c3d4 vs c3d10 in contact

[carolina000]

Dear all,

The abaqus manual says you should use quadratic (instead of linear) elements when modelling contact. But if i use quadratic the model becomes too big and Abaqus crashes.

Was wondering, whats your experience with this? Is is completely necessary to use quadratic elements?

Thanks in advance!
C

 

[PamCrash]

C3D4 are very poor elements in strength analyses, I use them only when modelling masses. You need a very dense mesh to get accurate stress results. C3D4-Stiffness is also too high.

In terms of contact both element types work well.

 

[corus]

The 'lazy' C3D10M elements should be avoided. Try meshing your part using 8 noded bricks.

 

[carolina000]

thank you both for the tips!