Plane Strain 2

[louisa]

Hi All,

I'm a new user of abaqus, and I want to model a plane strain response. I cannot find script example of 2D problem in abaqus document. How should I do it?

(1) create a 3D solid with very large thickness
or
(2) 2D planar (what does "Base feature: shell" mean in this case), and then use CPE** element. Is there anything else I should do to get the plane strain response?

Thanks a lot,

Louisa

 

[xerf]

Use (2). Shell means a 2D domain.

 

[louisa]

Thank you so much for your reply, xerf.

I have a further question regarding plane strain. I want to model a composite, say, 1-2 plane is the cross section plane of the fibers. When I create a new section, should I choose solid or shell?

If solid, then what about type: homogeneous or generalized plane strain?

If shell, should the type be: homogeneous, composite, or surface?

I cannot find what "generalized plane strain" means. I was told that FEM softwares are optimized for 2D problems. But I cannot find enough information/example for plane strain/stress in Abaqus documentation.

Thanks!

 

[xerf]

You have to choose solid section. Shell section relates to shell structural elements.

Homogeneous solid section implies that you use plane strain elements, characterized by zero kinematic out of plane strain component. E.g. CPE4, CPE8R, CPE8

Generalized plane strain section means you are going to use generalized plane strain elements which are characterized by constant out of plane strain component. E.g. CPEG8 etc.
The out of plane strain component is obtain from relative displacement of two rigid plane bounding the element in the out of plane direction.

You can find the formulation of the generalized plane strain elements in:
ABAQUS Theory Manual ->
3.2.7 Generalized plane strain elements

The assumptions of plane stress/strain cases in FEM are the same as in the solid mechanics theory.

 

[Yoman228]

I think if you using soild. you need to ensure that the numbers of total layers of solid is more then 3.
Have you consider those continium shell element as you assuming plane strain response.