thick steel shell modelling

Casper Kruger
Casper Kruger Altair Community Member
edited January 2022 in Community Q&A

Hi, 

 

I am analysing a steel plate component but some of the section are fairly thick with congested geometry. I would like to allow for the thickness using continuum shells but can only find examples of simple brackets in composite. Does anyone have examples of modelling steel plate to allow for thicker shell components? 

The reason I would like to stick to shell modelling is that the element count will be to excessive using solid elements as I am adding contacts and preload bolted connections. 

I added an example image below of a 100 mm thick flange interface. Any guidance will be appreciated. Thank you in advance. 

 

 image

Tagged:

Answers

  • Adriano A. Koga
    Adriano A. Koga
    Altair Employee
    edited January 2022

    it is a 100mm tck plate, but what is its length? Or what is the thickness/length ratio?

    From your picture i don't see why couldn't you use a shell model here. Did I miss anything?

  • Casper Kruger
    Casper Kruger Altair Community Member
    edited January 2022

    The centre flange is 100 mm thick. If I mid surface it, I will have to extend the top and bottom web by 50 mm and I am not sure if this is skirting too close to thick shell theory. 

    The cantilever of the 100 mm thick flange is roughly 50 mm, acting more like a thick plate than a thin shell. The reduced section is fully fixed against another part. 

     

    What are the option for modelling thick shell steel sections? 

     

Categories