A unified contact algorithm based on the territory concept (Q2564550)

A unified contact algorithm based on the territory concept is described. This contact algorithm treats general contact interfaces in explicit finite element analysis. Contact segments from all potential contact boundaries are treated as a single set. The concepts of hierarchy territory and contact territory are used to facilitate efficient searching procedures. A three-dimensional bucket sort algorithm is used to find test pairs efficiently. Pre-contact and post-contact searching procedures are distinguished. The calculation of contact forces is performed with the defence node algorithm, which is based on the Lagrange multiplier procedure. Numerical results show that this contact algorithm is reliable and efficient.