Finite Element Analysis of Rolling Contact Problems Using Minimum Dissipation of Energy Principle

Abstract

In steady rolling motion, the loads and the fields of strain, stress, and deformations do not change with time at the contact region, as the contact region is continuously being formed by a new rolling surface. The principle of minimum dissipation of energy and the concept of traveling finite elements are made use of in solving such problems and the determination of micro-slips. The conditions of contact are discovered by use of the kinematic constraints and the Coulomb’s law of friction. A two-dimensional plane-strain finite element method along with the iterative procedure is used. The results obtained are in good agreement with expected behavior.