Analysis of Systems with Unilateral Constraints through the Finite Element Method in the Form of a Classical Mixed Method

AbstractThe paper gives an algorithm for the analysis of systems with unilateral constraints through the finite element method in the form of a classical mixed method. Given that both displacements and forces are variables in the system of governing equations, the procedure for the incremental parametric loading as a part of the analysis of structurally nonlinear systems allows varying the respective parameter, tending from «hard» loading based on the load parameter towards «soft» loading based on the displacement (configuration) parameter. The efficiency of the algorithm is shown by the example of a beam with unilateral constraints