DEVELOPMENT, ASSESSMENT AND VERIFICATION OF FINITE ELEMENT PROCEDURES FOR CONTACT PROBLEMS

A frictionless three-dimensional contact algorithm based on the pre-discretization penalty formulation was proposed. The algorithm proved to be robust, accurate and symmetry preserving-no master/slave surfaces have been introduced. It was implemented in the finite element code PMD (Package for Machine Design) for the solution of complex engineering problems. The capability of the algorithm was demonstrated in creep analysis of T-piece of the steam distributor of the CHEMOPETROL heating plant T200. Material properties were described by the probabilistic exponential model with damage. The purpose of the analysis was to compare the original version and the proposed design modification applied to one of T-pieces of the distributor when the proposed contact algorithm was employed to simulate the interaction between the collar and the pipe.