Publisher
The University of Arizona.Rights
Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.Abstract
The gap finite element uses the Richard equation to account for the nonlinearity in the boundary condition changes during deformation. This is accomplished by replacing the boundary nonlinearity with an equivalent material nonlinearity within the finite element program and using an incremental solution method. The gap element is developed as a special element with easily obtainable input parameters. The gap element is used to predict high stresses in local areas related to the contact of structural bodies. The major advantage to using a finite element solution with a gap element over a classical solution is in the ease of combining the contact stress with other stresses in a structural body.Type
textThesis-Reproduction (electronic)