Abstract: Contact problem is a highly nonlinear behavior. Different contact types and control factors
have an important effect on the results of the simulation model. In this study, the ability of resisting to
deformation of link-fitting with high-strength material was simulated by FEA, using commercial
software Abaqus. Different contact types between U-shackle and its connecting part were set up. Upon
comparison and analyzation of the results with different contact types, it is clear that the contact type of
U-shackle is suitable for the given service condition. Through nonlinear static analysis, the stress and
deformation distributions of link-fitting were obtained. According to the results, modification
suggestions were put forward, which provides a scientific guidance for the design of the link-fitting.

Key words: link-fitting, nonlinear, contact, finite element simulation