Non-smooth contact dynamics approach of cohesive materials

The main features of the non‐smooth contact dynamics (NSCD) method—the dynamical equation, the Signorini relation as a non-smooth modelling of unilateral contact, and the frictional Coulomb's law, treated with fully implicit algorithms—are briefly presented in this paper. By mere changes of variables, it appears that a large class of interface problems, including cohesive interface problems, may be solved using Signorini, Coulomb and standard NSCD algorithms. Emphasis is put on contact between deformable bodies. Examples illustrating numerical simulation are given for fibre-reinforced materials and for buildings made of blocks.