A finite element formulation of three-dimensional contact problems with slip and friction

The paper describes a special finite element for three-dimensional, large displacement analysis of contact problems with slip and friction. This element may be used to model contact between several finite element bodies or contact between a finite element body and a flexible or rigid geometrical surface fixed in space or moving with time. The contact formulation is based on the concept of a spring-supported, moving disk that transfers normal contact forces and Coulomb friction forces. The contact surface has a finite, prescribed boundary.The contact element has been incorporated into the general-purpose, nonlinear, finite element program FENRIS. Three examples of its application are described in the paper.J. W. Simons was previously NTNF Fellow, Division of Technology, Trondheim, Norway