International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology

(IJARET)
Volume 7, Issue 2, March-April 2016, pp. 3052, Article ID: IJARET_07_02_004
Available online at
http://www.iaeme.com/IJARET/issues.asp?JType=IJARET&VType=7&IType=2
Journal Impact Factor (2016): 8.8297 (Calculated by GISI) www.jifactor.com
ISSN Print: 0976-6480 and ISSN Online: 0976-6499
IAEME Publication
___________________________________________________________________________

COMPUTATIONAL ENGINEERING OF
FINITE ELEMENT MODELLING FOR
AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATION USING
ABAQUS
Praveen Padagannavar
School of Aerospace, Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT University)
Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
ABSTRACT
Modals with complicated geometry, complex loads and boundary
condition are difficult to analyse and evaluate in the terms of strain, stress,
displacement and reaction forces by using theoretical methods. A given modal
can be analysed by using Finite Element Method easily with the help of
computer software ABAQUS CAE and can get approximate solutions. This
report is about modelling two dimensional and three dimensional analyses
with the ABAQUS CAE for plane stress, plane strain, shell, and beam and 3d
solid modal elements. The report will show hand sketch, procedure to simulate
and solve the problems, submit and monitor analysis jobs and view results
using ABAQUS CAE software for different elements and compare with
theoretical calculation. The result also gives the information of stresses and
strains generated in the Plate and its deformation for different boundary
conditions and loads. In addition, this report will analyse the data, compare
results and validate theoretical results, this will help us to understand the
software, its capabilities and accuracy.
Cite this Article: Praveen Padagannavar, Computational Engineering of
Finite Element Modelling For Automotive Application Using Abaqus.
International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology,
7(2), 2016, pp. 3052.
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Computational Engineering of Finite Element Modelling For Automotive Application Using

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1. INTRODUCTION
Finite Element Analysis is an approach that uses mathematical approximation to
simulate geometry and load conditions. ABAQUS is powerful finite element software
for engineers which can solve linear analysis to nonlinear problems. This software
will guide engineers to simulate, analyse and evaluate the results produced by
modelling for different kinds of structures and can modify current modal. ABAQUS
software used to analyse and investigate problems for two dimensional and three
dimensional modelling with different element types based on the given theoretically
structure. Finite Element Analysis is important tool to carry out results with using
numerical method to solve engineering problems; it can solve any complex geometry.
Finite element analysis is to identify the weakness of design and validate the proper
material property required for particular modal. The ABAQUS/CAE has been
designed for finite element analysis and to simulate two dimensional and three
dimensional models for plane stress, plane strain, shell, beam and 3D model and shell
elements and analyse the results.
Objective: The objective is to analyse stresses and deformations under F1 and F2
loads and compare the model for plane stress, plane strain elements (2-D modelling),
shell element, beam element and 3D model using ABAQUS/CAE and validate the
results by comparing theoretical solution.

1.1 Requirements
1. Use the ABAQUS/CAE software to evaluate the stresses and deformations of the
given load.
2. Compare the performance and suitability for the following modelling:

Plane stress elements

Plane strain elements
Shell elements
Beam elements

3D solid elements
3. Validate the results by comparing with the theoretical.

2. MODAL DEVELOPMENT
2.1 HAND SKETCH

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Figure 1 Hand sketch (full and half model)

Figure 2 Hand sketch (beam model)

2.2 STEPS FOR MODELLING AND ITS EXPLANATIONS:

Step 1: Go to program and select Abaqus CAE then the Abaqus window will open
select for with standard modal.
Step 2: Start with first part Module Part in this module we need to modal the
frame, in this we can create, edit, and manage the part. This is functional units of
Abaqus called modules. In our case we are creating modal.

Click on part and then select part manager.

For PLANE STRESS, PLANE STRAIN MODEL In the part manager click on
create then the part create new window will open select for 2D planar modelling
space, deformable type, Shell feature and approximate size and then continue and
dismiss the previous window.

For SHELL MODEL In the part manager click on create then the part create new
window will open select for 3D planar modelling space, deformable type, Shell
feature and approximate size and then continue and dismiss the previous window.
Each node of the shell element can move in U1, U2,U3 and UR1, UR2,UR3
For BEAM In the part manager click on create then the part create new window will
open select for 2D planar modelling space, deformable type, wire feature and
approximate size and then continue and dismiss the previous window.
For 3D element In the part manager click on create then the part create new window
will open select for 3D planar modelling space, deformable type, Solid feature
extrusion and approximate size and then continue and also add the value of depth.
Create points in the grid coordinates points then create the line by selecting the
coordinates points.
Then at the bottom click on done. Now we created the modal frame.
We need to create partition in the modal so that we can apply boundary condition,
forces and also important for proper meshing and its structure. The partition is created
by using datum and partition feature which is in main toolbar tools.

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Computational Engineering of Finite Element Modelling For Automotive Application Using

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Figure 3 3D, shell, beam geometry

Step 3: Select the second part that is Property Module in this module we need to
apply material properties to the given modal frame that is define materials, material
behaviour and define section. Assigning each material property and region the part.
Start with Material which is located at the top main menu toolbar, click on it and
then select on create. Here we are defining material.
Edit material new window box will open.
Select on mechanical, change to elasticity elastic. Linear elastic modal is
isotropic and have elastic strain.
Put the values of Youngs Modulus and Poissons Ratio and then click OK. These
are parameter area to be defined.
Secondly, select Section in this feature we need to apply cross sectional of the
modal frame.
For PLANE STRESS, PLANE STRAIN MODEL: Create section dialogue box
will open then click on solidhomogeneous and continue and also put the
values of thickness.
For SHELL MODEL: Create section dialogue box will open then click on
solidhomogeneous and continue and also put the values of thickness and also
create the shellhomogeneous and continue.
For BEAM MODEL: Create section dialogue box will open then click on
beambeam. Edit beam section window will open. Click here to create beam
profile, select rectangular profile and continue. Rectangular profile is geometric
data of rectangle solid.
For 3D MODEL: Create section dialogue box will open then click on solid
homogeneous and continue.
Finally, select Assign and click on section and then select the region to be
assigned select entire modal frame and click Done at the bottom. Section
properties that have assigned to the part assigned automatically to all instance.
Step 4: The third part is Assembly Module. In our modal we have only one
assembly.

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Select Instance and click on create-Instance means own coordinate system.

In this new window we need to select parts and dependent instance type and click
OK. Click only OK, because if we click apply and ok means then we are creating two
instances and one is sitting behind the modal, so here is important to click only ok.
Dependent is the original part.

Step 5: The fourth part is Step Module

Select step which is located at the top of the toolbar and click on create. In step we
can edit or manipulate the current modal.

In this new window box change the setting to linear perturbation procedure type and
static, linear perturbation and click Continue. Linear perturbation analysis provides
linear response of the modal.
Give description to the step-1 and click Ok.

Step 6: The fifth part is Load Module in this module we will apply boundary
condition and load to the modal frame. Boundary condition fixes the degree of
freedom and has two types rotational and translational degree of freedom.

Select BC which is located at the top of the toolbar and click on create. Then create
boundary condition dialogue box will open and then change the settings to Initial -mechanical category displacement/ rotation and then click continue. Select the
region to apply BC. Displacement / rotation means holding the movement of selected
nodes dof to 0

Select the two corner points to of the modal frame.

Now its time to apply Load select for it which is located at the top. We should name
the load, type of load and apply.
Then click on create load, change the setting to Step-1, mechanical and concentrated
force (applied to vertices) and click continue. Concentrated force is to the nodes

Now pick up the points to apply load.

After picking the points when you click done, another window will open this window
will show the direction of the load.

Figure 4 load and boundary condition

Step 7: The sixth part is Mesh Module in this module we will mesh the modal
frame according to the requirement to get proper results. Mesh means converting
whole material into small network and also we can define mesh density, mesh shape
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Computational Engineering of Finite Element Modelling For Automotive Application Using

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(1 or 2 or 3 dimensional) and mesh element. The main aim of mesh is to reduce the
error while solving the results. We can also mesh by partition so that the mesh
structure will be finer and perfect shape. Mesh is created to confirm the node position
and element.

Click on Part-1
First, select seed which is located at the top and click on part and put the values of
approximate global size seeds and then click OK and Done. Seeding is used to
specify mesh density. Seeds are only located at the edges. While, putting the value we
need to select properly otherwise it will show deformation size is large error, that
time we must decrease the number.
Secondly, select Mesh and click on element type. Select the region to be assigned
element type, select the entire modal frame and click Done. We need to compare the
performance, relevance and suitability of modelling.
The new window box will open that is element type, change the settings:

Element type:

Plane stress modal the family is plane stress.

Plane strain modal the family is plane strain.
Plane shell modal the family is shell and quadratic.

Beam modal the family is beam.

Finally, again select Mesh and click on part and then click yes at the bottom mesh
the part.

Step 8: The final part is Job Module in this module we will submit the modal
frame for analysis and evaluation and get the results. This is the last step.

Select the Job located at the top and click on create. In this dialogue box name the
job and click continue and OK.

Again select job and click on manager and submit the job (modal frame) for
evaluation.
Check for the command completed successfully
Then click on results to view the results.
Then click on report which is at the top and then click on field output. Give the
location to save the abaqus.rpt, so that we can check the report.
Save the modal.
Results can also be viewed in visualisation module. We can see deformed shape,
undeformed shape and contours.

2.3 MODEL GEOMETRY DETAILS:

Load for condition (i) F1=50 and F2=0 AND (ii) F1=50 and F2=50 (Depends upon
condition)
F1 is in y- direction and F2 is in x direction
Poisson ratio v = 0.33 and E=200Gpa 200000 Mpa
Thickness = 2X, X=1.0 + 0.001*101
Thickness = 2.202mm
Full model or half model is done depending on required conditions

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2.4 BOUNDARY CONDITION

Roller support means fixing and making the model movable only in the x direction
and constrained at y-axis.
Fixed support means fixing in the respective x and y direction making the structure
rigid. Translational motion in axis 1 and 2 are constrained for both the nodes.
Mesh: Finite Element Method involves breaking a given structure into smaller
element with simple geometry and theoretical solution. The elements are joined to
each other at Nodes, this procedure is called Meshing. According to this paper, there
are three types of mesh element type: - (1) Linear Reduced Integration (2) Linear and
(3) Quadratic. Geometric order of the mesh elements: There are two types of mesh
elements, namely linear order and Quadratic order. Linear means first order elements
and Quadratic means second order elements.

3. ABAQUS RESULTS
3.1 Element Type: Plane Stress
Model: Full Model (case (i) F1=50, F2=0)

Figure 6 Deformation of plane stress element (full model case (i))

Node
Label1
48
Min
Node
Max
Node
Total

U.U1 @Loc 1

U.U2 @Loc 1

-89.7189E-03
-201.026E-03
42
21.5887E-03
34
-11.0354

17.2076E-03
-132.191E-03
42
17.2076E-03
48
-2.71256

E.E11@Loc 1
61.4229E-06
-62.2530E-06
58
62.2047E-06
49
7.72109E-06

E.E22@Loc 1
-19.2167E-06
-61.9905E-06
83
61.9844E-06
112
-2.10283E-06

S.S11 @ Loc 1

S.S22 @ Loc 1

12.3626
-12.3626
59
12.3626
51
1.57719

236.312E-03
-12.3626
86
12.3626
116
99.9056E-03

Table 2 Output data of plane stress element (full model case (i))

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The table shows the ABAQUS results that is displacement, strain components and
stress components. In order to analyse the stress we need to select top middle point
that is node label 48. The upper layer of the model is tension and bottom layer is
compression. Further, consider the nodal label 48 stress values that are S11 and
compare this value with calculated theoretical values at the same point.

3.2 Element Type: Plane Stress

Model: Full Model (case (ii) F1=50, F2=50)

Figure 7 Deformation of plane stress element (Full model case (ii))

Node
Label1
48
Min
Node
Max
Node
Total

U.U1 @Loc 1
8.80298E-03
-3.37425E-03
27
21.2447E-03
19
2.87065

U.U2 @Loc 1
-4.59340E-03
-20.0261E-03
33
1.50473E-03
112
-1.27619

E.E11@Loc 1

E.E22@Loc 1

S.S11 @ Loc 1

-25.7902E-06
-65.5699E-06
106
78.1199E-06
231
536.124E-06

8.45758E-06
-65.8945E-06
86
73.3243E-06
301
-279.710E-06

-5.16199
-13.1476
258
16.9613
231
99.6117

S.S22 @ Loc
1
-11.9397E-03
-13.2216
226
15.9758
301
-23.0702

Table 3 Output data of plane stress element (full model case (ii))

The table shows the ABAQUS results that is displacement, strain components and
stress components. In order to analyse the stress we need to select top middle point
that is node label 48. The upper layer of the model is compression and bottom layer is
tension. Further, consider the nodal label 48 stress values that is S11 and compare this
value with calculated theoretical values at the same point.

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3.3 Element Type: Plane Strain

Model: Half Model (case (i) F1=50, F2=0)

Figure 8 Deformation of plane strain element (half model case (i))

Node
Label1

U.U1 @Loc 1

U.U2 @Loc 1

E.E11@Loc 1

E.E22@Loc 1

S.S11 @ Loc 1

S.S22 @ Loc 1

9
Min

-7.29777E+09
-7.29777E+09

-23.5482E+09
-23.5482E+09

-476.837E-09
-85.8307E-06

0.
-86.7844E-06

-141.301E-03
-19.6577

-69.5959E-03
-19.4531

Node
Max

448
39.7986E+09

374
32.9674E+09

601
167.847E-06

162
115.514E-06

601
39.5073

162
27.8447

Node

770

780

576

236

576

236

Total

92.1331E+12

14.4068E+12

29.5301E-03

-18.4810E-03

6.05326E+03

-1.16646E+03

Table 4 Output data of plane strain element (Half model case (i))

The table shows the ABAQUS results that is displacement, strain components and
stress components. In order to analyse the stress we need to select top middle point
that is node label 9. Further, consider the nodal label 9 stress value that is S11 and
compare this value with calculated theoretical values at the same point.

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3.4 Element Type: Plane Strain

Model: Full Model (case (ii) F1=50, F2=50)

Figure 9 Deformation of plane strain element (full model case (ii))

Node
Label1
48
Min
Node
Max
Node
Total

U.U1 @Loc 1
7.86787E-03
-2.96999E-03
27
18.9327E-03
19
2.56519

U.U2 @Loc 1

E.E11@Loc 1

E.E22@Loc 1

S.S11 @ Loc 1

-4.13520E-03
-17.9085E-03
33
1.29836E-03
112
-1.14894

-22.9843E-06
-58.2581E-06
258
66.5917E-06
231
494.012E-06

11.2756E-06
-58.4818E-06
86
62.4790E-06
301
-319.806E-06

-5.16520
-13.1768
258
17.1062
231
99.7134

S.S22 @ Loc
1
-13.3498E-03
-13.2484
226
16.1314
301
-22.6652

Table 5 Output data of plane strain element (full model case (ii))

The table shows the ABAQUS results that is displacement, strain components and
stress components. In order to analyse the stress we need to select top middle point
that is node label 48. The upper layer of the model is compression and bottom layer is
tension. Further, consider the nodal label 48 stress values that are S11 and compare
this value with calculated theoretical values at the same point.

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3.5 Element Type: Shell

Model: Half Model (case (i) F1=50, F2=0)

Figure 10 Deformation of shell element (half model case (i))

Node
Label1
15
Min
Node
Max
Node
Total

U.U1 @Loc 1
-3.31248E+09
-3.31248E+09
1764
2.03719E+09
1867
-667.591E+09

U.U2 @Loc 1
-2.67484E+09
-2.67484E+09
1536
3.74477E+09
1868
695.458E+09

E.E11@Loc 3
-2.06013E-06
-45.3654E-06
204
84.0251E-06
1149
1.75692E-03

E.E22@Loc 3

S.S11 @ Loc 3

S.S22 @ Loc 3

1.45504E-06
-45.8914E-06
109
79.3060E-06
856
-225.538E-06

-354.610E-03
-9.06656
204
18.4686
1149
377.620

173.987E-03
-9.16343
109
17.5681
856
79.5071

Table 6 Output data of shell element (half model case (i))

The table shows the ABAQUS results that is displacement, strain components and
stress components. In order to analyse the stress we need to select top middle point
that is node label 15. Further, consider the nodal label 15 stress values that are S11
and compare this value with calculated theoretical values at the same point.

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3.6 Element Type: Shell

Model: Full Model (case (ii) F1=50, F2=50)

Figure 11 Deformation of shell element (full model case (ii))

Node
Label1
71
Min
Node
Max
Node
Total

U.U1 @Loc 1
8.83807E-03
-3.41915E-03
35
21.6098E-03
1172
10.9089

U.U2 @Loc 1

E.E11@Loc 3

-4.56279E-03
-20.3119E-03
39
1.52797E-03
939
-4.70201

-25.7786E-06
-68.7583E-06
249
105.182E-06
791
2.33775E-03

E.E22@Loc 3
8.50727E-06
-69.2517E-06
219
99.8439E-06
978
-912.499E-06

S.S11 @ Loc 3

S.S22 @ Loc 3

-5.15570
-13.7846
249
23.2439
791
457.104

73.3625E-06
-13.8854
219
22.1278
978
-31.6556

Table 7 Output data of shell element (full model case (ii))

The table shows the ABAQUS results that is displacement, strain components and
stress components. In order to analyse the stress we need to select top middle point
that is node label 71. The upper layer of the model is compression and bottom layer is
tension. Further, consider the nodal label 71 stress values that are S11 and compare
this value with calculated theoretical values at the same point.

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3.7 Element Type: Beam

Model: Full Model (case (i) F1=50, F2=0)

Figure 12 Deformation of Beam element (full model case (i))

Node
Label1
50
Min
Node
Max
Node
Total

U.U1 @Loc 1
-73.5695E-03
-147.139E-03
89
147.753E-21
9
-6.54768

U.U2 @Loc 1

E.E11@Loc 3

12.6669E-03
-109.373E-03
8
12.7725E-03
49
-1.49692

S.S11 @ Loc 3

-92.8064E-06
-92.8064E-06
76
5.18786E-18
89
-6.58925E-03

-18.5613
-18.5613
76
1.03757E-12
89
-1.31785E+03

Table 8 Output data of Beam element (full model case (i))

The table shows the ABAQUS results that is displacement, strain components and
stress components. In order to analyse the stress we need to select top middle point
that is node label 50. The upper layer of the model is tension and bottom layer is
compression. Further, consider the nodal label 50 stress values that are S11 and
compare this value with calculated theoretical values at the same point.

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3.8 Element Type: Beam

Model: Full Model (case (ii) F1=50, F2=50)

Figure 13 Deformation of Beam element (full model case (ii))

Node
Label1
50
Min
Node
Max
Node
Total

U.U1 @Loc 1
11.7168E-03
-367.162E-06
23
23.7492E-03
75
1.04357

U.U2 @Loc 1
-4.22231E-03
-23.5415E-03
8
93.8106E-18
5
-385.139E-03

E.E11@Loc 3
36.0914E-06
-89.3030E-06
3
36.0914E-06
59
-1.45912E-03

S.S11 @ Loc 3
7.21827
-17.8606
3
7.21827
59
-291.825

Table 9 Output data of Beam element (full model case (ii))

The table shows the ABAQUS results that is displacement, strain components and
stress components. In order to analyse the stress we need to select top middle point
that is node label 50. The upper layer of the model is compression and bottom layer is
tension. Further, consider the nodal label 50 stress value that is S11 and compare this
value with calculated theoretical values at the same point.

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3.9 Element type: 3D Solid

Model: Half Model (case (i) F1=50, F2=0)

Figure 14 Deformation of 3d solid element (half model case (i))

Node
Label1
45
Min
Node
Max
Node
Total

U.U1 @Loc 1
46.5913E-36
-166.067E-03
34
9.62380E-03
8
-30.9161

U.U2 @Loc 1

E.E11@Loc 1

25.7211E-03
-198.457E-03
35
26.0663E-03
276
-13.1518

172.172E-06
-204.305E-06
258
175.976E-06
269
19.8220E-06

E.E22@Loc 1
-61.4683E-06
-203.279E-06
110
205.100E-06
223
-3.90064E-06

S.S11 @ Loc 1

S.S22 @ Loc 1

33.1248
-40.0039
258
33.7750
269
4.08532

-2.00910
-39.7541
110
40.0031
223
518.038E-03

Table 10 Output data of 3D solid element (full model case (i))

The table shows the ABAQUS results that is displacement, strain components and
stress components. In order to analyse the stress we need to select top middle point
that is node label 45. Further, consider the nodal label 45 stress values that are S11
and compare this value with calculated theoretical values at the same point.

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3.10 Element type: 3D Solid

Model: Full Model (case (ii) F1=50, F2=50)

Figure 15 Deformation of 3d solid element (full model case (ii))

Node
Label1

U.U1 @Loc 1

284
Min
Node
Max

8.16678E-03
-3.17635E-03
115
19.7896E-03

Node
Total

32
3.02545

U.U2 @Loc
1

E.E11@Loc 1

E.E22@Loc 1

S.S11 @ Loc 1

S.S22 @ Loc 1

-4.50405E-03
-18.8591E-03
23
1.38045E-03

-21.1726E-06
-54.0453E-06
169
64.1838E-06

8.14680E-06
-54.0850E-06
235
59.2142E-06

-3.80248
-9.75359
169
12.0111

606.446E-03
-9.76004
235
11.0205

131
-1.41562

197
535.810E-06

127
-352.985E-06

197
100.649

127
-33.0047

Table 11 Output data of 3D solid element (full model case (ii))

The table shows the ABAQUS results that is displacement, strain components and
stress components. In order to analyse the stress we need to select top middle point
that is node label 284. The upper layer of the model is compression and bottom layer
is tension. Further, consider the nodal label 284 stress values that are S11 and
compare this value with calculated theoretical values at the same point.

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4. THEORETICAL CALCULATION

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Computational Engineering of Finite Element Modelling For Automotive Application Using

Abaqus

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Praveen Padagannavar

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Computational Engineering of Finite Element Modelling For Automotive Application Using

Abaqus

The calculation is done on the element point C

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5. VALIDATION
Comparison between theoretical and ABAQUS for values Half or full
model Case (i) F1=50, F2=0
ELEMENT TYPE
Plane stress

STRESS THEORETICAL
18.5613 Mpa

ABAQUS (S11)
12.3626 Mpa

Plane strain

18.5613 Mpa

-141.301E-03 Mpa

Shell

18.5613 Mpa

-354.610E-03 Mpa

Beam

18.5613 Mpa

-18.5613 Mpa

3D solid

18.5613 Mpa

33.1248 Mpa

Table 12 Theoretical and ABAQUS results for case (i) F1=50, F2=0

The table shows theoretical and ABAQUS values for the case (i) F1=50 and F2=0
for full or half model. According to theoretical calculation the stress value is
18.5613Mpa and ABAQUS results vary. In the case of beam the theoretical and
Abaqus results are same that is 18.5613. In the case of plane stress, the theoretical
stress value is 18.5613Mpa and Abaqus value is 12.3626, the values are not accurate.

Comparison between theoretical and ABAQUS values for full model Case
(ii) F1=50, F2=50
ELEMENT TYPE
Plane Stress
Plane Strain
Shell
Beam
3D solid

STRESS THEORETICAL
6.187Mpa
6.187Mpa
6.187Mpa

ABAQUS (S11)
-5.16199 Mpa
-5.16520 Mpa
-5.15570 Mpa

6.187Mpa
6.187Mpa

7.21827 Mpa
-3.80248 Mpa

Table 13 Theoretical and ABAQUS results for case (ii) F1=50, F2=50

The table shows theoretical and ABAQUS values for the case (ii) F1=50 and
F2=50. According to theoretical calculation the stress value is 6.187Mpa and
ABAQUS results more or less similar. In the case of beam the theoretical values is
6.187Mpa and Abaqus result is 7.21827Mpa, the values are closer. In the case of
plane stress, the theoretical stress value is 6.187Mpa and Abaqus value is 5.16199Mpa which is almost similar.
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Comparison between theoretical and ABAQUS values for Beam model

Case (i) F1=50, F2=0
ELEMENT TABLE

BEAM THEORETICAL

16

18.56

BEAM ABAQUS S11

(CASE i)
-18.5613

17

18.56

-18.5613

18

18.56

-18.5613

19

18.56

-18.5613

20

18.56

-18.5613

21

18.56

-18.5613

22

18.56

-18.5613

23

18.56

-18.5613

24

18.56

-18.5613

25

18.56

-18.5613

Table 14 Beam Theoretical and ABAQUS results for case (i) F1=50, F2=0

The table shows theoretical and ABAQUS values for the Beam case (i) F1=50 and
F2=0 model. According to theoretical calculation, the stress value is 18.56Mpa and
ABAQUS results are -18.5613 which exactly the same is.

6. DISCUSSION

The Purpose of this paper is to compare the results from ABAQUS and theoretical
calculation. Though hand calculations are accurate but it is more complicated or
nearly impossible to do it in some cases and time consuming and also increases
computational cost. The use of ABAQUS software is much easier and reliable.

Plane stress, plane strain and beam elements were modelled in 2D analysis while
Shell and 3D Solid elements were modelled in 3D elements. Different types of 2D
and 3D elements can be selected for model analysis in ABAQUS/CAE.
It was observed that out of plane normal and shear stresses are equal to zero.
For Plane Stress elements, linear analysis was used and since 2D modelling was done
on it, it is less expensive and less time consuming than 3D or Shell elements.
Although the results were highly accurate.
For Beam Elements, transverse shear deformations were allowed since element type
for the given model was B21-linear node. This type of elements uses linear
interpolation method for analysis. Also, results were very accurate.
For 3D solid Elements, reduced integration was used. Also these elements do not
have rotational degrees of freedom. The computational time is high. Also the bending
behaviour is much stiffer.

When we have a fine mesh it is best recommended to have the reduced integration
method. In linear elements when there is no bending moment we use full integration
point method. This happens because the element has edges that are unable to curve.
The simulation gives values that are closer to the theoretical values.
Stress Distribution: the stresses are mostly distributed/induced in the middle point of
the full model because the force generated is higher in this point. The different forces
would generate different stress.
The beam element is most accurate because it is similar to the theoretical results. In
contrast, the Shell and 3D model would have relatively more error when compared

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with the theoretical results, this is due to three components x, y, and z directions of
the displacement.
Model simplification technique is used to simplify complex structural applications.
This can be done without considering the thickness of the model and the forces can be
assumed on respective nodes. To simplify the model analysis, we use step as linear
perturbation for linear problems.
Quadratic reduced-integration is the method that does not pose locking when there
are stresses present. Thus these methods are used for simulation of stresses, strains
and displacements.
There are 2 types of shell elements, mainly linear full integration and reduced
integration of elements. By using the linear reduced integration method and
appropriately sizing the mesh distortion could be identified clearly. When the mesh is
finely created the values are more accurate. This is experienced because the elements
used here are tolerant to distortion. Shell elements are two types i.e. linear full and
reduced integration elements. In linear elements when bending moment is not present
we use full integration point.
The element type for structure is kept same throughout the analysis. Manual
calculations for these structures are done using theoretical and mathematical
formulas. These are then compared.

7. CONCLUSION
ABAQUS is a tool that is comprehensive and powerful that provide various analysis
of structures by changing the modelling process during designing to get different
results. This report analyses the deformations in a 2D planar, plane stress element,
plane strain element, 3D shell element, beam element and 3D solid element. The
values were manually calculated and the values were obtained by using ABAQUS.
These were compared and assessed. These values and figures are tabulated and
presented above. The simulations and calculations were performed for planar stresses,
strains and the deformation in the shell structures. As seen in the above sections the
figures clearly show sections with more stress/strain and deformations. During
analysis it was understood that the techniques chosen such as linear or quadratic could
influence the result of the analysis performed. Also different modules such as seeding,
meshing, boundary conditions etc. need to be assigned carefully to get the best results.
Compared values from ABAQUS and theoretical calculations nearly match each
other. However there was slight difference. Since calculating the stresses/strain in real
life structures is difficult and complex more accurate values could be obtained by
using FEA with quadratic element method. Thus FEM using ABAQUS helps us in
understanding the deformations and strength of the different engineering materials
used more accurately and easily.

REFERENCE
[1]
[2]
[3]

Takla, M 2015, Introduction to the finite element method, Lecture notes at

RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
Takla, M 2015, Introduction to ABAQUS/CAE, Lecture notes at RMIT
University, Melbourne, Australia.
Abaqus Version6.7 ABAQUS Analysis User Manual Engineering forums

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