A comparison between non-conforming node-to-point and weak approaches in contact problems by BEM

Identical discretizations along the contact zone have traditionally been used for the two bodies involved in the contact. The procedures for applying contact conditions relate variables of the nodes of the two bodies in contact. There are some situations where the use of non-conforming discretizations along the contact zone is advisable or even unavoidable. The extrapolation of the former procedures of applying contact conditions to the case of non-conforming discretizations may lead to non satisfactory results. The use of a variational approach applying the contact conditions in a weak form leads to smooth and accurate results independently of the degree of non-conformity of the discretizations employed.