Solving unilateral problems for beams by finite element methods (Q1072778)

This short paper presents a finite element method for solving a mathematical model for the behaviour of a beam under flexion, when the beam is forced to lie over a rigid or elastic obstacle. A review of some results concerning two-dimensional fourth-order variational inequalities approached by mixed or nonconforming finite element methods is given in paragraph 1. Next, in paragraph 2, the equations of a simply supported beam are detailed: \(EI(d^ 4u/dx^ 4)=f+q,\quad u(o)=u(L)=0,\quad u''(o)=u''(L)=0\), where L \(=\) length of the beam, E \(=\) Young's modulus, I \(=\) moment of inertia, f \(=\) transverse load (distributed or concentrated), q \(=\) unknown reaction of the support on the beam which is such that\ (i) rigid case: u(x)\(\geq 0,\quad q(x)\geq 0,\quad u(x)q(x)=0;\quad (ii)\) elastic case: \(q(x)=- Bu(x)\) if u(x)\(\leq 0,\quad =0\) if \(u(x)=0\), where B is a given constant. Then, variational formulations are given in both cases, and corresponding existence, uniqueness and regularity results are recorded. The approximation by conforming finite elements of class \({\mathcal C}^ 1\) is studied in paragraph 3. For \(f\in H^{-1}(0,L)\), it is proved the following error estimates: \(\| u-u_ h\|_{H^ 2(0,l)}=O(h^{1/2})\) for the rigid case, O(h) for the elastic case. Finally, in paragraph 4, the authors consider three examples whose exact solutions are given. The two first are related to the rigid case: the first one is associated to a concentrated load, the second one is associated to a distributed load. The third example is related to the elastic case. The results show an excellent convergence for the three examples. There are some light misprints on page 70. The relation (3.5) has to be completed in order to get effectively an inner product but such a modification should not affect the given results. In conclusion, this paper is very interesting and pleasant to read.