Hello Prashanthi, 

1.) In the AbaqusCAE changing the stack direction is possible in different ways. When you import your *.inp file you can modify the stack direction there. Please see the figures below. Depending on having a native or orphan mesh. 

2. Cohesive elements should always point with the normal direction towards the opening direction. When you model cohesive elements together with continuum elements I would use the same stacking direction. 

Good luck and best regards

Philipp 

Hello Prashanthi, 

1.) In the AbaqusCAE changing the stack direction is possible in different ways. When you import your *.inp file you can modify the stack direction there. Please see the figures below. Depending on having a native or orphan mesh. 

2. Cohesive elements should always point with the normal direction towards the opening direction. When you model cohesive elements together with continuum elements I would use the same stacking direction. 

Good luck and best regards

Philipp 

Dear Prashanthi

As Philip said, ABAQUS shows the stacking direction. you can change the reference surfaces and normal directions then the stacking direction will be changed.

Thankyou all..

Hi.. Do you find the solution? I am facing the same problem. I cannot change the stack direction.

I knew it is easy to change it for the 3D cell (if you are working with solid elements), but if you are working with face (or 2D plane strain elements), I dont think I can change it from Abaqus CAE.

Any idea to do it from CAE?

same question, how to do it for 2D?