Defining a geostatic initial stress field

When a geostatic stress field is prescribed for a particular region, the stress in the vertical direction (assumed to be the z-direction in three-dimensional and axisymmetric models and the y-direction in two-dimensional models) is assumed to vary (piecewise) linearly with this vertical coordinate. Geostatic stress fields are applicable only to continuum elements. For more information, see Initial conditions in Abaqus/Standard and Abaqus/Explicit. For Abaqus/Explicit analyses, elevation-dependent initial stresses cannot be specified for beams and shells.

Related Topics
Creating predefined fields
Understanding symbols that represent prescribed conditions
In Other Guides
Initial conditions in Abaqus/Standard and Abaqus/Explicit

  1. Display the geostatic stress field editor using one of the following methods:

    Note:

    You can create or edit a geostatic stress field only in the initial step.

  2. In the Stress magnitude 1 field, specify the vertical component of (effective) stress at the first location in the region.

  3. In the Vertical coordinate 1 field, specify the vertical coordinate corresponding to the first location in the region.

  4. In the Stress magnitude 2 field, specify the vertical component of (effective) stress at the second location in the region.

  5. In the Vertical coordinate 2 field, specify the vertical coordinate corresponding to the second location in the region.

  6. In the Lateral coefficient 1 field, specify the first coefficient of lateral stress. This coefficient defines the x-direction stress component.

  7. If desired, toggle on Specify for the Lateral coefficient 2 setting and specify the second coefficient of lateral stress. This coefficient defines the y-direction stress component in three-dimensional cases and the thickness or hoop direction component in plane or axisymmetric cases. If this value is omitted, it is assumed to be the same as the first lateral stress coefficient.

  8. Click OK to save your data and to exit the editor.

    Light blue circles appear on the model representing the initial geostatic stress field that you just created.