nanocomposite meshing

[Austine316]

Hello everyone, I am new here and I hope to get help. I am modeling and simulating my nanocomposite material on a 3-point bending analysis in abaqus. My model is not converging, I believe it is something to do with the meshing. When I run the matrix only, i.e. without the nanotube inside, I get good results which is comparable to my experimental results. However, when i introduce the nanotubes within the matrix, first I get distorted elements when I do the mesh test, and then if I manage to run it, it does not converge. The geometry of my model is 7mm long, 2.5mm width and 0.1mm thick. Nanotube radius is 0.01mm. Please any help will be appreciated.

 

[SWComposites]

Um, maybe show a picture of the mesh.
Hopefully you are not trying to mesh an individual nanotube.

 

[FEA way]

How do you model the nanotubes ? Such reinforcements are often modeled using the rebar layer feature or embedded constraint and beam elements.

 

[Austine316]

I did not do any of these. I model the tube just by drawing a cylindrical bar and ascribing the properties of the nanomaterial to it and then embedded it in the matrix

 

[Austine316]

Can you give directions or videos on how to do the rebar or embedded constraint/beam element please

 

[FEA way]

The use of beam elements is described in the Getting Started with Abaqus/CAE documentation guide. For embedded region constraint and rebar layers (if you decide to use them), check their corresponding documentation chapters: Constraints --> Embedded Elements and Abaqus Introduction & Spatial Modeling --> Spatial Modeling --> Element Definition --> Defining Reinforcement. Embedded region constraint will let you place beams inside a solid part. Rebar layers use a different approach - they model reinforcement layers by smearing their properties on shell/membrane/surface elements that you can then place inside solids (using the embedded region constraint).

 

[Austine316]

Thank you very much. I will try it and give you the feedback