Beam to Beam Contact Modeling using 1D beam elements 1

[mrislam]

Hi All,

I am working on modeling of fiber to fiber interaction in a random fiber network. I have modeled the fibers as 1D beam elements and would like to implement contact between fibers. I did some study and figured out Abaqus/Explicit is the only option for contact modeling of 1D beam elements. As I implement the general contact algorithm in Abaqus/Explicit for 1D beam elements, I observe that it allows some penetration of fiber cross section until the centerlines come in contact.However, Abaqus analysis user guide (Chapter 36.4.1) says it does detect contact edges. I am not sure what I am doing wrong. So, any experience with relevant problem is highly appreciated.

Thanks
Mohammad Islam