Computational Methods in Contact Mechanics III (Computational Methods and Experimental Measurements) (v. 3)

This book consists of the edited versions of the papers presented at the Third International Conference on Computational Methods in Contact Mechanics, which was held in Madrid, Spain, July 1-3, 1997. It identifies the developments in computer technology and computational methods which have enabled engineers to solve many complex practical contact problems, both accurately and efficiently. The 36 papers cover Mechanical, Numerical, and Mathematical Models, as well as engineering applications.

The importance of contact mechanics to engineering design has long been recognized. Due to great advances in today's computer technology and computational analyzing techniques, it is possible to solve complex contact problems involving several bodies. Contact problems are computationally demanding as they are inherently nonlinear. This nonlinearity is due to the moving boundary and the existence of friction along the contact surfaces. Papers within this book present mechanical models including rolling, impact, shock and unilateral contact; numerical models such as the finite element model, boundary element method and integral equations; engineering applications such as fracture mechanics and composite materials, as well as mathematical models.