Webtraining – Shell midsurface creation in Abaqus/CAE

Converting solid models into shell ones can bring many advantages. During this webtraining 4RealSim will explain the advantages and demonstrate the midsurface creation technology.
4RealSim believes in continuous Abaqus learning and regularly organizes webtrainings for our customers. Join our webinar and learn more about Abaqus, get more confident in the usage and become more efficient!

Why convert solid into shell models?

Several companies prefer to use solid elements as the default element of choose for thin-walled structures, like pipes and sheets. A better method is to use the midsurface approach to convert the solid geometry into surfaces and mesh it with shell elements. This procedure might take more time in preparation of the geometry, but from a meshing perspective the surface meshing will be easier compared to the solid meshing.
One of the biggest benefits to use a shell model over a solid one is the computational cost. Even for a simple model the speed up is drastically. At least 3 to 4 elements through the thickness are needed In order to properly model the bending behavior of a structure modeled with a solid mesh. This means that the element count of a solid mesh is 3-4 times bigger compared to the shell mesh.
Shell midsurfaces are easily created in Abaqus/CAE with standard functionality. The thickness can be specified uniformly or can be based on the original geometry. With the later approach variations in thickness are still taken into account.
Keep in mind that shell elements can still have out of plane details from an information point of view. One can also apply temperature gradient through the thickness for thermal expansion. Furthermore the use of shell elements will give the user information about the stress and strain for both sides of part.

Who can attend the 4RealSim Abaqus webtraining?

This 4RealSim webtraining is intended for our Abaqus customers.