Abstract
This paper describes a local contact search method using a multilayer neural network and its application to a smoothed contact surface with Gregory patches. Contact search process consists of two phases: a global search phase for finding the nearest node-segment pair and a local search phase for finding an exact local coordinate of the contact point within the segment. In the present method, the multilayer neural network is utilized for finding the local coordinate of the contact point in the local search phase. The fundamental formulation of the neuro-based local contact search method is described in detail, and its application to smoothed contact surfaces with Gregory patches, that can describe a smooth surface over an irregular mesh. Its basic performance is tested through sample analyses.
