Fast FEBEM algorithms for orthotropic frictional contact

This paper presents a new and efficient methodology for solving 3D frictional contact problems considering an orthotropic friction law. The contact methodology is based on a proposed augmented Lagrangian formulation for orthotropic frictional contact problems, and a new discrete contact operator, which allows to reduce the number of unknowns in a Newton-like algorithm that accelerates the attainment of the solution. A fast Uzawa scheme is also proposed on the basis of the Steffensen's method. Both algorithms prove to be very robust and efficient to solve orthotropic frictional contact problems. The proposed formalism has the advantage of being very compact and valid for both the FEM and the BEM. Numerical results are given to demonstrate the validity of the formulation and algorithms proposed. Copyright (c) 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.