shell element types
shell element types
(OP)
Hello everyone,
I have tried to find some answers to this particular question in the theory manual/user manual, but I haven't been successful.
My issue lies with the modelling of a simple cold-formed steel structure, i.e. I used shell finite elements since the thickness is considerably smaller than the other 2 dimensions. I have tried to compare 2 geometrically identical models in a simple buckling analysis: the conventional shell element S4R and the continuum shell element SC8R. I have obtained significantly stiffer results with the SC8R model. Does anyone know why exactly does this happen?
Thanks in advance for any input,
PN
I have tried to find some answers to this particular question in the theory manual/user manual, but I haven't been successful.
My issue lies with the modelling of a simple cold-formed steel structure, i.e. I used shell finite elements since the thickness is considerably smaller than the other 2 dimensions. I have tried to compare 2 geometrically identical models in a simple buckling analysis: the conventional shell element S4R and the continuum shell element SC8R. I have obtained significantly stiffer results with the SC8R model. Does anyone know why exactly does this happen?
Thanks in advance for any input,
PN





RE: shell element types
Are you new to this forum? If so, please read these FAQ:
http://www.eng-tips.com/faqs.cfm?fid=376
http://www.eng-tips.com/faqs.cfm?fid=1083
RE: shell element types
S4R - nodes have rotational d.o.f.
SC8R - nodes have displacement d.o.f. only.
However, I don't think this explains the differences I am observing, since my mesh is significantly small (large number of elements) in the areas where deformation is expected to occur.
RE: shell element types
To be sure: use overlay plot to plot both outputs on the same screen and "render shell profiles"
Also check that the thickness reduction is limited for SC8R elements.