This paper on "Benchmarks for Three-Dimensional Contact Problems" was presented at the NAFEMS World Congress on Design, Simulation & Optimisation: Reliability & Applicability of Computational Methods - 9-11 April 1997, Stuttgart, Germany.

Summary

The numerical analysis of contact problems presents many difficulties due to the unknown extent of the contact area and the need to ensure that equilibrium and compatibility conditions are satisfied within this area. The present authors are involved in the development of advanced algorithms for three-dimensional (3D) frictional contact problems using the Boundary Element Method (BEM). Three benchmark examples for 3D problems are presented using the BEM and the Finite Element Method (FEM). The examples have simple geometries and boundary conditions, and include the case of infinite friction (no-slip contact) and frictionless contact. For the frictionless case, results are presented in the form of normal contact stresses and relative tangential displacements. For the no-slip case, results are presented in the form of axial, radial and hoop stresses.