I want to model progressive folding of an empty tube with functionally graded wall thickness. the tube wall thickness pattern is shown in the picture. is it possible to model this structure with shell elements?
or can I consider this structure as multilayers of shell elements with different thicknesses in each layer and use tie keyword between each layer.
I should mention that I have to use shell elements and I cant use solid elements in this modeling.
I really appreciate it if anybody can help me.
By definition, shell elements are designed for cases where the change of physics through the thickness is negligible. The shape of the tube in the figure is a typical solid element part. I don't think it can be modeled by shell. May be I'm wrong.
Why do you avoid the solid elements? can you explain?
Dear Seyed Sajad Barzigar ,
You can use shell elements with non-uniform thickness at nodes. However, if you want to properly and precisely reproduce transverse deformation of the elements on the wall of the tube you should use solid elements, as Amr Shaaban said.
Best regards
Pawel
I agree with the above answers. It is recommended to use Solid elements. With shell elements, you may be able to get the variable thickness, but it is impossible to get a correct representation at the top and bottom edges. The cut of the tube will not be horizontal, but it will be inclined at an angle.
But since you must use Shell elements, then you can check out my video here to see how I did a tensile test specimen with a variable shell thickness.
https://youtu.be/llNL8Kb1pQg
Dear Sajjad,
If you insist on using a shell part, the only way is to create multiple parts on top of each other and "merge" them together. If you have any doubts, feel free to contact me.
regards
Hi,
You may be interested in our new article on modeling FGM in ANSYS APDL.
please take a look through its DOI link:
https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-1936049/v2
We are eager to have your feedback.
best regards.
Ahmed Hassan Ahmed Hassan
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