Analytical and numerical modelling of non-driven disc on friction material

The analysis of boundary value problems associated with large deformations are often difficult to solve with traditional Lagrangian finite element methods. Since large deformation problems suffer from mesh distortions especially in contact problems, the convergent solution is difficult to obtain. Accordingly, the Coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian (CEL) approach is employed, using the finite element code, Abaqus/Explicit, to assess the influence of the soil strength and rigid object geometry on the relationship between the forces acting on the object and its sinkage. An analytical model is also presented, which predicts the drag and vertical forces acting on the rigid object, towed in non-cohesive material. This study is only focused on predictive tools for the modelling of the interaction between a non-driven disc and deformable soil. Analytical and numerical results are compared with the experimental results available in the literature and those obtained from scaled model sections of a disc assembly and single disc and generally good agreement is obtained.