Use of C3D10 elements for sheet metal

[mdsteven]

I am reviewing past analysis at my company, they use predominantly C3D10 elements for sheet metal components, with one element through the thickness. I am under the impression that this is extremely bad practice, the element type is too stiff especially one element through the thickness. Is there any documentation to show that this is bad practice? Is there anything I can specifically point to that shows a comparison between c3d10 and shell elements? I have scoured the internet and cannot find any specific documentation.

Thanks for any help.

 

[xerf]

ABAQUS Benchmarks Manual (v6.6) ->
2.3.5 Performance of continuum and shell elements for linear analysis of bending problems

 

[xydrex]

You're impressions are right. Do you however need to convince managers of this? I can understand that you may need to show some evidence. Its fundamental theory really. Shell elements are designed specifically for bending. In bending, stress varies significantly though the thickness (perpendicular to neutral axis). Thats why you can specify many integration pts through the thickness in shell elements. Sheet metal will predominantly be undergoing bending stresses whether in use or during forming. Unless there is a very specific application where some part of a sheet metal structure is only under longitudinal stresses with little bending, I cant see why they would use it.