Numerical study of a stratified composite coupling homogenization and frictional contact

In this paper, we discuss elastostatics problems involving a nonclassical boundary condition which is not taken into account in usual homogenization process: the coupling of unilateral contact and Coulomb friction. Theoretical results are recalled. Mixed formulation is introduced and numerical methods are reviewed. The example of a stratified composite is proposed to study numerically the convergence of the classical homogenization techniques. This work shows that for strong friction coefficients, the coupling of contact and friction seems to perturb the homogenization process. On the other hand, if the friction coefficient is small enough, the results are weakly perturbed.