Numerical Simulation of Some Variational Inequalities Arisen from Unilateral Contact Problems by the Finite Element Methods

Abstract

This contribution deals with the finite element approximation of the variational inequalities coming from the Signorini problem and the unilateral contact between two elastic bodies. The numerical analysis we carry out improves former results and states optimal convergence rates, under reasonable regularity hypotheses, for both conforming and nonconforming methods.