Finite element analysis of contact problems using transition elements

ABSTRACT FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF CONTACT PROBLEMS USING TRANSITION ELEMENTS KANBER, Bahattin M. Sc. In Mechanical Engineering Supervisor: Assist. Prof. Dr. i. Halil GÜZELBEY June1997, 120 pages In this work, the first attempt has been done to analyze two dimensional contact problems using Finite Element Method with transition elements. Quadrilateral and triangular transition elements have been derived using a Lagrange Based Approach and Pascal triangle employing Mathematica. Transition elements were adapted to an existing 2-D FE contact program. The results of the elements derived using the Lagrange Based Approach and Pascal triangle were compared with each other. It was observed that they have the same accuracy but the Shape Functions obtained by Pascal triangle have less and low order terms. The developed elements were tested using patch tests. Some case studies were carried out for contact problems and validated using ANSYS Finite Element Package program. It was shown that the elements derived based upon Pascal triangle produce accurate results with considerable saving in CPU time. Key words: Finite Element Method, Contact Problems, Transition Elements, Pascal triangle, ANSYS, CPU