Geometric properties of 2D and 3D unilateral large slip contact operators (Q1372801)

In order to treat the unilateral (frictionless) large slip contact between a deformable body and a smooth rigid obstacle, geometrical properties associated to smooth planar curves and surfaces are investigated. Starting from basic differential geometry properties of smooth planar curves, the kinematics of node-to-node or node-to-facet contact is generalized: the projection of a potential contactor point (striker) on any parametrizable curve and its first variation are derived. These results are specialized to the particular case where cubic Hermite curves and surfaces are considered. The resulting contact element features are illustrated with a Hertz contact benchmark problem and with a three-dimensional model of the human patella (knee-cap) sliding over the femur during knee flexion.