Selecting section point data by ply

You can use the Section Points dialog box to control the section points from which Abaqus obtains integration point results and material orientations by selecting a ply and the location from within the ply at which Abaqus/CAE reads the results.

Related Topics
Selecting model data and analysis results to plot
Linking viewports

Context:

Contour plots displaying output at both the top and bottom of the selected ply vary in appearance depending on the type of composite layup. In a conventional shell composite layup the two contours appear as a double-sided shell with different contours on each side. In a continuum shell composite layup or a solid composite layup the two contours appear as distinct two-dimensional contour fronts at each section point location.

  1. Display a contour plot of the desired field output variable. For more information, see Producing a contour plot.

  2. Locate the Section Points dialog box.

    From the main menu bar, select ResultSection Points.

    The Section Points dialog box appears.

  3. From the Selection method radio buttons, select Plies.

  4. To limit the list for easier selection, type a filter pattern into the Name filter field, and press the Enter key to apply the filter.

    If viewport linking is activated, you can toggle on Show common list between linked viewports to display only the plies that are common to all linked viewports.

  5. From the list of plies in the layup, select the desired ply.

  6. From the Ply result location radio buttons, do one of the following:

    • Select Bottommost to select the bottommost section point in the selected ply.

    • Select Middle/Single section point to select the middle section point or the only section point in the selected ply. The middle section point is the middle of the available locations in the section, not the middle of the total locations. For example, if results are available at TOP and BOTTOM only, the number of available locations is two and the “middle” will correspond to the TOP location.

    • Select Topmost to select the topmost section point in the selected ply.

    • Select Topmost and bottommost to select both the topmost and bottommost section points in the selected ply.

  7. Click Apply to view your settings.

    The model plot in the current viewport changes to display values from the specified ply at the specified location. The plot legend, if active, changes to identify the plies. For information about the plot legend, see Customizing the legend.

  8. Click OK to retain your settings and to exit the dialog box.