4.1. The Node-to-Surface Contact Element

Node-to-surface contact is represented by following the positions of points on one surface (the contact surface, modeled by CONTA175) relative to lines or areas of another surface (the target surface, modeled by TARGE169 or TARGE170).

CONTA175, in two or three dimensions, is depicted in Figure 4.1: Node-to-Surface Contact Elements.

Figure 4.1: Node-to-Surface Contact Elements

Node-to-Surface Contact Elements

Presented below are characteristics of CONTA175:

  • Has one node and its target surface is defined by TARGE169 or TARGE170. CONTA175 uses the same real constant set as the surface-to-surface contact elements. See Real Constants for more information.

  • Supports 2D/3D rigid-flexible and flexible-flexible contact.

  • Does not support 3D contact surfaces with midside nodes, but can support 2D/3D target surfaces with midside nodes or 2D contact surfaces with midside nodes.

  • Generates elements using the ESURF command, as do the surface-to-surface contact elements.

  • Supports structural, thermal, electric, magnetic, pore fluid flow, and diffusion analyses.

Note:  CONTA175 is recommended for point-to-surface or edge-to-surface problems. It can also be used to supplement a surface-to-surface pair at strategic locations where edge contact exists. For general surface-to-surface contact, CONTA172 and CONTA174 are recommended.