A quadratic boundary element formulation for three-dimensional contact problems with friction

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the development of advanced algorithms for three-dimensional frictional contact problems using a quadratic boundary element formulation. The contact variables are defined with respect to each of the surfaces using local coordinate systems. Equilibrium conditions, displacement continuity requirements and Coulomb's law of friction applied to three-dimensional contact are used to derive the contact equations. These equations are directly coupled at the contact interface to form a reduced set of determinate simultaneous equations. Four three-dimensional frictional contact applications covering stationary and advancing contact surfaces are presented in which boundary element solutions are compared with the corresponding finite element solutions. The results are presented in the form of normal contact stresses, shear stresses, relative tangential displacements and the stick-slip partitioning of the contact interface.