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A Simple Method for Contact modelling in an Arbitrary frame of Reference within multi-Physics Software

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 December 2012

D. M. Espino ,
D.E.T. Shepherd  and
D.W.L. Hukins
D. M. Espino*
Affiliation:
School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK B15 2TT
D.E.T. Shepherd
Affiliation:
School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK B15 2TT
D.W.L. Hukins
Affiliation:
School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK B15 2TT
*
*Corresponding author (daniel.m.espino@gmail.com)
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Abstract

A method to simulate contact between two boundaries of structures which are not aligned to predefined axes when using Comsol Multi-physics (v3.3, Comsol Ltd, Cambridge, UK) is presented. This method was developed because of limitations in the existing default contact modelling. Some of these limitations were recently addressed in a separate study; however, the method exploited symmetry across an axis of the coordinate system. The method presented here enables contact modelling with arbitrarily aligned structures within such a coordinate system. The contact method presented is then applied to a simple model with two deformable structures that come into contact, and compared over a range of positions. Results show a minimal variation in peak stress and contact pressure with model orientation, demonstrating that results are independent of orientation. Therefore, the contact method enables contact simulations in Comsol Multi-physics without assuming symmetry about an axis for contract. The method is compatible with the true transient contact method defined.

Keywords

Contact modellingFinite element analysisHertzian contactLarge strain
Type
Technical Note
Information
Journal of Mechanics , Volume 29 , Issue 3 , September 2013 , pp. N9 - N14
Copyright
Copyright © The Society of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, R.O.C. 2013 

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References

REFERENCES

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