Mortar method for 2D elastic bounded contact problems

Abstract

This paper presents a contribution to the field of numerical solutions for contact problems, which pose significant challenges in engineering and simulations. Specifically, we address the intricate task of connecting bodies that have been discretized using non-conforming and non-overlapping meshes. Our primary focus lies in investigating the efficacy of the mortar method with a segment-to-segment approach. In this context, we provide a concise overview of the underlying theoretical framework and present our implementation in the MATLAB programming environment. To ascertain the reliability and accuracy of our proposed methodology, we conduct a rigorous validation study by comparing the outcomes obtained from our implementation with those derived from the widely adopted commercial software, ANSYS. To enable a comprehensive evaluation, we select specific benchmark problems that involve the interaction of two elastic bodies. Through a meticulous analysis and comparison of results, we demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of our approach. The findings of this study contribute substantively to the advancement of numerical techniques for solving contact problems. The validated methodology not only establishes a solid foundation for future research endeavors but also offers a reliable framework for conducting simulations in this domain. Furthermore, the insights gained from this study can potentially facilitate the development of more efficient and accurate computational algorithms for addressing contact problems encountered in various engineering applications.