Modelling the Characteristics of Interface Surfaces by the Finite Element Method

Abstract
This paper describes the development of a finite element model to simulate the behaviour of an interface which is formed between two contacting bodies. The normal behaviour is modelled using well-known equations. From available experimental data, the shear behaviour of the interface during loading, reloading and unloading is approximated by third-degree polynomials. The model approximates this non-linear behaviour using an incremental method. During each iteration, a portion of the external load is applied and the shear and normal stiffnesses are calculated using the tangent-stiffness method. Three examples, including a bolted cantilever, are analysed and the predicted results are compared with experimental results.