;This paper provides a new algorithm and a simulation code for 3D contact analysis of 3D deformable polyhedrons of any shape. Only the contact types of vertex-to-face and edge-to-edge are required for the eleven types of contact are theoretically possible between any two tetrahedron blocks.
Traditional contact of polyhedron blocks are way more difficult than contact of tetrahedron blocks. This study intends to reduce the complex level of polyhedron blocks contact by using tetrahedron meshes. Cutting polyhedron blocks into tetrahedron meshes, then using contact detection methods among tetrahedron blocks. With the advantages of Vector Finite Elements Methods, this computer code can simulate contact behavior among multiple deformable polyhedrons in motion. To speed up this program, this study provides a function to the tetrahedron meshes. After we establishing the simulation model, we use mesh analysis to sort the tetrahedrons are the ones inside the polyhedron body or the ones with possible contact. Then we use the closed surface informations to analyze the contact problems. Some example problems are studied to verify the accuracy and capabilities of this newly proposed simulation code.
