Solution of Variational Inequalities in Mechanics

This book deals with approximation and numerical realization of variational inequalities of elliptic type, having applications in mechanics of solids. Emphasis is devoted to the study of contact problems of elastic bodies and problems of plasticity. The main feature of the book is that problems are treated in all their complexity - from the analysis of the continuous models, existence and uniqueness results, to finite element models and the study of their mutual relation, error estimates, convergence results. Special attention is given to contact problems with friction, where some new results are presented, concerning Coulombs model of friction.