Uzawa and Newton algorithms to solve frictional contact problems within the bi‐potential framework

Abstract

Abstract This paper is concerned with the numerical modeling of three‐dimensional unilateral contact problems in elastostatics with Coulomb friction laws. We propose a Newton‐like algorithm to solve the local contact non‐linear equations within the bi‐potential framework. The piecewise continuous contact tangent matrices are explicitly derived. A comparative study is made between the Newton algorithm and the previously developed Uzawa algorithm. A test example is included to demonstrate the developed algorithms and to highlight their performance. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.