A new finite element paradigm to solve contact problems with roughness

This article’s main scope is the presentation of a computational method for simulation contact problems within finite element involving complex and rough surfaces. The approach relies on MPJR (eMbedded Profile Joint Roughness) interface proposed in [Paggi, M., Reinoso, J., 2020. Mech. Adv. Mater. Struct. 27:1731–1747], which nominally flat but can embed at nodal level any arbitrary height to reconstruct displacement field due presence roughness. Here, formulation generalized handle 3D surface fields nonlinear constitutive relation, including friction adhesion. methodology herein validated with BEM solutions linear elastic problems. Then, selection prohibitive be simulated by standard algorithms FEM are detailed, highlight promising aspects tribology.