2D meshes for Multiphysics structural solutions

For structural solutions in the Multiphysics environment, the software offers limited support for 2D elements.

2D elements in structural solutions

You can include 2D shell elements in Simcenter 3D Multiphysics structural solutions. You can use 2D elements in the following structural solution steps:

• Step - Nonlinear Statics

• Step - Preload

• Step - Normal Modes

For structural solutions, Simcenter 3D Multiphysics supports the Simcenter Nastran CTRIAR and CQUADR shell elements only. These elements are isoparametric plate elements that allow for stiffness in all six degrees-of-freedom. If your model contains CQUAD4, CQUAD8, CTRIA3, or CTRIA6 elements, the solver converts those elements to either CTRIAR or CQUADR during the analysis, even though the input file reflects the original name of the elements.

Element name	Nastran bulk data entry	Physical property table
Linear Triangle	CTRIAR	Thin Shell (PSHELL
Linear Triangle -CTRIA3	CTRIA3 (automatically converted to CTRIAR elements by the solver)	Thin Shell (PSHELL
Parabolic Triangle	CTRIAR	Thin Shell (PSHELL
Linear Quadrilateral	CQUADR	Thin Shell (PSHELL
Linear Quadrilateral - CQUAD4	CQUAD4 (automatically converted to CQUADR elements by the solver)	Thin Shell (PSHELL
Parabolic Quadrilateral	CQUADR	Thin Shell (PSHELL

• These shell elements support geometric nonlinear conditions, such as large displacement, large rotations, and contact, and nonlinear material properties, such as plasticity and creep. When you use a nonlinear plastic or creep material, you can use the NLAYERS option in the Structural Solution Parameters modeling object dialog box to define the number of integration points through the thickness.

• You can use Mesh Associated Data to define properties such as material orientation and the shell offset value (ZOFFS field).

• To define composite properties for shell elements, use the Laminate physical property table (PCOMPG1 bulk data entry). You can define a different failure theory for each a layer. Composite shell elements that use the Laminate property table support geometric nonlinear conditions but not material nonlinear conditions.

2D seed elements

2D seed meshes in Multiphysics environment have the following characteristics:

• They can only be used to create solid meshes.

• The associated physical property is Laminate.

• They are not written out to the solver input file when you export or solve your model.

Learn more

Chocking elements

Cohesive elements

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Multiphysics elements

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Related Topics

SOL 401 nonlinear capabilities

2D meshes for Multiphysics structural solutions, Simcenter 3D 2021.1 Series

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