A numerical modelling of non linear 2D-frictional multicontact problems: application to post-buckling in cellular media

Abstract

In this paper a numerical modelling of non linear problems involving large deformations and frictional contact conditions is proposed. The motivation of this work comes from the study of the cellular materials (such as wood or foams) undergoing strong deformations. We restrict our study to a regular cellular network of hexagonal cells with thin walls. Strong loadings can generate at first buckling phenomena, then self-contact in the cell. Renouncing homogenization procedures, not always pertinent in this case, we have developed direct simulations. After giving the mechanical and mathematical formulations of the problem, we present two advanced numerical tools to solve large non linear frictional multicontact problems. This numerical modelling is based on an arc-length continuation method which permits to snap through singular points due to buckling phenomena and on an optimal domain decomposition method adapted to frictional contact problems. Finally, mechanical investigations of the contactless buckling and the post-buckling provide some pertinent parameters controlling the deformation process.