This book presents a new formulation of the boundary element method for two-dimensional and axisymmetric contact problems. The solution procedure includes the effects of non-frictional as well as frictional contact between elastic bodies. Following a literature survey of various experimental and analytical approaches for solving elastic contact problems, a comprehensive review of numerical techniques used for analyses of contact problems is presented. The boundary element formulations for two-, three-dimensional and axisymmetric problems in elasticity are derived and numerical implementation using constant and linear elements is described. For analysis of contact problems, boundary elements are employed to compute flexibility matrices representing the relationship between tractions and displacements only at nodes coming into contact. The contact analysis is performed using the flexibility matrices in conjunction with contact boundary conditions. In this approach, only equations corresponding to the node coming into contact are required and consequently very efficient computation is achieved. Furthermore, the boundary element analysis and the contact analysis are performed separately, which makes it easy to implement the contact analysis procedure into boundary element codes. A new contact criterion for nodes coming into contact is proposed. Load incremental and iterative schemes are used to obtain accurate solutions. Some classical Hertz and non-Hertz contact problems are studied and results are found to be in good agreement with analytical and other numerical solutions.

The contact of one deformable body with another lies at the heart of almost every mechanical structure. Here, in a comprehensive treatment, two of the field's leading researchers present a systematic approach to contact problems. Using variational formulations, Kikuchi and Oden derive a multitude of new results, both for classical problems and for nonlinear problems involving large deflections and buckling of thin plates with unilateral supports, dry friction with nonclassical laws, large elastic and elastoplastic deformations with frictional contact, dynamic contacts with dynamic frictional effects, and rolling contacts. This method exposes properties of solutions obscured by classical methods, and it provides a basis for the development of powerful numerical schemes. Among the novel results presented here are algorithms for contact problems with nonlinear and nonlocal friction, and very effective algorithms for solving problems involving the large elastic deformation of hyperelastic bodies with general contact conditions. Includes detailed discussion of numerical methods for nonlinear materials with unilateral contact and friction, with examples of metalforming simulations. Also presents algorithms for the finite deformation rolling contact problem, along with a discussion of numerical examples.

A collection of 28 refereed papers grouped according to four broad topics: duality and optimality conditions, optimization algorithms, optimal control, and variational inequality and equilibrium problems. Suitable for researchers, practitioners and postgrads.

A novel computational procedure called the scaled boundary finite-element method is described which combines the advantages of the finite-element and boundary-element methods : Of the finite-element method that no fundamental solution is required and thus expanding the scope of application, for instance to anisotropic material without an increase in complexity and that singular integrals are avoided and that symmetry of the results is automatically satisfied. Of the boundary-element method that the spatial dimension is reduced by one as only the boundary is discretized with surface finite elements, reducing the data preparation and computational efforts, that the boundary conditions at infinity are satisfied exactly and that no approximation other than that of the surface finite elements on the boundary is introduced. In addition, the scaled boundary finite-element method presents appealing features of its own : an analytical solution inside the domain is achieved, permitting for instance accurate stress intensity factors to be determined directly and no spatial discretization of certain free and fixed boundaries and interfaces between different materials is required. In addition, the scaled boundary finite-element method combines the advantages of the analytical and numerical approaches. In the directions parallel to the boundary, where the behaviour is, in general, smooth, the weighted-residual approximation of finite elements applies, leading to convergence in the finite-element sense. In the third (radial) direction, the procedure is analytical, permitting e.g. stress-intensity factors to be determined directly based on their definition or the boundary conditions at infinity to be satisfied exactly. In a nutshell, the scaled boundary finite-element method is a semi-analytical fundamental-solution-less boundary-element method based on finite elements. The best of both worlds is achieved in two ways: with respect to the analytical and numerical methods and with respect to the finite-element and boundary-element methods within the numerical procedures. The book serves two goals: Part I is an elementary text, without any prerequisites, a primer, but which using a simple model problem still covers all aspects of the method and Part II presents a detailed derivation of the general case of statics, elastodynamics and diffusion.

Boundary Element Method for Plate Analysis offers one of the first systematic and detailed treatments of the application of BEM to plate analysis and design. Aiming to fill in the knowledge gaps left by contributed volumes on the topic and increase the accessibility of the extensive journal literature covering BEM applied to plates, author John T. Katsikadelis draws heavily on his pioneering work in the field to provide a complete introduction to theory and application. Beginning with a chapter of preliminary mathematical background to make the book a self-contained resource, Katsikadelis moves on to cover the application of BEM to basic thin plate problems and more advanced problems. Each chapter contains several examples described in detail and closes with problems to solve. Presenting the BEM as an efficient computational method for practical plate analysis and design, Boundary Element Method for Plate Analysis is a valuable reference for researchers, students and engineers working with BEM and plate challenges within mechanical, civil, aerospace and marine engineering. - One of the first resources dedicated to boundary element analysis of plates, offering a systematic and accessible introductory to theory and application - Authored by a leading figure in the field whose pioneering work has led to the development of BEM as an efficient computational method for practical plate analysis and design - Includes mathematical background, examples and problems in one self-contained resource