Finite-element analysis of contact problems in thermoelasticity. The semi-coercive case

AbstractNumerical analysis of the Signorini problem with friction in two-dimensional quasi coupled linear thermoelasticity is investigated. Piecewise linear finite elements on the triangulation of the given domain Ω⊂R2 with polygonal boundary ∂Ω are used. In this contribution we establish the rate of convergence of the finite-element approximate solution uh, provided the exact solution is smooth enough. In general the problem represents the model problem of a great number of branches, such as the model problem of a high-level radioactive waste disposal system as well as the model problem of geodynamcis and biomechanics, etc