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Shell element/physics for large deformation cases

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Can we get reliable and accurate results from using shell in cases involving large deformation? Consider a case using shell to model a thin plate. If field variable w (displacement in z) is equal or even larger than the thickness of the shell, i.e., the plate bends considerably, can we get reliable and accurate results?

Thank you.


4 Replies Last Post Jan 17, 2023, 1:25 a.m. EST
Henrik Sönnerlind COMSOL Employee

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Posted: 2 years ago Jan 11, 2023, 7:30 a.m. EST

Yes, the Shell interface supports very large deformations.

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Henrik Sönnerlind
COMSOL
Yes, the Shell interface supports very large deformations.

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Posted: 2 years ago Jan 12, 2023, 12:03 a.m. EST
Updated: 2 years ago Jan 12, 2023, 12:03 a.m. EST

Thank you for your reply.

I have a model which has no problem in convergence for using solid interface. However, the shell interface does not converge even for a lower load condition.

I have tried to use Constant Netwon in the nonlinear solver. It doesn't make any difference compared to the default setting. Both non-structured and structured mesh encounter the same issue.

Is there any specific setting in solver needed to address the problem? Or my shell interface has mistakes?

Convergence plot for solid and shell are attached for reference. The COMSOL file is zipped.

Thank you for your reply. I have a model which has no problem in convergence for using solid interface. However, the shell interface does not converge even for a lower load condition. I have tried to use Constant Netwon in the nonlinear solver. It doesn't make any difference compared to the default setting. Both non-structured and structured mesh encounter the same issue. Is there any specific setting in solver needed to address the problem? Or my shell interface has mistakes? Convergence plot for solid and shell are attached for reference. The COMSOL file is zipped.


Henrik Sönnerlind COMSOL Employee

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Posted: 2 years ago Jan 16, 2023, 10:15 a.m. EST
Updated: 2 years ago Jan 16, 2023, 10:42 a.m. EST

I think you would to contact support to get help with this. But it is probably related to snap-through phenomena, where the solid model may happen to capture the second (postbuckling) branch, even though the solution is force controlled.

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Henrik Sönnerlind
COMSOL
I think you would to contact support to get help with this. But it is probably related to snap-through phenomena, where the solid model may happen to capture the second (postbuckling) branch, even though the solution is force controlled.

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Posted: 2 years ago Jan 17, 2023, 1:25 a.m. EST

Thank you Henrik.

I will submit the case to support center.

Thank you Henrik. I will submit the case to support center.

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