A finite element method for a class of contact-impact problems

We present a finite element method for a class of contact-impact problems. Theoretical background and numerical implementation features are discussed. In particular, we consider the basic ideas of contact-impact, the assumptions which define the class of problems we deal with, spatial and temporal discretizations of the bodies involved, special problems concerning the contact of bodies of different dimensions, discrete impact and release conditions, and solution of the nonlinear algebraic problem. Several sample problems are presented which demonstrate the accuracy and versatility of the algorithm.