StressCheck Tutorial: Multi-Body Contact Analysis of a Block and Half-Cylinder

Abstract: indenter-style problem of a block and loaded half-cylinder in multi-body contact is analyzed. The following tips and best practices will be explored:

• Optimization of geometric surfaces for efficient multi-body contact.
• Creation of contact zones on optimized surfaces.
• Selection of the appropriate contact constant based on configuration (area in contact, material properties, load magnitude, etc).
• Cancellation of rigid body translations/rotations.
• Multi-body contact solution setup.
• Assessment of final gap for penetration.
• Assessment of contact pressure gradient continuity.
• Assessment of load transfer via stress resultant extraction.
• Mesh refinement with mixed boundary layers to improve contact pressure gradient.

For more details, refer to Multi-Body Contact Overview and Numerical Simulation Series: Mechanical Contact.