Numerical Method for Nonlinear Vibration of Contact Joint Structures

This work focusses on modelling of structured with localized non-linearities. The scales involved in vibration of joint structures are very different: macroscale (mm) for the vibration to microscale at the asperity level of the contact. Different approaches have been developed in Vibration University Technology Centre. This paper will summarise the strategies that have been developed and implemented in the in-house code FORSE. Numerical examples will illustrate the proposed methods with focus on bolted joint beam system where the motion at the frictional interfaces can lead to a highly non-linear dynamic response and cause fretting wear at the contact. The latter changes the contact conditions of the interface and consequently impact the non-linear dynamic response of the entire assembly. The paper will be concluded by a discussion on the future strategies concerning numerical tool and experimental validations in order to improve accuracy of vibration analysis with contact joints.