Automatic load incrementation for rubber-like bodies in contact

Abstract

Incremental Newton methods are generally used for solving static problems with strong geometric and material nonlinearities. In this context we propose and study an algorithm for automatic load incrementation, suitable for general path-dependent problems with nonproportional loading and frictional contact phenomena. The load steps are chosen adaptively on the basis of the iteration history and the occurrence of special events, such as contact (material overlap). Automatic restart is made at the indication of the beginning of divergence or overlap. At overlap we restart from the latest converged solution with a step chosen to reach a configuration immediately before contact, from which we then proceed with a strongly reduced step. The applicability of the algorithm is demonstrated on typical problems involving highly nonlinear rubber structures.