Three-dimensional finite element simulation of large-scale nonlinear contact friction problems in deformable rocks

A three-dimensional finite element method is proposed and used to deal with large-scale nonlinear contact friction problems in deformable rocks. Together with the use of the node-to-point contact element strategy, the corresponding three-dimensional finite element algorithm is presented to simulate the nonlinear contact friction behaviour between deformable rock blocks. In order to ensure the correctness and accuracy of the resulting numerical solutions, the proposed finite element formulation for a three-dimensional nonlinear contact friction problem is verified using a benchmark problem, for which the analytical solution is available. As an application example, the proposed three-dimensional finite element method is used to investigate the plate behaviour of a subduction fault model, which simulates a region around Northeast Japan. Due to the general nature of the methodology, the proposed three-dimensional finite element algorithm can be also used to simulate many nonlinear contact friction problems associated with the slope instability process and the sliding failure mechanism between a gravity dam and its foundation in the engineering field.

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