Finite Element Procedures for Contact-Impact Problems

The resolution of contact-impact problems, once computationally difficult, has been made easier and more accurate with the finite element method. This new book explains finite-element procedures for solving both static and dynamic contact-impact problems. It provides comprehensive discussions on the formulation, linearization, and discretization of such problems. Lagrangian formulation is introduced, and explicit and implicit solutions are presented. Friction phenomena and the behavior of shell structures upon impact are described. The book also includes numerical algorithms used to simulate industrial applications such as metal-forming processes and crashworthiness analysis of automobiles. Engineers, researchers, and students in solid and applied mechanics will require access to this valuable resource.