is presented. Interface traction matching (boundary element approach), which involves the force terms in the finite element analysis being transformed to tractions, is chosen for the coupling method. The analysis at the contact region is performed by the finite element method, and the Lagrange multiplier approach is used to apply the contact constraints. Since the analyses of elastoplastic problems are non-linear and involve iterative solution, the reduced size of the final system of equations introduced by combining the two methods is very advantageous, especially for contact problems where the nature of the problem also involves an iterative scheme.     

Elementary solution of contact problems for a transversely isotropic elastic layer bonded to a rigid foundation

The contact problem for an arbitrary punch acting on a transversely isotropic elastic layer bonded to a rigid foundation is solved by the generalized images method developed by the author earlier. The problem is reduced to that of an electrostatic problem of infinite row of coaxial charged disks in the shape of the domain of contact. The solution can be obtained by the method of iteration, collocations or any other standard procedure for solving integral equations. Exact inversion can be obtained in the case of a circular domain of contact. The mean value theorem can be used for estimation of the resultant force and tilting moment acting on a punch of arbitrary shape and circular domain of contact. A limiting case of general solution gives the solution for an isotropic layer. (Received: August 11, 2003)     

A note on the residual type a posteriori error estimates for finite element eigenpairs of nonsymmetric elliptic eigenvalue problems

In this paper we study the residual type a posteriori error estimates for general elliptic (not necessarily symmetric) eigenvalue problems. We present estimates for approximations of semisimple eigenvalues and associated eigenvectors. In particular, we obtain the following new results: 1) An error representation formula which we use to reduce the analysis of the eigenvalue problem to the analysis of the associated source problem; 2) A local lower bound for the error of an approximate finite element eigenfunction in a neighborhood of a given mesh element T.     

Error analysis and preconditioning for an enhanced DtN-FE algorithm for exterior scattering problems

In this paper we present an error analysis for a high-order accurate combined Dirichlet-to-Neumann (DtN) map/finite element (FE) algorithm for solving two-dimensional exterior scattering problems. We advocate the use of an exact DtN (or Steklov–Poincaré) map at an artificial boundary exterior to the scatterer to truncate the unbounded computational region. The advantage of using an exact DtN map is that it provides a transparent condition which does not reflect scattered waves unphysically. Our algorithm allows for the specification of quite general artificial boundaries which are perturbations of a circle. To compute the DtN map on such a geometry we utilize a boundary perturbation method based upon recent theoretical work concerning the analyticity of the DtN map. We also present some preliminary work concerning the preconditioning of the resulting system of linear equations, including numerical experiments.     

A class of optimal control problems for piezoelectric frictional contact models

We consider control problems for a mathematical model describing the frictional bilateral contact between a piezoelectric body and a foundation. The material’s behavior is modeled with a linear electro–elastic constitutive law, the process is static and the foundation is assumed to be electrically conductive. Both the friction and the electrical conductivity conditions on the contact surface are described with the Clarke subdifferential boundary conditions. The weak formulation of the problem consists of a system of two hemivariational inequalities. We provide the results on existence and uniqueness of a weak solution to the model and, under additional assumptions, the continuous dependence of a solution on the data. Finally, for a class of optimal control problems and inverse problems, we prove the existence of optimal solutions.     

Analysis of unbonded contact problems by means of quadratic programming

Two-body, elastic, unbonded contact problems are formulated as quadratic programming problems. Uniqueness theorems of quadratic programming theory are applied to show that the solution of a contact problem, if one exists, is unique and can be readily found by the modified simplex method of quadratic programming. A solution technique that is compatible with finite-element methods is developed, so that contact problems with complex boundary configurations can be routinely solved. A number of classical and nonclassical problems are solved. Good agreement is found for problems with previously known solutions.     

Level set based multi-scale methods for large deformation contact problems

We consider the numerical simulation of contact problems in elasticity with large deformations. The non-penetration condition is described by means of a signed distance function to the obstacle's boundary. Techniques from level set methods allow for an appropriate numerical approximation of the signed distance function preserving its non-smooth character. The emerging non-convex optimization problem subject to non-smooth inequality constraints is solved by a non-smooth multiscale SQP method in combination with a non-smooth multigrid method as interior solver. Several examples in three space dimensions including applications in biomechanics illustrate the capability of our methods.     

Formulation and analysis of two energy-consistent methods for nonlinear elastodynamic frictional contact problems

Energy-conserving algorithms are necessary to solve nonlinear elastodynamic problems in order to recover long term time integration accuracy and stability. Furthermore, some physical phenomena (such as friction) can generate dissipation; then in this work, we present and analyse two energy-consistent algorithms for hyperelastodynamic frictional contact problems which are characterised by a conserving behaviour for frictionless impacts but also by an admissible frictional dissipation phenomenon. The first approach permits one to enforce, respectively, the Kuhn–Tucker and persistency conditions during each time step by combining an adapted continuation of the Newton method and a Lagrangean formulation. In addition the second method which is based on the work in [P. Hauret, P. Le Tallec, Energy-controlling time integration methods for nonlinear elastodynamics and low-velocity impact, Comput. Methods Appl. Mech. Eng. 195 (2006) 4890–4916] represents a specific penalisation of the unilateral contact conditions. Some numerical simulations are presented to underscore the conservative or dissipative behaviour of the proposed methods.     

Polynomial kernels for 3-leaf power graph modification problems

A graph G=(V,E) is a 3-leaf power iff there exists a tree T the leaf set of which is V and such that uv∈E iff u and v are at distance at most 3 in T. The 3-leaf power graph edge modification problems, i.e. edition (also known as the closest 3-leaf power), completion and edge-deletion are FPT when parameterized by the size of the edge set modification. However, polynomial kernels were known for none of these three problems. For each of them, we provide kernels with O(k³) vertices that can be computed in linear time. We thereby answer an open problem first mentioned by Dom et al. (2004) [8].     

A class of implicit variational inequalities and applications to frictional contact

This paper deals with the mathematical and numerical analysis of a class of abstract implicit evolution variational inequalities. The results obtained here can be applied to a large variety of quasistatic contact problems in linear elasticity, including unilateral contact or normal compliance conditions with friction. In particular, a quasistatic unilateral contact problem with nonlocal friction is considered. An algorithm is derived and some numerical examples are presented. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

On a fictitious domain method with distributed Lagrange multiplier for interface problems

In this paper we propose a new variational formulation for an elliptic interface problem and discuss its finite element approximation. Our formulation fits within the framework of fictitious domain methods with distributed Lagrange multipliers. For the underlying mixed scheme we prove stability and convergence. Some preliminary numerical tests confirm the theoretical investigations.     

Variational analysis of fully coupled electro‐elastic frictional contact problems

We consider a mathematical model which describes the static frictional contact between a piezoelectric body and a foundation. The material behavior is described with a nonlinear electro‐elastic constitutive law. The novelty of the model consists in the fact that the foundation is assumed to be electrically conductive and both the frictional contact and the conductivity on the contact surface are described with subdifferential boundary conditions which involve a fully coupling between the mechanical and electrical variables. We derive a variational formulation of the problem which is in the form of a system coupling two hemivariational inequalities for the displacement and the electric potential fields, respectively. Then we prove the existence of a weak solution to the model and, under additional assumptions, its uniqueness. The proofs are based on recent results for inclusions of subdifferential type in Sobolev spaces (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Solvability of dynamic antiplane frictional contact problems for viscoelastic cylinders

We study a mathematical model which describes the antiplane shear deformations of a cylinder in frictional contact with a rigid foundation. The process is dynamic, the material behavior is described with a linearly viscoelastic constitutive law and friction is modeled with a general subdifferential boundary condition. We derive a variational formulation of the model which is in a form of an evolutionary hemivariational inequality for the displacement field. Then we prove the existence of a weak solution to the model. The proof is based on an abstract result for second order evolutionary inclusions in Banach spaces. Also, we prove that, under additional assumptions, the weak solution to the model is unique. We complete our results with concrete examples of friction laws for which our results are valid.     

Finite element methods for elliptic optimal control problems with boundary observations

We study in this paper the finite element approximations to elliptic optimal control problems with boundary observations. The main feature of this kind of optimal control problems is that the observations or measurements are the outward normal derivatives of the state variable on the boundary, this reduces the regularity of solutions to the optimal control problems. We propose two kinds of finite element methods: the standard FEM and the mixed FEM, to efficiently approximate the underlying optimal control problems. For both cases we derive a priori error estimates for problems posed on polygonal domains. Some numerical experiments are carried out at the end of the paper to support our theoretical findings.