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A Simple Method for Contact modelling in an Arbitrary frame of Reference within multi-Physics Software

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 December 2012

D. M. Espino*
Affiliation:
School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK B15 2TT
D.E.T. Shepherd
Affiliation:
School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK B15 2TT
D.W.L. Hukins
Affiliation:
School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK B15 2TT
*
*Corresponding author (daniel.m.espino@gmail.com)

Abstract

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A method to simulate contact between two boundaries of structures which are not aligned to predefined axes when using Comsol Multi-physics (v3.3, Comsol Ltd, Cambridge, UK) is presented. This method was developed because of limitations in the existing default contact modelling. Some of these limitations were recently addressed in a separate study; however, the method exploited symmetry across an axis of the coordinate system. The method presented here enables contact modelling with arbitrarily aligned structures within such a coordinate system. The contact method presented is then applied to a simple model with two deformable structures that come into contact, and compared over a range of positions. Results show a minimal variation in peak stress and contact pressure with model orientation, demonstrating that results are independent of orientation. Therefore, the contact method enables contact simulations in Comsol Multi-physics without assuming symmetry about an axis for contract. The method is compatible with the true transient contact method defined.

Information

Type
Technical Note
Copyright
Copyright © The Society of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, R.O.C. 2013