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Surface to Surface Contact

Facts about surface to surface contact:

  • More general than node to node and node to surface contacts. Suitable for complex contacts with general loading.

  • Does not require compatible mesh between source and target faces.

  • Allows faces only as source and target entities.

NOTE: The program selects the candidates for source and target faces internally. They are defined using the Set 1 and Set 2 entities in the Contact Set PropertyManager.

  • In most cases, it gives more accurate results but requires more time and resources.  

  • Not recommended when the area of contact between a source face and target face becomes too small or reduces to a line or point during deformation. In such cases, use the Node to Surface option.

  • This contact formulation is available with the No Penetration contact type for static studies. It prevents interference between the source and target faces during loading but allows them to move away from each other to form gaps. For thermal studies, this option is available with the Thermal Resistance contact type.

  • For nonlinear studies, a surface to surface contact option is available in the Contact Set PropertyManager. Creating a fine mesh in the contact area improves the results for this option. You can still use the other contact options, Node to Node and Node to Surface under Advanced options in the Contact Set PropertyManager.

NOTE: The same approach is used for draft quality mesh, but speed gain in simulation is more prominent when using high quality mesh.



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