Level set based multi-scale methods for large deformation contact problems

Abstract: We consider the numerical simulation of contact problems in elasticity with large deformations. The non-penetration condition is described by means of a signed distance function to the obstacle''s boundary. Techniques from level set methods allow for an appropriate numerical approximation of the signed distance function preserving its non-smooth character. The emerging non-convex optimization problem subject to non-smooth inequality constraints is solved by a non-smooth multiscale SQP method in combination with a non-smooth multigrid method as interior solver. Several examples in three space dimensions including applications in biomechanics illustrate the capability of our methods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]