A new finite element simulation method of large-scale non-continuum structure considering interface contact effects

A finite element method based on dynamic stiffness simulation considering the influences of surface contact effects upon large-scale non-continuum structures is presented. The non-continuum surface contact effects are considered in this simulation method by introducing spring units approach to equivalent contact interface stiffness. The steps include: 1. A micro cubic finite element model with rough contact surfaces is built to determine the contact interface stiffness on a per unit area approach, it reduces the workload and improves calculation accuracy comparing with the direct contact analysis of the whole model. 2. The zero thickness spring units with equivalent contact stiffness are utilized between the contact surfaces of the bearing pedestal finite element model to represent the effects of surface roughness on dynamic stiffness. 3. The dynamic stiffness of the bearing pedestal considering interface contact effect is obtained by finite element harmonic analysis. The method is verified by the test data of a certain type bearing pedestal of balancing machine. The simulation results considering the influences of surface contact effects are in much better agreement with the experiment results.