A surface contact describes the connection between parallel surfaces. With this coupling of surfaces, you can control the force transmission without – as in RFEM 5 – creating a contact solid. This allows you to connect surfaces whose contact is effective, for example, only for compressive forces.
Surface Contact of Objects
In the 'Between' list, select the geometric relationship between the surfaces:
- Surface to surface: The two parallel surface groups are at a distance from each other.
- Surface on surface: The surface groups lie directly on top of each other without a distance, that is, in the same plane.
Enter the numbers of the surfaces between which there is a contact. Define one of the surfaces as 'Group 1' and the surface parallel to it as 'Group 2'. Using the
button, you can select the surfaces graphically. Each group may also consist of several surfaces.
Surface contacts are currently only possible for planar surfaces.
Surface Contact Type
The surface contact type controls which forces are transmitted between the two surfaces. You can select the type in the list or redefine it using the
button (see chapter Surface Contact Types).
Options
The 'Prefer independent mesh' check box allows you to create specific FE meshes for the two surfaces with their integrated objects.