how to simulate contact using shell and contact elements

[MCVZ]

Dear All,

I am trying to simulate bonded contact between two surfaces. I am using shell63 elements for the structure and then using CONTA177 on the linking lines. However I am obtaining an error:

*** ERROR *** CP = 80.044 TIME= 15:14:24
Real constant 1 has been referenced by at least element types 2 and 1,
one of which is contact element type.


Anyone knows how to solve this error and what is the best way to simulate contact using shell63 and conta177 elements?
I already tried to assign different real constants to the contact lines and to the shell areas, but it is not working

Any help appreciated,
Thanks,

 

[0rel]

Hi,

Anyone knows how to solve this error and what is the best way to simulate contact using shell63 and conta177 elements?
I already tried to assign different real constants to the contact lines and to the shell areas, but it is not working

It would help to know why it doesn't work. You error message is pretty clear. Assign your real const 1 to shell elements and define a real const 2 for conta / targe elements then give us the error message.

Regards

 

[rickfischer51]

Contact is simulated by placing contact elements on one body and target elements on the other body. The contact and target elements are linked because they have the same real constant number. If non-contact elements, in this case probably your shell63, have the same real constant number, it doesn't work. From the Contact Technology Guide:

3.9.1. Real Constants

Two real constants, R1 and R2, are used to define the geometry of the target surface elements. The remaining are used by the contact surface elements.

Use the REAL command to set the real constant before you make the contact elements.




Rick Fischer
Principal Engineer
Argonne National Laboratory