Display 6 components of tensor with shell element

[Linhin]

Hello all,

I am trying to use abaqus for visualizing stress/strain data. What I did is writing data into an ODB file.

The problem is, since I am using 3D shell element, only 4 components(11, 22, 33, 12) of the stress/strain can be displayed. Because the data type is TENSOR_3D_PLANAR for 3D shell element. (details can be checked in manual table 9-1:

http://129.97.46.200:2080/v6.13/books/cmd/default.htm)

If I want to display the full tensor, it seems I have to use solid element. But in my situation, using solid element would cause a lot of hassle.

So I am wondering is there any solution for this problem. Should I create user-defined element?

Thank you, any help would be appreciated!

Lingxuan

zhou523@purdue.edu

 

[DrBwts]

Or a UMAT where you output your calculated through thickness stresses to a file.

Ultimately though if you are concerned about through thickness stress & strains then shell elements are not the way to go.