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Physical properties and element attributes > Samcef support for physical properties and element attributes

Shell offsets (Simcenter Samcef)

In this software, the shell offset indicates the position of the physical midsurface with respect to the finite element position (and its normal).

In Simcenter Samcef solvers, the offset is defined as the position of the finite element with respect to the physical midsurface.

When you define a shell offset of 10 mm, which indicates a shift of the physical midsurface of 10 mm, Simcenter Samcef outputs .AEL EXCE/NXCE -10 mm to fit Simcenter Samcef solver requirements.

Mesh associated data EXCE, NEXCE or PEXC shell offset options

In the mesh associated data for shells, you can choose between the EXCE, NEXCE or PEXC options for the shell offset.

Option Description
EXCE Sets a offset distance.Simcenter Samcef performs a classic integration through the thickness by taking the nodal position as a reference.
NEXCE Sets a offset distance.Simcenter Samcef places virtual rigid bodies between the nodes of the off-centered position of the shell's nodes and their projection on the shell's midsurface.A coupling exists between the in-plane degree of freedom and out-of-plane degree of freedom in the mass matrix.This option is recommended for nonlinear analyses with large displacements.
PEXC Sets an offset as a percentage of the thickness.Simcenter Samcef handles this offset in the same way as NEXCE is handled.Note: This option is only available in axisymmetric shells.

For more information on the offsets, see MINDLIN shell element page in the Simcenter Samcef solver documentation.

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Mesh associated data in Simcenter Samcef

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Element associated data in Simcenter Samcef

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Shell offsets (Simcenter Samcef), Simcenter 3D 2021.1 Series

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Source: https://docs.sw.siemens.com/en-US/doc/289054037/PL20200601120302950.advanced/xid920834 · retrieved 2026-07-17