ABAQUS FEA of aluminium profile bending: Which mesh type would be most ideal for this?

[ahildershavn]

Hello,

I have just started using ABAQUS for the purpose of simulating the bending process of an aluminium profile. See attached image for typical profile section.
The bend radius is not severe, but defects(bulging etc. ) do occur in practical experiments. As I am used to a program called DEFORM from my studies(although 6-7 years ago I used it last time) ABAQUS is not my strength at present(working on it though). I was therefore wondering if anyone here could recommend a type of mesh for the die/tools and the profile itself? I Have stumbled upon C3D8I elements as suitable, but I am not quite sure.

hoping for some help here guys. It would be much appreciated.

-Andreas-

 

[corus]

I'd spend a lot more time on getting the mesh looking better than it is. It looks like you've just thrown an automatic mesher at it. Also I'd consider whether you need the small radii in the shape as it's doubtful they'd have any significance on the overall deformation. The poor mesh you have at the moment is more likely to affect the deformation than these small features.

 

[Mustaine3]

I assume the global mesh seed is too large. Reduce it and the mesh should become better.

If not, upload the .cae file with that part.

 

[IceBreakerSours]

You should read the documentation on meshing. Partitioning the body and appropriate seed sizes will let you create an excellent mesh for this geometry. C3D8I is a good choice.

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[ahildershavn]

The mesh shown is just a coarse mesh I made to check if the simulation would run. I have divided the profile/body into regions and added mesh seeds on relevant edges. I will post an update as soon as I have made the changes.
Thank you for advice.

-Andreas-

 

[ShellsPlatesMeshes]

If you need a really good automatic mesher, there is a number of good ones
delivering pretty good meshes (a few links are provided below):

http://members.ozemail.com.au/~comecau/quad_build.htm

http://members.ozemail.com.au/~comecau/quad_gen.htm

http://members.ozemail.com.au/~comecau/aniso_quad.htm