Contact Analysis Based on a Linear Strain Node-Based Smoothed Finite Element Method with Linear Complementarity Formulations

Abstract

This paper presents the node-based smoothed finite element method with linear strain functions (NS-FEM-L) for solving contact problems using triangular elements. The smoothed strains are formulated by a complete order of polynomial functions and normalized with reference to the central points of smoothing domains. They are one order higher than those adopted in the finite element method (FEM) and the standard smoothed finite element method with the same triangular mesh. When using linear functions to describe strains in smoothing domains, the solutions are more accurate and stable. The contact interfaces are discretized by contact point pairs using a modified Coulomb frictional contact model. The contact problems are solved via converting into linear complementarity problems (LCPs) which can be tackled by using the Lemke method. Numerical implementations are conducted to simulate the contact behavior, including the bonding–debonding, contacting–departing and sticking–slipping. The effects of various parameters related to friction and adhesion are intensively investigated. The comparison of numerical results produced by different methods demonstrates the validity and efficiency of the NS-FEM-L for contact problems.