A Partitioned Formulation for FEM/BEM Coupling in Contact Problems Using Localized Lagrange Multipliers

Abstract

This paper presents a state-of-the-art in the use of localized Lagrange multipliers (LLMs)for 3D frictional contact problems coupling the Finite Element Method (FEM) and the BoundaryElement Method (BEM). Resolution methods for the contact problem between non-matching mesheshave traditionally been based on a direct coupling of the contacting solids using classical Lagrangemultipliers. These methods tend to generate strongly coupled systems that require a deep knowledgeof the discretization characteristics on each side of the contact zone complicating the process ofmixing different numerical techniques. In this work a displacement contact frame is inserted betweenthe FE and BE interface meshes, discretized and finally connected to the contacting substructuresusing LLMs collocated at the mesh-interface nodes. This methodology will provide a partitionedformulation which preserves software modularity and facilitates the connection of non-matching FEand BE meshes.