You can use the node-to-surface contact element CONTA175 to model flexible-flexible or rigid-flexible contact between a surface and a node. Additionally, you can use these elements to represent contact between two surfaces by specifying one surface as a group of nodes.

Node-to-surface contact is a phenomenon that occurs in most engineering applications: fasteners (nuts, bolts, rivets, pins), metal forming, rolling operations, dynamic pipe whip, etc. Engineers are interested in the stresses, deflections, forces, and temperature changes that occur due to contact between structural parts.