Results of "CAREA"

[MiroFlyo]

Does anyone have experience with the History Output Request CAREA (Total area in contact, defined as the sum of all the facets where there is contact force)

I am simulating two workpieces in contact as they are deformed. However, the CAREA output is much less than what the area of contact should be. Also, when applying a tie-constraint between two surfaces is CAREA supposed to interprete them as being in contact? (This does not appear to be the case in my model).

Any insight from experienced users is greatly appeciated!

Thanks,

Mitchell