Using multiple point constraints in finite element analysis of two dimensional contact problems

Abstract

Two-dimensional elastic contact problems, including normal, tangential, and rolling contacts, are treated with the finite element method in this study. Stress boundary conditions and kinematic conditions are transformed into multiple point constraints for nodal displacements in the finite element method. Upon imposing these constraints into the finite element system equations, the calculated nodal stresses and nodal displacements satisfy stress and displacement contact conditions exactly. Frictional and frictionless contacts between elastically identical as well as elastically dissimilar materials are treated in this study. The contact lengths, sizes of slip and stick regions, the normal and the shear stresses can be found.