Abaqus Continuum Shell Elements requirement through thickness

[VN1981]

Hi,
I understand Abaqus takes information of thickness for continuum shell elements via nodal geometry. What the documentation does not make it clear (at least for me) is that, how many elements are permissible through the thickness of the solid? Lets say I have to mesh a thin flange element; can I use more than one element through the thickness?

If the answer is yes, then the follow up question would be, if the flange is made of lay up, how do I define the Element Relative Thickness in the Edit Composite Lay Up > Plies section?

 

[Mustaine3]

Yes Continuum shell can be stacked, so you can have multiple through thickness.

A layup is defined similar to other elements. If the thickness does not fit, it is adjusted based on the proportions (I think).