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 AEROSPATIALE-Les Mureaux are presented and concern the study of structure joints with different types of flanges.