Embedded elements

[wja365]

I would like to use the embedded element technique (user's manual 6.11 section 33.4.1) to embed rebar reinforced surface elements into 3D solid elements. My question is, how do I generate the surface elements from my 3D solid model? I want these surface elements to conform to the shape of the solid model. I have tried defining a surface from the solid model, but then when I attempt to embed this surface (as a constraint) I cannot select the surface as the embedded region (CAE seems to be asking for 3D elements, not a surface).

I'd be grateful if anyone can offer advice.

 

[IceBreakerSours]

How do you know CAE is asking for 3D and not surface elements? Does CAE give you a warning message saying something along those lines?

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[wja365]

It provides me a list of sets I can select from. No node sets or surfaces appear in the list; only 3D element sets.

 

[IceBreakerSours]

Have you checked the documentation? Is this option (embedding a surface element in a 3D continuum element) supported by CAE? If not, you will have to work directly with the INP file.

Are you new to this forum? If so, please read these FAQ:

http://www.eng-tips.com/faqs.cfm?fid=376

http://www.eng-tips.com/faqs.cfm?fid=1083

 

[wja365]

This can be done by selecting the 3D solid element set you want to embed in, then select Mesh->Edit->Mesh->Offset to create shell layers. Set the offset of the layer to 0 and you have a surface you can use for the rebar (there are details of how to assign the rebar in the Abaqus manual). This surface can then be embedded into the solid 3D element set.

So now I have a new question- how can I visualize the individual bars after the job is run? I can get elemental force by the field output RBFOR, but I cannot see the individual rebars. If anyone can help, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks for the responses to my initial question.

 

[IceBreakerSours]

You can not see the rebars.

Are you new to this forum? If so, please read these FAQ:

http://www.eng-tips.com/faqs.cfm?fid=376

http://www.eng-tips.com/faqs.cfm?fid=1083