Mathematical and numerical approaches to a one-dimensional dynamic thermoviscoelastic contact problem

In this paper, we propose numerical schemes for solving a nonlinear system which consists of a coupled partial differential equations and two conditions, called normal compliance contact condition and Barber's heat exchange condition. The convergence of numerical trajectories is shown by using a time discretization and passing the limit of the time step size. The uniqueness of the weak solution is proved as well. We derive the extensive form of an energy balance which will be a criterion to examine numerical stability. An example is provided to present and discuss numerical results. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.