Shape Design for Two- and Three-Dimensional Contact Problems Using an Evolutionary Method

In this study, an evolutionary procedure is developed for the shape optimization of indentors in two- and three-dimensional elastic contact problems. This evolutionary optimization procedure uses finite element analysis, in which contact profiles are iteratively and slowly modified based on the relative levels of contact stress. Through this procedure the peak stress on the contact surfaces is progressively reduced. Consequently the contact stress distribution evolves towards a uniform or a predetermined pattern. In this paper, several typical design examples of contact profiles are presented to demonstrate the capabilities of the proposed method. The technique is found to be effective when applied to two- and three-dimensional contact problems without or with friction. Also the algorthim is very simple to implement in standard finite element analysis packages.