A contact algorithm for 3D discrete and finite element contact problems based on penalty function method

• Published in: Computational mechanics Vol. 48; no. 5; pp. 541 - 550
• Main Authors: Zang, Mengyan, Gao, Wei, Lei, Zhou
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer-Verlag 01.11.2011; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Algorithms; Analysis; Classical and Continuum Physics; Computational Science and Engineering; Computer simulation; Contact force; Engineering; Exact solutions; Finite element method; Glass plates; Mathematical analysis; Methods; Original Paper; Penalty function; Safety glass; Theoretical and Applied Mechanics; Vibration; Finite element method; Combined algorithm; Discrete element method; Contact algorithm; Penalty method
• ISSN: 0178-7675; 1432-0924
• DOI: 10.1007/s00466-011-0606-5

A contact algorithm in the context of the combined discrete element (DE) and finite element (FE) method is proposed. The algorithm, which is based on the node-to-surface method used in finite element method, treats each spherical discrete element as a slave node and the surfaces of the finite element domain as the master surfaces. The contact force on the contact interface is processed by using a penalty function method. Afterward, a modification of the combined DE/FE method is proposed. Following that, the corresponding numerical code is implemented into the in-house developed code. To test the accuracy of the proposed algorithm, the impact between two identical bars and the vibration process of a laminated glass plate under impact of elastic sphere are simulated in elastic range. By comparing the results with the analytical solution and/or that calculated by using LS-DYNA, it is found that they agree with each other very well. The accuracy of the algorithm proposed in this paper is proved.