Analysis of contact of elastic rods subject to large displacements

We present a mathematical model describing the motion of two elastic rods in contact. The model allows for large displacements and is essentially based on Cosserat's modelling of rods. Using a penalty technique, we prove existence of a static solution in the case of a unique rod. The contact modelling involves unilateral constraints on the central lines of the rods. Existence is also proved for this contact problem. 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.