Finite-element convergence for contact problems in plane linear elastostatics

Abstract

This paper presents a convergence analysis for the finite-element approximation of unilateral problems in plane linear elastostatics. We consider in particular the deformation of a body unilaterally supported by a frictionless rigid foundation, solely subjected to body forces and surface tractions without being fixed along some part of its boundary, and establish convergence of piecewise polynomial finite-element approximations for mechanically definite problems without imposing any regularity assumption. Moreover we study the discretization of the contact problem with given friction along the rigid foundation.