Space-time finite element methods for the sensitivity analysis of contact/impact response of axisymmetric composite structures Original Research Article

Space-time finite element methods are applied to the sensitivity analysis of frictional contact/impact response of axisymmetric composite structures. The structures are assumed to consist of an arbitrary number of perfectly bonded homogeneous anisotropic layers. Only small displacements are considered and the material of each layer is assumed to be hyperelastic. The sensitivity coefficients measure the sensitivity of the response to variations in material parameters of the structure. A displacement finite element model is used for the spatial discretization. The temporal integration is performed by using the time-discontinuous Galerkin method. Least-squares stabilizing operators are added to the governing equations to enhance the stability by smoothing out the high frequency modes, without degrading the accuracy. A quasi-explicit iterative technique is used for generating the response and evaluating the sensitivity coefficients. The normal contact conditions are incorporated within the iterative process. Numerical results are presented for the sensitivity analysis of contact/impact response of a composite spherical cap impacting a rigid plate.