Midplane based 3D single pass unbiased segment-to-segment contact interaction using penalty method
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This work introduces a contact interaction methodology for an unbiased treatment of contacting surfaces without assigning surfaces as master and slave. Contact tractions between interacting discrete segments are evaluated with respect to a midplane in a single pass, inherently maintaining traction equilibrium. These tractions are based on the penalisation of true interpenetration between opposite surfaces, and the procedure of their integral for discrete contacting segments is described. A detailed examination of the possible geometric configurations of interacting 3D segments is provided to support visual understanding and better traction evaluation accuracy. The accuracy and robustness of the proposed method are validated against the analytical solutions of the contact patch test and Hertzian contact, demonstrating the capability to reproduce contact between flat and curved surfaces. The method passes the contact patch test with the uniform transmission of contact pressure matching the accuracy levels of finite elements. It converges towards the analytical solution with appropriate mesh refinement and a suitably high penalty factor in Hertzian contact. Dynamic problems involving elastic and inelastic collisions between two bars, as well as oblique collisions of cylinders, are also presented. The ability of the algorithm to resolve contacts between flat and curved surfaces in nonconformal meshes for both static and dynamic cases with high accuracy demonstrates its versatility for general contact problems, including self-contact.
Authors: Indrajeet Sahu, Nik Petrinic
Institution: University of Oxford
Language: English
Subfield: Computational Theory and Mathematics
Field: Computer Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,830
OpenAlex ID: W4414244767