A meshfree contact-detection algorithm

A new contact-detection algorithm is proposed, which is based on the moment matrix of the meshfree interpolation. This new contact-detection algorithm has several advantages over conventional contact-detection algorithms; the y are ease of implementation, accuracy in detection. It is scalable in para llel computations. and applicable to a wide variety of problems. Because th e moment matrix is computed in constructing meshfree approximation, the alg orithm is very suitable for meshfree computations. though it can be used in finite element computations as well. Moreover. such contact-detection algo rithm can be conveniently implemented to detect self-contact. Both algorith mic and mathematical aspects of the contact algorithm are discussed in the paper. To validate the proposed contact algorithm. the Taylor bar problem i s computed using both meshfree method and finite element method (FEM) to si mulate a viscoplastic projectile impacting with a rigid target at high spee d. Numerical results obtained with the meshfree contact algorithm show that this new contact algorithm can accurately predict the contact as well as s eparation of projectile and target. In addition, the numerical results obta ined show distinct and detailed shear band formations occurring in the impa ct event. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.