A quadratic boundary element formulation for three-dimensional contact problems with friction

This paper is concerned with the development of advanced algorithms for thr ee-dimensional frictional contact problems using a quadratic boundary eleme nt formulation. The contact variables are defined with respect to each of t he surfaces using local coordinate systems. Equilibrium conditions, displac ement continuity requirements and Coulomb's law of friction applied to thre e-dimensional contact are used to derive the contact equations. These equat ions are directly coupled at the contact interface to form a reduced set of determinate simultaneous equations. Four three-dimensional frictional cont act applications covering stationary and advancing contact surfaces are pre sented in which boundary element solutions are compared with the correspond ing finite element solutions. The results are presented in the form of norm al contact stresses, shear stresses, relative tangential displacements and the stick-slip partitioning of the contact interface.