A modular approach to structure assembly computations: application to contact problems

Presents a modular method for obtaining either a quick or a precise calculation for three‐dimensional structure assemblies with local non‐linearities, such as unilateral contact with friction, or technological components, such as prestressed bolt joints. An iterative method, including a domain‐decomposition technique, is proposed to solve such quasi‐static problems in small perturbations. Two types of entities are introduced: sub‐structures and interfaces. A local and a global stage are successively carried out by an iterative algorithm until convergence. The linear problem in the global stage is solved by a FEM (3D case) or by another approach using Trefftz functions (2D axisymmetrical case). Applications developed with AÉROSPATIALE‐Les Mureaux are presented and concern the study of structure joints with different types of flanges.