How to implement a UEL subroutine in Abaqus to model an electric damper?

[rdiogo]

Hello all,

My goal here is to create a simple two-node element with 1 active DOF per node (electrical charge) through the Abaqus user subroutine UEL. This element would then be connected to a piezoelectric structure (a simple cube) that is being harmonically excited by an applied stress (therefore generating a harmonic, time-dependent voltage across its faces). In essence, this element needs to offer some kind of electrical resistance to the current that flows between the two charged faces (which are connected), dissipating energy and acting as an electric damper.

I'd like to thank you for your help in advance, user subroutines are somewhat of an obscure science for even the most experienced Abaqus users and I'm just getting started with it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[IceBreakerSours]

Have you ever hard coded an element? Have you ever hard coded an Abaqus subroutine before and managed to successfully run one? Do you have help (support in terms of faculty/senior colleagues/..) available to you? Do you have "sufficient" time?

Writing a UMAT/UELMAT/UEL etc. is a non-trivial task and technical/logistic/strategic questions have to be carefully/honestly answered before embarking upon such a task. It may very well be that the technical questions are the least worrisome. Note that Abaqus will NOT provide support for subroutines so you will be on your own.

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

 

[rdiogo]

Thank you for your response, I'll be sure to look up these FAQ. Yes, it's my first attempt at this sort of endeavour and I've already noticed the lack of support provided in this matter.