Hey, i basically want to simulate a tensile test to validate the damage model of my composite material. When using the instant stiffness reduction the results converge but are not sufficent. Hence i want to use the "Continuum Damage" approach, for which you need to specify the energy release rates and damping coefficients for the 4 failure modes.

As soon as damage (hashin) initiates, the elements get highly distorted and the simulation exits with warnings: *** ERROR *** CP = 4.391 TIME= 12:35:59

Element 286 (SOLID186) is turning inside out.

for multiple elements.

Large deformations are on and i already tried increasing the substeps. I am using solid elements.

Why does this only happen with the continuum damage appoach? Does someone of you have experience with it regarding composites?

Thank you a lot in advance!