Computational contact mechanics analysis of laterally graded orthotropic half-planes

Abstract

Purpose Frictional sliding contact problems between laterally graded orthotropic half-planes and a flat rigid stamp are investigated. The presented study aims at guiding engineering applications in the prediction of the contact response of orthotropic laterally graded members. Design/methodology/approach The solution procedure is based on a finite element (FE) approach which is conducted with an efficient FE analysis software ANSYS. The spatial gradations of the orthotropic stiffness constants through the horizontal axis are enabled utilizing the homogeneous FE approach. The Augmented Lagrangian contact algorithm is used as an iterative non-linear solution method in the contact analysis. Findings The accuracy of the proposed FE solution method is approved by using the comparisons of the results with those computed using an analytical technique. The prominent results indicate that the surface contact stresses can be mitigated upon increasing the degree of orthotropy and positive lateral gradations. Originality/value One can infer from the literature survey that, the contact mechanics analysis of orthotropic laterally graded materials has not been investigated so far. In this study, an FE method-based computational solution procedure for the aforementioned problem is addressed. The presented study aims at guiding engineering applications in the prediction of the contact response of orthotropic laterally graded members. Additionally, this study provides some useful points related to computational contact mechanics analysis of orthotropic structures.