Dynamics of Large Scale Finite Element Models With Multiple Unilateral Constraints

Determination of the response of mechanical structures with complex geometry requires application of the finite element method. This leads frequently to models with a relatively large number of degrees of freedom, which may also possess nonlinear properties. Things become more complicated for systems involving unilateral contact and friction. In classical structural dynamics approaches, such constraints are usually modeled by special contact elements, with characteristics selected in a delicate manner. This study presents a systematic numerical methodology, which is suitable for determining dynamic response of large scale finite element models of mechanical systems involving multiple unilateral constraints. The method is based on a proper combination of results from two classes of direct integration methodologies. The first one includes standard methods employed in determining dynamic response of structural models with smooth nonlinearities, while the second class includes specialized methodologies that simulate response of dynamical systems with unilateral constraints. The validity and effectiveness of the methodology developed is illustrated by numerical results.© 2009 ASME