Query on contact pressure

[Tinni1]

Hello,

I am performing a compression test of a Cold-formed steel channel column connected to the track (U section ) at both ends.

I use a softened contact formulation in Abaqus explicit for normal behavior (Scale factor: using general contact explicit). I am also checking so that there is no penetration between the parts.

My query is:

Is there any way to extract from Abaqus: What is the contact pressure When the column comes into full-bearing action with the U section web, as shown in the picture below?

Could you provide any direction please?

 

[Tinni1]

To Add to my query:

Could you please provide me reference some more materials (articles or books) on how abaqus calculates contact pressure so I can refer to it?

 

[FEA way]

Well, you just have to monitor contact outputs - mainly CPRESS but COPEN and STATUS may also help you determine the right moment to take the results from.

I can recommend the book "Computational Contact Mechanics" by P. Wriggers.

 

[Tinni1]

Thanks for your response. I am very new to contact analysis in Abaqus.

Could you please explain:

1. Does Abaqus provide CPRESS per node? I should create a node group on the Usection web to check the CPRESS?
2. What is meant by COPEN and STATUS?
3. How can they help me determine the right moment to take the results?
4. Could you please provide any reference to the Abaqus user manual, where I can learn how to extract in Abaqus CAE: CPRESS, COPEN, and STATUS?

I appreciate your help!

 

[FEA way]

Those are surface variables. CPRESS is available by default in explicit dynamics, COPEN and CSTATUS can be requested as field output for the whole model or for the selected region.

COPEN is just contact opening so it provides you information about the distance between the contacting faces. CSTATUS shows the current status of contact (open or closed with sticking/slipping). Examine them to see when contact is fully established.

They are listed in the documentation chapter Output --> Output Variables --> Using Abaqus/Explicit Output Variable Identifiers --> Surface Variables.