Development of contact stress analysis programs using the hybrid method of FEM and BEM

Abstract

This paper deals with the development of two- and three-dimensional contact stress analysis programs using a method combining the finite element method and the boundary element method. Designed to improve the accuracy of analysis using the hybrid method, a new method for computing the equivalent stiffness matrix is described. Furthermore, the penalty function is applied to introduce the contact conditions. A three-node contact element was used for two-dimensional analysis and a five-node contact element, for three-dimensional analysis. Considering the application to general slide movements, a new eight-node contact element has been developed. The programs are applied to the problem of contact between a magnetic disk and a slider. A thin-film of the disk and a slider are modeled using finite elements. The substrate of the disk is modeled using boundary elements. Results confirm the validity and the accuracy of this procedure.