Abaqus cohesive element help urgent!!

[Bharathsf]

Hi,
I analysed a resin bond in a lap joint using a cohesive COH3D8 element for resin in one case and C3D8R element for resin in another case. I am not finding any significant difference in stress values. So what is the difference between a normal 3D element and a cohesive 3D element. Can anybody please advice me on this issue?

Bharat

 

[compositesFEAguru]

Hi Bharat,

Cohesive elements do not generate any stress as a result of membrane stretching or shearing. The only stresses developed in a 3D cohesive element therefore are through-thickness (33) and transverse shear (13 and 23). In a lap joint, the membrane stresses are minimal so you would expect to see similar results between the continuum and cohesive elements.

I hope this helps,
-Dan
Firehole Composites (firehole.com)