A level set enhanced natural kernel contact algorithm for impact and penetration modeling

Abstract

SummaryA natural kernel contact (NKC) algorithm under the framework of the semi‐Lagrangian reproducing kernel particle method (semi‐Lagrangian RKPM) is proposed to model multi‐body contact with specific consideration for impact and penetration modeling. The NKC algorithm utilizes the interaction of the semi‐Lagrangian kernel functions associated with contacting bodies to serve as the non‐penetration condition. The effects of friction are represented by introducing a layer of the friction‐like elasto‐plasticity material between contacting bodies. This approach allows the frictional contact conditions and the associated kinematics to be naturally embedded in the semi‐Lagrangian RKPM inter‐particle force calculation. The equivalence in the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker conditions between the proposed NKC algorithm and the conventional contact kinematic constraints as well as the associated state variable relationships are identified. A level set method is further introduced in the NKC algorithm to represent the contact surfaces without pre‐defined potential contact surfaces. The stability analysis performed in this work shows that temporal stability in the semi‐Lagrangian RKPM with NKC algorithms is related to the velocity gradient between contacting bodies. The proposed methods have been verified by several benchmark problems and applied to the simulation of impact and penetration processes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.