Contact Element (contact + element)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Numerical derivation of contact mechanics interface laws using a finite element approach for large 3D deformation

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING, Issue 2 2004
Alex Alves Bandeira
Abstract In this work a homogenization method is presented to obtain by numerical simulation interface laws for normal contact pressure based on statistical surface models. For this purpose and assuming elastic behaviour of the asperities, the interface law of Kragelsky et al. (Friction and Wear,Calculation Methods, Pergamon, 1982) is chosen for comparison. The non-penetration condition and interface models for contact that take into account the surface micro-structure are investigated in detail. A theoretical basis for the three-dimensional contact problem with finite deformations is shortly presented. The augmented Lagrangian method is then used to solve the contact problem with friction. The algorithms for frictional contact are derived based on a slip rule using backward Euler integration like in plasticity. Special attention was dedicated to the consistent derivation of the contact equations between finite element surfaces. A matrix formulation for a node-to-surface contact element is derived consisting of a master surface segment with four nodes and a contacting slave node. It was also necessary to consider the special cases of node-to-edge contact and node-to-node contact in order to achieve the desired asymptotic quadratic convergence in the Newton method. A numerical example is selected to show the ability of the contact formulation and the algorithm to represent interface law for rough surfaces. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Finite Element Modelling of Bioactive Contact in Bone-Implant Interface

PROCEEDINGS IN APPLIED MATHEMATICS & MECHANICS, Issue 1 2008
André Lutz
Finite element simulation for the prediction of bone remodelling caused by implants is a powerful method to improve or to rate implant designs even before they will be evaluated in clinical studies. But the bone,implant interaction is often modelled as ideal bonding in the interface. This approach is not suitable to describe the interrelation of both parts in a physiological manner. To correct these insufficiencies a 3D bioactive contact element has been developed. This contact element describes on the one hand the pure mechanical interaction and on the other hand the mechanical stimulated bone ingrowth in porous surfaces. The benefits of the use of the bioactive contact element regarding the standard method will be presented in this contribution. A comparison of both methods based on clinic results regarding a hip prosthesis with mixed surface textures will be shown. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source]


Investigation of the sliding behavior between steel and mortar for seismic applications in structures

EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING AND STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS, Issue 12 2009
Jason McCormick
Abstract The friction developed between a steel base plate and a mortar base contributes shear resistance to the building system during a seismic event. In order to investigate the possible sliding behavior between the base plate and the mortar, a shake table study is undertaken using a large rigid mass supported by steel contact elements which rest on mortar surfaces connected to the shake table. Horizontal input accelerations are considered at various magnitudes and frequencies. The results provide a constant friction coefficient during sliding with an average value of approximately 0.78. A theoretical formulation of the friction behavior is also undertaken. The theoretical equations show that the sliding behavior is dependent on the ratio of the friction force to the input force. The addition of vertical accelerations to the system further complicates the sliding behavior as a result of the varying normal force. This results in a variable friction resistance which is a function of the amplitude, phase, and frequency of the horizontal and vertical input motions. In general, this study showed a consistent and reliable sliding behavior between steel and mortar. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Computational mechanics of the steel,concrete interface,

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL AND ANALYTICAL METHODS IN GEOMECHANICS, Issue 2 2002
M. R. Ben Romdhane
Abstract Concrete cracking in reinforced concrete structures is governed by two mechanisms: the activation of bond forces at the steel,concrete interface and the bridge effects of the reinforcement crossing a macro-crack. The computational modelling of these two mechanisms, acting at different scales, is the main objective of this paper. The starting point is the analysis of the micro-mechanisms, leading to an appropriate choice of (measurable) state variables describing the energy state in the surface systems: on the one side the relative displacement between the steel and the concrete, modelling the bond activation; on the other hand, the crack opening governing the bridge effects. These displacement jumps are implemented in the constitutive model using thermodynamics of surfaces of discontinuity. On the computational side, the constitutive model is implemented in a discrete crack approach. A truss element with slip degrees of freedom is developed. This degree of freedom represents the relative displacement due to bond activation. In turn, the bridge effect is numerically taken into account by modifying the post-cracking behaviour of the contact elements representing discrete concrete cracks crossed by a rebar. First simulation results obtained with this model show a good agreement in crack pattern and steel stress distribution with micro-mechanical results and experimental results. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


The intertarsal joint of the ostrich (Struthio camelus): Anatomical examination and function of passive structures in locomotion

JOURNAL OF ANATOMY, Issue 6 2009
Nina U. Schaller
Abstract The ostrich (Struthio camelus) is the largest extant biped. Being flightless, it exhibits advanced cursorial abilities primarily evident in its characteristic speed and endurance. In addition to the active musculoskeletal complex, its powerful pelvic limbs incorporate passive structures wherein ligaments interact with joint surfaces, cartilage and other connective tissue in their course of motion. This arrangement may enable energy conservation by providing joint stabilisation, optimised limb segment orientation and automated positioning of ground contact elements independently of direct muscle control. The intertarsal joint is of particular interest considering its position near the mid-point of the extended limb and its exposure to high load during stance with significant inertial forces during swing phase. Functional-anatomical analysis of the dissected isolated joint describes the interaction of ligaments with intertarsal joint contours through the full motion cycle. Manual manipulation identified a passive engage-disengage mechanism (EDM) that establishes joint extension, provides bi-directional resistance prior to a transition point located at 115° and contributes to rapid intertarsal flexion at toe off and full extension prior to touch down. This effect was subsequently quantified by measurement of intertarsal joint moments in prepared anatomical specimens in a neutral horizontal position and axially-loaded vertical position. Correlation with kinematic analyses of walking and running ostriches confirms the contribution of the EDM in vivo. We hypothesise that the passive EDM operates in tandem with a stringently coupled multi-jointed muscle-tendon system to conserve the metabolic cost of locomotion in the ostrich, suggesting that a complete understanding of terrestrial locomotion across extinct and extant taxa must include functional consideration of the ligamentous system. [source]