ANALYSIS OF BEAM CONTACT PROBLEMS VIA OPTIMAL-CONTROL THEORY

A class of large-deflection contact problems for beams is treated with in the framework of optimal control theory, using an automated softwar e system developed for variational optimization (e.g., trajectory opti mization). Analysis of both Euler-Bernoulli and Timoshenko-type models is presented. Essentially exact numerical solutions are obtained by s hooting, and the accuracy of a very efficient mixed finite element app roach on which the automated software is based is demonstrated. Advant ages of posing the problem within the optimal control framework are di scussed. These include 1) being able to establish from the Euler-Berno ulli equations the existence of a physically inappropriate touch-point solution and 2) the ease by which an integral of the governing equati ons can be found to independently check the accuracy of a numerical so lution.