A FINITE-ELEMENT FORMULATION OF THERMOMECHANICAL RATE-DEPENDENT FRICTIONAL SLIDING

In this work, a combined theoretical and numerical approach is taken t o consider the dynamic behaviour and the thermomechanical interactions of systems in which friction has an important role. Emphasis is place d on the proper numerical description of fully coupled thermomechanica l response on frictional interfaces. From a theoretical standpoint, th e first and second laws of thermodynamics are carefully formulated in the context of large deformations, giving rise to a numerical descript ion of contact interaction that is consistent with these laws. physica l observations encompassed by the proposed interface description inclu de thermal softening of frictional response, rate dependence, pressure dependent heat conduction across the interface, and heat sinks on the interfaces created by trapped wear debris. The finite element impleme ntation of the framework is discussed and demonstrated, with numerical examples successfully describing such phenomena as fading braking tor que in automobiles and the observed temperature and friction evolution at the interface between a gun barrel and a projectile passing throug h it. (C) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.