FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF ELASTIC CONTACT PROBLEMS.

Abstract

The finite element method is used as the numerical technique to obtain the contact stresses between two or more elastic bodies with friction on the contact surfaces. In this method, the normal stress and shearing stress on the contact surface which are induced by their contact are represented by the reaction forces at the nodes on the contact surfaces. Numerical results for two rectangular plates and two cylindrical columns having different sizes and Young's moduli which are compressed into one another are obtained. Contact pressure along the contact surface of rectangular plates without friction is in good agreement with the exact solution for semi-infinite plate, except near the end of the contact surface. Also the influences of friction on the contact stresses are discussed.