Finite Element Analysis of Elastic Contact Problems

Abstract

This paper discusses a method for evaluation of contact stresses between two or more elastic bodies with frictional forces on the contact surfaces, by means of a finite element method. The matrix equation is solved by some nodal points being prepared on the contact surfaces. These nodal points are classified into "adhere to" or "slide over" one another categories, depending upon whether frictional forces are greater than the shearing forces or not, and contact conditions are applied for each case. For example, numerical results for two rectangular plates and two cylindrical columns having different sizes and Young's moduli which are compressed into one another are obtained. Contact pressure along the contact surface of rectangular plates without friction is in good agreement with the exact solution for semi-infinite plate, except near the end of the contact surface. Also the influences of friction on the contact stresses are discussed.