A Consistent Implicit Formulation for Nonlinear Finite Element Modeling With Contact and Friction: Part I—Theory

A formulation for finite element simulation of highly nonlinear problems including friction and contact with arbitrarily shaped rigid surfaces is proposed (CFS approach), prompted by difficulties in robust and accurate simulations of industrial forming processes. Nonlinearities are caused by large strains, plastic flow, and complex boundary conditions with frictional contact. In Part I the theoretical basis is described and the appropriate numerical algorithm is derived. The complete set of the governing relations, comprising equilibrium and interfacial equations, is appropriately linearized; resulting in a consistent tangent operator of the Newton-Raphson algorithm. In Part II, as a numerical verification, plane-strain sheet-forming processes are analyzed using a rigid-viscoplastic material model. Results are presented and discussed for test problems and for complex simulation of reverse drawing by concave tools.