Abaqus cohesive elements

[AndreLR]

Hey.
I have two components connected by a cohesive layer (using cohesive elements). The cohesive layer is then fully degraded. I haven't changed anything regarding element deletion or contact between the two components. Is there any chance there can be penetration between the two components after the cohesive elements degrade? Do I have to model a contact interaction between the two components to prevent that?
Thanks for the help

 

[FEA way]

It depends on whether you use Abaqus/Standard or Explicit. Check the documentation chapter "Modeling with Cohesive Elements", paragraph "Defining Contact between Surrounding Components". You can define contact between the parts that may interact after the failure of the adhesive layer or just use general contact (in Explicit) that will take this into account automatically.

 

[AndreLR]

Thanks for the answer.
just to clarify, in Abaqus Standard the no-penetration between the adjacent components needs to be modelled (for instance with a normal hard contact interaction)?

 

[FEA way]

Yes, you have to define contact interactions for surfaces that may come into contact after the cohesive elements fail and are removed from the mesh.