The continuum (solid) family of stress/displacement elements is
the most comprehensive of the element libraries in
Abaqus.
There are some differences in the solid element libraries
available in
Abaqus/Standard
and
Abaqus/Explicit.
Abaqus/Standard
solid element library
The
Abaqus/Standard
solid element library includes first-order (linear) interpolation elements and
second-order (quadratic) interpolation elements in two or three dimensions
using either full or reduced integration. Triangles and quadrilaterals are
available in two dimensions; and tetrahedra, triangular wedges, and hexahedra
(“bricks”) are provided in three dimensions. Modified second-order triangular
and tetrahedral elements are also provided.
In addition, hybrid and incompatible mode elements are available in
Abaqus/Standard.
Abaqus/Explicit
solid element library
The
Abaqus/Explicit
solid element library includes reduced-integration first-order (linear)
interpolation elements in two or three dimensions. Modified second-order
interpolation triangles and tetrahedra are also available. Full integration or
regular second-order elements are not available in
Abaqus/Explicit,
with the exception of the fully integrated first-order hexahedral element (an
incompatible mode version of this element is also available).
For detailed information on the options available for continuum elements,
please see
Solid (continuum) elements.
When the permutations of all these various element options are made, the
total number of solid elements available to you is large—over 20 just for
three-dimensional models. The accuracy of your simulation will depend strongly
on the type of element you use in your model. The thought of choosing which of
these elements is best for your model may seem daunting, especially at first.
However, you will come to view this selection as a 20+ piece tool set that
provides you with the ability to choose just the right tool, or element, for a
particular job.
This chapter discusses the effect that different element formulations and
levels of integration have on the accuracy of a particular analysis. Some
general guidelines for selecting continuum elements are also given. These
provide the foundation upon which you can build your knowledge as you gain more
experience using
Abaqus.
The example at the end of this section will allow you to put this knowledge to
use as you build and analyze a connecting lug.