An adaptive scaled boundary finite element method for contact analysis

In this work, we propose a framework for an adaptive contact analysis in deformable solids using the effective error indicator from the scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM) with a quadtree decomposition. Further, the SBFEM is implemented with the commercial finite element software, Abaqus, to perform the contact analysis by employing the user element subroutine (UEL) feature. The SBFEM error indicator coupled with the quadtree decomposition is implemented in Matlab and allowed to interact with the Abaqus using.inp file for an adaptive refinement. The detailed implementation of the framework, input data format, and the UEL subroutine which is one of the key features of the proposed work are clearly explained. The effectiveness of the proposed framework is demonstrated by solving several contact problems of engineering significance.

Automated summary

This work presents a framework for adaptive contact analysis in deformable solids, utilizing the SBFEM error indicator and quadtree decomposition, implemented and demonstrated using Abaqus for solving engineering significant contact problems.