A space fibre as added value in finite element modelling for optimal analysis of problems involving contact

The present work deals with the non-linear formulation of an axisymmetric hyperelastic solid model, based on the concept space fibre rotation (SFR). The SFR-Axi model uses the kinematics of a space fibre to obtain a quite accurate displacement field. It improves in a significant way the precision of the linear element Q4-Axi. It can even be compared, on the accuracy and CPU time level, with the high-order elements as Q8-Axi for instance. A hyperelastic law, based on the Mooney-Rivlin model, is implemented to allow to the present model a better simulation of the forming process of hollow plastic bodies. The numerical results relate to primarily some known tests of hyperelastic structures, with and without contact (swellings).