Modeling and simulation of revolute clearance joint with friction using the NURBS-based isogeometric analysis

In this work, the revolute clearance joint problem is discussed within the framework of isogeometric analysis (IGA). A unified geometric and analysis model for the clearance joint is proposed based on the multiple non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS) patches approach. The formulations of the contact variables, virtual work and linearization are developed using the geometrically exact covariant approach and discretized in the IGA settings. Special treatments of the multipatch-related issues are provided to ensure the stability and efficiency of the contact detection and continuous integration over patch interfaces and verified with long-term numerical simulations. Numerical simulation of two mechanisms with variant flexibilities is performed, and the dynamic responses are analyzed in detail. Results show that the proposed framework is promising for the detailed analysis of revolute clearance joint problems with friction considering the exact geometry of contact interface and sophisticated constitutive laws.