I am quite familiar with using Abaqus and this has a very useful option called "geometric smoothing for curved surfaces". Examples below:
The effect is to push flat element faces to match the curvature of the curved geometry and align nodes onto the geometric surface, which provides more realistic contact distribution. This in turns yields accurate contact stresses and pressures. Additionally, "node snagging" is eliminated for sliding contact, yielding smoother sliding with smoother tangential friction force and friction heating.
I have experience of Abaqus geometric smoothing working with implicit and explicit solvers, first order and second order tetrahedra and hexahedra solid (continuum) elements.
I have tried Icurv =3 Automatic bicubic surface with version 2019.3 with a ball and raceway bearing model, but the solver rapidly diverges. The Type7 notes say this functionality will be improved in future versions.
Has anyone had any success with Icurv? and if so could they share examples of how it was applied.
