Numerically efficient procedures for dynamic contact problems

The solution of dynamic contact (elastic impact) problems is complicated by the changing nature of the contact area. If a finite element approach is used, the system matrices vary with the contact area. If the problem is properly formulated, such changes are rank one. Rank one changes produce easily determinable changes in the LDLT decompositions of the system matrices. This renders a class of dynamic contact problems soluble with the same accuracy and computational effort as is associated with the solution of any dynamic problem using finite element procedures. Consideration of an example problem involving the impact of spring–mass systems confirms this claim.