This paper describes modern techniques used to solve contact problems within Computational Mechanics. On the basis of a continuum description of contact, the mathematical structure of the contact formulation for finite element methods is derived. Emphasis is also placed on the constitutive behavior at the contact interface for normal and tangential (frictional) contact. Furthermore, different discretization schemes currently applied to solve engineering problems are formulated for small and finite strain problems. These include isoparametric interpolations, node-to-segment discretizations and also mortar and Nitsche techniques. Furthermore, several algorithms related to spatial contact search and fulfillment of the inequality constraints at the contact interface are discussed. Here, especially the penalty and Lagrange multiplier schemes are considered and also SQP- and linear-programming methods are reviewed.


Keywords:

contact mechanics;
friction;
penalty method;
Lagrange multiplier method;
contact algorithms;
finite element method;
finite deformations;
discretization methods

Computational Contact Mechanics

A review of techniques, advances and outstanding issues in numerical modelling for rock mechanics and rock engineering

https://www.eoas.ubc.ca/personal/erik/e-papers/04EE_IJRMMS-Randa.pdf

Numerical analysis of initiation and progressive failure in natural rock slopes—the 1991 Randa rockslide

Numerical methods in rock mechanics

A review of methods applicable to the study of masonry historical construction, encompassing both classical and advanced ones, is presented. Firstly, the paper offers a discussion on the main challenges posed by historical structures and the desirable conditions that approaches oriented to the modeling and analysis of this type of structures should accomplish. Secondly, the main available methods which are actually used for study masonry historical structures are referred to and discussed. The main available strategies, including limit analysis, simplified methods, FEM macro- or micro-modeling and discrete element methods (DEM) are considered with regard to their realism, computer efficiency, data availability and real applicability to large structures. A set of final considerations are offered on the real possibility of carrying out realistic analysis of complex historic masonry structures. In spite of the modern developments, the study of historical buildings is still facing significant difficulties linked to computational effort, possibility of input data acquisition and limited realism of methods.

/pdf/structural-analysis-of-masonry-historical-constructions-3audopsbqs.pdf

Structural Analysis of Masonry Historical Constructions. Classical and Advanced Approaches

This paper discusses the issues involved in the development of combined finite/discrete element methods; both from a fundamental theoretical viewpoint and some related algorithmic considerations essential for the efficient numerical solution of large scale industrial problems. The finite element representation of the solid region is combined with progressive fracturing, which leads to the formation of discrete elements, which may be composed of one or more deformable finite elements. The applicability of the approach is demonstrated by the solution of a range of examples relevant to various industrial sections.

A. Munjiza

Papers

A combined finite‐discrete element method in transient dynamics of fracturing solids