ABAQUS simulation of a concrete plate under a temperature field and gravity

[hangv]

Question Background:
I have simulated the behavior of a concrete plate placed on a base, with ABAQUS. The interaction and concrete and base is 'hard contact' and separation is allowed. A friction of 0.15 is set between plate and base. In step 'initial', the temperature is 0 at both top and bottom surfaces of plate. In step 'apply load', the temperature remains 0 at bottom surface while that drops to -20 at top. The plate also undergoes the gravity force. The 'Mass Density' of plate is 200. The result is shown in the following picture.

Question:
When I change 'Mass Density' of concrete from 200 to 100 or smaller, I cannot get converged result, but a error message "Too many attempts made for this increment." But it is always OK for 'Mass Density' of 200 or greater. I wish anyone good at ABAQUS can figure out what is the problem. How can I get a good result with a 'Mass Density' approaching 0? (The reason I want to reduce the 'Mass Density' is that I have a theoretical equation for the model disregarding Mass Density, which can be used to verify results of ABAQUS)

 

[JohnRBaker]

You may have a better chance to get a response if you were to post this question in the following forum, which is dedicated to ABAQUS:

http://www.eng-tips.com/threadminder.cfm?pid=799

John R. Baker, P.E. (ret)
EX-Product 'Evangelist'
Irvine, CA
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The secret of life is not finding someone to live with
It's finding someone you can't live without

 

[hangv]

Thank you. This information is very helpful to me because it is the first time I come here to ask questions.