A boundary element flexibility approach for solving contact problems with and without friction

• DOI: 10.1016/0955-7997(92)90119-r
• Publication Date: 2003-03-14T17:28:41Z
• Authors: Susumu Takahashi; Carlos A. Brebbia
• Keywords: Flexibility method; Matrix (chemical analysis); Contact Mechanics; Contact force

Abstract This paper deals with the numerical solution of contact problems between elastic bodies by using a boundary element flexibility approach formulation. As a first step, a flexibility matrix involving only the nodes which are expected to come into contact is computed by boundary elements. This produces a small system of equations which results in a procedure which is computationally very efficient. The relevant theory is described in this paper and validated by solving contact problems and comparing results with analytical or other numerical solutions. The examples comprise contact problems between elastic and rigid bodies with and without friction. The results are in good agreement with previous solutions.