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

Vibration based condition monitoring refers to the use of in situ non-destructive sensing and analysis of system characteristics –in the time, frequency or modal domains –for the purpose of detecting changes, which may indicate damage or degradation. In the field of civil engineering, monitoring systems have the potential to facilitate the more economical management and maintenance of modern infrastructure. This paper reviews the state of the art in vibration based condition monitoring with particular emphasis on structural engineering applications.

Vibration Based Condition Monitoring: A Review:

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

Multi-scale computational homogenization: Trends and challenges

1 Formulation of the equations of motion 2 Element energy functions 3 Introduction to the finite element displacement method 4 In-plane vibration of plates 5 Vibration of solids 6 Flexural vibration of plates 7 Vibration of stiffened plates and folded plate structures 8 Vibration of shells 9 Vibration of laminated plates and shells 10 Hierarchical finite element method 11 Analysis of free vibration 12 Forced response 13 Forced response II 14 Computer analysis technique

Introduction to finite element vibration analysis

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

Nanoindentation mapping of mechanical properties of cement paste and natural rocks

Formulation of the scale transition equations coupling the microscopic and macroscopic variables in the second-order computational homogenization of heterogeneous materials and the enforcement of generalized boundary conditions for the representative volume element (RVE) are considered. The proposed formulation builds on current approaches by allowing any type of RVE boundary conditions (e.g. displacement, traction, periodic) and arbitrary shapes of RVE to be applied in a unified manner. The formulation offers a useful geometric interpretation for the assumptions associated with the microstructural displacement fluctuation field within the RVE, which is here extended to second-order computational homogenization. A unified approach to the enforcement of the boundary conditions has been undertaken using multiple constraint projection matrices. The results of an illustrative shear layer model problem indicate that the displacement and traction RVE boundary conditions provide the upper and lower bounds of the response determined via second-order computational homogenization, and the solution associated with the periodic RVE boundary conditions lies between them.

Scale transition and enforcement of RVE boundary conditions in second-order computational homogenization

The EURO-C conference series (Split 1984, Zell am See 1990, Innsbruck 1994, Badgastein 1998, St Johann im Pongau 2003, Mayrhofen 2006, Schladming 2010, St Anton am Alberg 2014) brings together researchers and practising engineers concerned with theoretical, algorithmic and validation aspects associated with computational simulations of concrete and

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Computational Modelling of Concrete Structures

The specification of the earthquake input for the linear and nonlinear analysis of the structure-foundation problem is usually done by prescribing the base motion. Most commonly the actual analysis is carried out in terms of displacement relative to this base movement. If realistic boundary conditions need to be specified because of the infinite extent of the foundation, this “conventional” procedure is not applicable. An alternative is therefore suggested by specifying the motion in terms of the incoming seismic wave, leading to a logical and simple problem formulation.

Nenad Bićanić

Papers

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

Nanoindentation mapping of mechanical properties of cement paste and natural rocks

Scale transition and enforcement of RVE boundary conditions in second-order computational homogenization

Computational Modelling of Concrete Structures

Earthquake Input Definition and the Trasmitting Boundary Conditions