THE RELIABILITY OF SOLUTIONS IN CONTACT PROBLEMS

Abstract The accuracy of solutions of contact problems, using the penalty method in conjunction with finite elements slide-line contact, is investigated. Two kinds of errors are defined: displacement error and energy error. Also considered are the errors' non-dimensional forms. Four examples solved numerically are presented: a rigid punch problem, an elastic punch problem, the Hertz problem of two cylinders and a high pressure flange with friction. Displacement and energy errors are analyzed. Guidelines to minimize the errors in contact problems in general, using slide-line contact, are presented.