A stabilized Lagrange multiplier method for the finite element approximation of contact problems in elastostatics (Q2270143)

In this important paper the authors consider a mixed finite element method which does not require an inf-sup condition. The authors study a continuous problem modelling the frictionless contact of a linear elastic body with a rigid foundation under the small strain hypothesis. The corresponding state inequality implies that the equivalent mixed formulation involves a Lagrange multiplier representing the contact pressure. An extension of the ``Barbosa-Hughes-Nitsche'' concept to the contact problem is proposed, and it is shown that the corresponding discrete problems admits a unique solution. The authors perform a convergence analysis for a two-dimensional body and for three elementary contact conditions (each of them corresponding to an approximation of the discrete contact condition). The main result is the following: The authors show (rigorous proofs are given) that the approximations are convergent and that the error estimates are optimal if additional regularity assumptions are added. For any contact condition, they establish the same convergence rates as in the nonstabilized case when the inf-sup condition holds. Finally, several numerical examples in two and three dimensions are presented.