README.md

CONTACT

CONTACT is an advanced simulation program for the study of three-dimensional frictional contact problems, such as occur between wheel and rail, in roller bearings and in offset printing devices. It implements the theories for rolling contact by Dr.ir. E.A.H. Vollebregt and Prof.dr.ir. J.J. Kalker of Delft University of Technology.

Physics model

CONTACT is intended for concentrated contact problems:

• from given (wheel/rail) profiles, determine where contact occurs;
• identifying the size and shape of contact areas and the pressures acting;
• accounting for creepage and friction, determine the tangential surface stresses (tractions), and regions with adhesion and (micro-)slip;
• calculation of elastic displacements and subsurface stresses in the bodies' interiors;
• for stationary and instationary, rolling and sliding problems;
• with Hertzian and non-Hertzian, "smooth edged" geometries, such that the contact is "concentrated" in a small, almost flat part of the bodies' surfaces;
• for massive homogeneous bodies of elastic and viscoelastic materials.

CONTACT aims to provide complete and detailed solutions, with a powerful interface for integration in multi-body simulation software. The quality of Finite Elements, at one thousandth of the computation time needed.

Requirements

Compilation currently requires use of the Intel Fortran compiler, mainly because of the use of the Math Kernel Library (Intel MKL) for FFTs and LAPACK functionality. The compiler can be obtained for free at intel.com.

Getting started

Introductory information is provided in the getting started guide.

Reporting issues

We welcome your feedback. You can create an issue, start a discussion, or just contact Edwin Vollebregt via e-mail or his user profile.

Contribution

We welcome contributions. Please contact Edwin Vollebregt and we'll discuss how to work together.

The open source version of CONTACT has been supported financially by the US Federal Railroad Administration. This is greatly acknowledged.

Binary version

CONTACT is provided by Edwin Vollebregt, through his company Vtech CMCC.

• An "open source version" is provided for the full CONTACT program and CONTACT library version.
• A "convenience version" is provided at a service fee: with additional quality checking, documentation, with an automated installer, and detailed support. See the section "Software products" at the website of Vtech CMCC.

License

Apache License 2.0, see LICENSE.md.