Assigning thickness for a sheet (2D)

Altair Forum User

Hi there, 

 

Is there any possibility to assign the thickness for a 2D plate with some offset,,. (How we do while modeling 1D elements).

 

Generally if u assign the thickness for a shell element it will assign the thickness on both sides. But i want to that is there any possibility to assign the thickness in only one side of the plate.

 

I have refereed some theory regarding, I came to know that 'The shell reference plane can be offset from the plane defined by element nodes by means of zoffs' Is that correct.

If yes, can any one tell me how to use zoffs and what are zoffs.

 

Thanks in advance 

 

Altair Forum User

That's Solver question.

In SAMCEF solver we can take into account offset of shell mesh comparing to geometrical neutral surface.

What solver do you work ?

Altair Forum User

I GENERALLY DO SIMPLE STATIC GRAVITY ANALYSIS, SO I USE OPTISTRUCT OR RADIOSS BULK DATA.

 

IS THERE ANY POSSIBILITY TO DO THE SAME WITH THESE TWO SOLVERS,.

Altair Forum User

Hi,

 

Hyperworks manual, CQUAD4, parameter ZOFFS

 

ZOFFS:

 

Offset from the plane defined by element grid points to the shell reference plane.  See comment 10.  Overrides the ZOFFS specified on the PSHELL entry.  

Default = 0.0 (Real or blank)

 

Regards,

Mario

 

PS: Please take a look at the manuals, they are great !!

Altair Forum User

Thanks for your suggestion.

 

I have already refereed that. But how can we implement in the software..?

 

When you create a  pshell property and cardedit it, where is the zoffs parameter, where should i enter the value for it, or where should i select the reference surface?

Altair Forum User

Hi,

 

it is a element based value, so you have to input it into the element card (card editor).

 

Regards,

Mario

Altair Forum User

THANK YOU Mr, MARIO

 

I TRIED THAT BY EDITING THE ELEMENT(QUAD 4) IN CARD EDIT AS YOU SUGGESTED . IT WORKS PERFECTLY AND I FOUND THE ZOOFS THERE ,,.

 

THANKS A LOT,.. /emoticons/default_smile.png' alt=':)' srcset='/emoticons/smile@2x.png 2x' width='20' height='20'>

Ravindra_p

 I'm getting this as an error , how to fix this Element 2 has zero thickness defined in shell property and at
 grid points. Shell thickness should be greater than zero to run a
 meaningful analysis.