Non-homogeneous shell thickness

[flyforever85]

I'm studying the stress distribution in a wind turbine and the tower as a thickness at the base that is different from the thickness at the top. Is it possible to assign this variation to abaqus? I've been trying to look but no luck. Thanks!

 

[FEA way]

Yes, it’s possible to define variable shell thickness. You can do this on nodal or elemental basis using either analytical or discrete field.

Take a look at the following thread with recent discussion about these features:

https://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=464704