Uzawa and Newton algorithms to solve frictional contact problems within the bi-potential framework

This paper is concerned with the numerical modeling of three-dimensional unilateral contact problems in elastostatics with Coulomb friction laws. We propose a Newton-like algorithm to solve the local contact non-linear equations within the bi-potential framework. The piecewise continuous contact tangent matrices are explicitly derived. A comparative study is made between the Newton algorithm and the previously developed Uzawa algorithm. A test example is included to demonstrate the developed algorithms and to highlight their performance. Copyright q 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd