Abaqus Elements Guide
Heat Transfer and Thermal-Stress Analysis
Information Available for Element Libraries
Choosing the Element's Dimensionality
One-Dimensional (Link) Elements
Axisymmetric Elements with Nonlinear, Asymmetric Deformation
Choosing the Appropriate Element for an Analysis Type
Coupled Temperature-Displacement Elements
Coupled Thermal-Electrical-Structural Elements
Coupled Temperature–Pore Pressure Elements
Diffusive (Heat Transfer) Elements
Forced Convection Heat Transfer Elements
Fluid Pipe and Fluid Pipe Connector Elements
Coupled Thermal-Electrical Elements
Coupled Thermal-Electrochemical Elements
Coupled Thermal-Electrochemical-Structural Elements
Using the Same Mesh with Different Analysis or Element Types
Methods for Suppressing Hourglass Modes
Controlling Element Distortion for Crushable Materials in Abaqus/Explicit
Selecting a Scale Factor for the Drill Stiffness in Abaqus/Explicit
Drill Constraint in Small Strain Shell Elements S3RS and S4RS in Abaqus/Explicit
Ramping of Initial Stresses in Membrane Elements in Abaqus/Explicit
Defining the Kinematic Formulation for Hexahedron Solid Elements
Choosing the Order of Accuracy in Solid and Shell Element Formulations
Selecting Scale Factors for Bulk Viscosity in Abaqus/Explicit
Controlling the Activation of the "Improved" Element Time Estimation Method in Abaqus/Explicit
Controlling Element Deletion and Maximum Degradation for Materials with Damage Evolution
Controlling Shell Element Deletion Based on Integration Point Status in Abaqus/Explicit
Controlling Distortion-Based Element Deletion in Abaqus/Explicit
Using Linear Kinematic Conversion in Abaqus/Explicit
Using Viscous Damping with Connector Elements in Abaqus/Standard
Using Section Controls in an Import Analysis
Using Section Controls for Flexion-Torsion Type Connector
Using Section Controls to Define the Particle Tracking Box for DEM and SPH Particles
Using Section Controls for Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH)
General-Purpose Continuum Elements
Choosing an Appropriate Element
Defining the Elements Section Properties
Modeling Thick Composites with Solid Elements in Abaqus/Standard
Defining Pressure Loads on Continuum Elements
Using Solid Elements in a Rigid Body
Automatic Conversion of Certain Element Types in Abaqus/Standard
Special Considerations for Various Element Types in Abaqus/Standard
Using Element Types C3D6 and C3D6T in Abaqus/Explicit Analyses
One-Dimensional Solid (Link) Element Library
Node Ordering and Face Numbering on Elements
Numbering of Integration Points for Output
Two-Dimensional Solid Element Library
Node Ordering and Face Numbering on Elements
Numbering of Integration Points for Output
Three-Dimensional Solid Element Library
Node Ordering and Face Numbering on Elements
Numbering of Integration Points for Output
Cylindrical Solid Element Library
Node Ordering and Face Numbering on Elements
Numbering of Integration Points for Output
Axisymmetric Solid Element Library
Node Ordering and Face Numbering on Elements
Numbering of Integration Points for Output
Axisymmetric Solid Elements with Nonlinear, Asymmetric Deformation
Node Ordering and Face Numbering on Elements
Numbering of Integration Points for Output
Choosing an Appropriate Element
Defining the Elements Section Properties
Defining Nodes for Solid Medium Infinite Elements
Defining Nodes for Acoustic Infinite Elements
Using Solid Medium Infinite Elements in Plane Stress and Plane Strain Analyses
Using Solid Medium Infinite Elements in Dynamic Analyses
Defining an Initial Stress Field and Corresponding Body Force Field
Node Ordering and Face Numbering on Elements
Numbering of Integration Points for Output
Choosing an Appropriate Element
Defining the Elements Section Properties
Numbering of Integration Points for Output
Choosing an Appropriate Element
Defining the Elements Section Properties
Specifying Nondefault Hourglass Control Parameters for Reduced-Integration Membrane Elements
Using Membrane Elements in Large-Displacement Implicit Analyses
Using Membrane Elements in Abaqus/Standard Contact Analyses
General Membrane Element Library
Numbering of Integration Points for Output
Cylindrical Membrane Element Library
Node Ordering and Face Numbering on Elements
Numbering of Integration Points for Output
Axisymmetric Membrane Element Library
Numbering of Integration Points for Output
Choosing an Appropriate Element
Defining the Elements Section Properties
Using Truss Elements in Large-Displacement Implicit Analysis
Numbering of Integration Points for Output
Determining Whether Beam Modeling Is Appropriate
Using Beam Elements in Dynamic and Eigenfrequency Analysis
Nonsolid (“Thin-Walled”) Cross-Sections
Euler-Bernoulli (Slender) Beams
Timoshenko (Shear Flexible) Beams
Beam Element Cross-Section Orientation
Beam Cross-Sectional Axis System
Initial Curvature and Initial Twist
Rotary Inertia for Timoshenko Beams
Adding Inertia to the Beam Section Behavior for Timoshenko Beams
Additional Inertia due to Immersion in Fluid
Using a Beam Section Integrated during the Analysis to Define the Section Behavior
Defining the Behavior of a Beam Section Integrated during the Analysis
Defining a Change in Cross-Sectional Area due to Straining
Specifying Temperature and Field Variables
Using a General Beam Section to Define the Section Behavior
Defining the Reference Temperature for Thermal Expansion
Defining the Initial Section Forces and Moments
Defining a Change in Cross-Sectional Area due to Straining
Specifying Temperature and Field Variables
Numbering of Integration Points for Output
Arbitrary, Thin-Walled, Open and Closed Sections
Element Cross-Sectional Axis System
Large-Displacement Assumptions
Material Response (Section Properties) of Frame Elements
Mechanical Response and Mass Formulation
Using Frame Elements in Contact Problems
Defining Elastic Section Behavior
Defining Elastic-Plastic Section Behavior
Defining Optional Uniaxial Strut Behavior
Switching to Optional Uniaxial Strut Behavior during an Analysis
Defining the Reference Temperature for Thermal Expansion
Specifying Temperature and Field Variables
Pipes and Pipebends with Deforming Cross-Sections: Elbow Elements
Choosing an Appropriate Element
Defining the Elements Section Properties
Assigning a Material Definition to a Set of Elbow Elements
Specifying Temperature and Field Variables
Using Elbow Elements in Large-Displacement Analysis
Defining Kinematic Boundary Conditions on Elbow Elements
Numbering of Integration Points for Output
Conventional Shell Versus Continuum Shell
Conventional Stress/Displacement Shell Elements
Stress/Displacement Continuum Shell Elements
Coupled Temperature-Displacement Continuum Shell Elements
Coupled Temperature-Displacement Shell Elements
“Thick” Versus “Thin” Conventional Shell Elements
Finite-Strain Versus Small-Strain Shell Elements
Five Degree of Freedom Shells Versus Six Degree of Freedom Shells
Specifying Section Controls for Shell Elements
Defining the Initial Geometry of Conventional Shell Elements
Offset: Reference Surface Versus Midsurface
Methods for Defining the Shell Section Behavior
Determining Whether to Use a Shell Section Integrated during the Analysis or a General Shell Section
Nodal Mass and Rotary Inertia for Composite Sections
Using a Shell Section Integrated during the Analysis to Define the Section Behavior
Defining a Homogeneous Shell Section
Defining a Composite Shell Section
Defining the Shell Section Integration
Defining a Shell Offset Value for Conventional Shells
Defining a Variable Thickness for Conventional Shells Using Distributions
Defining a Variable Nodal Thickness for Conventional Shells
Defining the Poisson Strain in Shell Elements in the Thickness Direction
Defining the Thickness Modulus in Continuum Shell Elements
Defining the Transverse Shear Stiffness
Specifying the Order of Accuracy in the Abaqus/Explicit Shell Element Formulation
Defining Density for Conventional Shells
Specifying Nondefault Hourglass Control Parameters for Reduced-Integration Shell Elements
Specifying Temperature and Field Variables
Using a General Shell Section to Define the Section Behavior
Defining the Shell Section Behavior
Specifying the Equivalent Section Properties Directly for Conventional Shells
Specifying the Section Properties in User Subroutine UGENS or VUGENS
Idealizing the Section Response
Defining a Shell Offset Value for Conventional Shells
Defining a Variable Thickness for Conventional Shells Using Distributions
Defining a Variable Nodal Thickness for Conventional Shells
Defining the Poisson Strain in Shell Elements in the Thickness Direction
Defining the Thickness Modulus in Continuum Shell Elements
Defining the Transverse Shear Stiffness
Defining the Initial Section Forces and Moments
Specifying the Order of Accuracy in the Abaqus/Explicit Shell Element Formulation
Specifying Nondefault Hourglass Control Parameters for Reduced-Integration Shell Elements
Defining Density for Conventional Shells
Specifying Temperature and Field Variables
Three-Dimensional Conventional Shell Element Library
Numbering of Integration Points for Output
Continuum Shell Element Library
Numbering of Integration Points for Output
Axisymmetric Shell Element Library
Numbering of Integration Points for Output
Axisymmetric Shell Elements with Nonlinear, Asymmetric Deformation
Shear Panel Element Formulation
Defining the Element's Section Properties
Numbering of Integration Points for Output
Inertial, Rigid, and Capacitance Elements
Defining the Isotropic Mass Value
Defining the Anisotropic Mass Tensor
Defining Damping for MASS Elements
Nodes Associated with the Element
Defining Damping for ROTARYI Elements
Speeding Up Convergence in Three-Dimensional Implicit Analyses
Rotary Inertia Element Library
Nodes Associated with the Element
Choosing an Appropriate Element
Defining the Capacitance Value
Nodes Associated with the Element
Connector Elements Versus Multi-Point Constraints
Choosing an appropriate element
Defining a Connection between Points
Defining a Connection between a Point and Ground
Defining the Connection Attributes
Using Connector Elements in Two-Dimensional and Axisymmetric Analysis
Using Multiple Connector Elements in Parallel
Defining Connectors in a Model That Contains Parts and an Assembly
Using Connector Elements with Nodal Transformations
Using Nonlinear Connections in Geometrically Linear Analyses
Mismatched Masses at Connector Nodes in Abaqus/Explicit
Using Connector Elements for Output Only
Fixing Available Components of Relative Motion
Displacement-Controlled Actuation
Connector Actuation in Linear Perturbation Procedures
Basic, Assembled, and Complex Connections
Using the Connection-Type Library
Components of Relative Motion and Connector Forces and Moments
Coulomb-Like Friction Behavior
Assigning a Connector Behavior to a Connector Element
Defining Coupled and Uncoupled Connector Behavior
Defining Reference Lengths and Angles for Constitutive Response
Defining the Time Integration Method for Constitutive Response in Abaqus/Explicit
Defining Connector Behavior in Linear Perturbation Procedures
Using Several Connectors in Series or in Parallel
Defining Connector Behavior Using Tabular Data
Defining Linear Uncoupled Elastic Behavior
Defining Linear Coupled Elastic Behavior
Modeling Coupled Unsymmetric Linear Stiffness
Defining Nonlinear Elastic Behavior
Defining Rigid Connector Behavior
Defining Elastic Connector Behavior in Linear Perturbation Procedures
Defining Linear Uncoupled Viscous Damping Behavior
Defining Linear Coupled Viscous Damping Behavior
Defining Unsymmetric Linear Coupled Viscous Damping Behavior
Defining Nonlinear Viscous Damping Behavior
Defining Linear Structural Damping Behavior
Defining Connector Damping Behavior in Linear Perturbation Procedures
Connector Functions for Coupled Behavior
Defining Derived Components for Connector Elements
Friction Formulation in Connectors
User-Defined Friction Behavior
Defining the Friction Coefficient
Using Multiple Connector Friction Definitions
Defining Connector Friction Behavior in Linear Perturbation Procedures
Plasticity Formulation in Connectors
Defining Elastic-Plastic or Rigid Plastic Behavior
Defining Uncoupled Plastic Behavior
Defining Coupled Plastic Behavior
Defining the Plastic Hardening Behavior
Using Multiple Plasticity Definitions
Defining Plastic Connector Behavior in Linear Perturbation Procedures
Damage Formulation in Connectors
Defining Connector Damage Initiation
Defining Connector Damage Evolution
Using Multiple Damage Mechanisms
Maximum Degradation and Choice of Element Removal in Abaqus/Standard
Viscous Regularization in Abaqus/Standard
Defining Connector Damage Behavior in Linear Perturbation Procedures
Defining Connector Stops and Locks in Linear Perturbation Procedures
Defining Connector Failure Behavior
Specifying Uniaxial Behavior for an Available Component of Relative Motion
Defining Rate-Independent Nonlinear Elastic Behavior
Defining Rate-Dependent Behavior
Defining Models with Permanent Deformation
Using Different Uniaxial Models in Tension and Compression
Defining the Elements Section Properties
Particle Geometry, Mass, and Rotational Inertia
Discrete Particle Element Library
Nodes Associated with the Element
Defining the Elements Section Properties
Continuum Particle Element Library
Nodes Associated with the Element
Choosing an Appropriate Element
Defining the Normal Direction of the Acoustic-Structural Interface
Defining the Acoustic Interface Element's Section Properties
Acoustic Interface Element Library
Spatial Representation of a Cohesive Element
General Issues Related to Modeling with Cohesive Elements
Procedures with Which Cohesive Elements Are Allowed
Modeling with Cohesive Elements
Discretizing Cohesive Zones Using Cohesive Elements
Connecting Cohesive Elements to Other Components
Using Cohesive Elements in Large-Displacement Analyses
Selecting the Broad Class of the Constitutive Response of Cohesive Elements
Assigning a Material Behavior to a Cohesive Element
Using Cohesive Elements in Coupled Pore Fluid Diffusion/Stress Analyses
Defining Contact between Surrounding Components
Using Cohesive Elements in Symmetric Models in Abaqus/Standard
Stable Time Increment in Abaqus/Explicit
Convergence Issues in Abaqus/Standard
Defining the Cohesive Element's Initial Geometry
Defining the Element Connectivity
Specifying the out-of-Plane Thickness for Two-Dimensional Elements
Specifying the Constitutive Thickness
Element Thickness Direction Definition
Local Directions at Integration Points
Defining the Constitutive Response of Cohesive Elements Using a Continuum Approach
Behavior of Cohesive Elements with Conventional Material Models
Defining the Constitutive Response of Cohesive Elements Using a Traction-Separation Description
Defining Constitutive Response in Terms of Traction-Separation Laws
Linear Elastic Traction-Separation Behavior
Interpretation of Material Properties
Modeling Viscoelastic Traction-Separation Behavior in Abaqus/Explicit
Maximum Degradation and Choice of Element Removal
Uncoupled Transverse Shear Response
Viscous Regularization in Abaqus/Standard
Defining the Constitutive Response of Fluid within the Cohesive Element Gap
Defining Pore Fluid Flow Properties
Specifying the Fluid Flow Properties
Use of Unsymmetric Matrix Storage and Solution
Defining the Constitutive Response of Fluid Transitioning from Darcy Flow to Poiseuille Flow
Defining Pore Fluid Flow Properties
Normal Flow across Gap Surfaces
Transition from Darcy Flow to Poiseuille Flow
Defining Thermal Convection for a Cohesive Element
Modeling Thermal Convection Together with Gap Fluid Flow within a Cohesive Element
Specifying Specific Heat of the Fluid
Specifying Conductivity of the Fluid
Specifying Heat Convection between the Fluid and Both the Top and Bottom Surfaces
Defining a Thermal Interaction for a Cohesive Element
Specifying Thermal Conductance of a Cohesive Element
Modeling Conductance between the Top and Bottom Surfaces of a Cohesive Element
Modeling Radiation between Surfaces When the Gap Is Small
Two-Dimensional Cohesive Element Library
Node Ordering and Face Numbering on Elements
Numbering of Integration Points for Output
Three-Dimensional Cohesive Element Library
Node Ordering and Face Numbering on Elements
Numbering of Integration Points for Output
Axisymmetric Cohesive Element Library
Node Ordering and Face Numbering on Elements
Numbering of Integration Points for Output
Choosing an Appropriate Element
Stability Considerations in Abaqus/Explicit
Defining the Direction of Action for DASHPOT1 and DASHPOT2 Elements
Distributing Coupling Elements
Distributing Coupling Elements
Choosing an Appropriate Element
Defining the Distributing Coupling
Defining the Load Distribution
Processing of Unattached Nodes
Distributing Coupling Element Library
Nodes Associated with the Element
Choosing an Appropriate Element
Defining the Drag Chain Behavior
Nodes Associated with the Element
Elastic-Plastic Joint Elements
Elastic-Plastic Joint Element Library
Nodes Associated with the Element
Choosing an Appropriate Element
Defining the Eulerian Element's Section Properties
Node Ordering and Face Numbering on Elements
Numbering of Integration Points for Output
Using JOINTC Elements in Large-Displacement Analyses
Flexible Joint Element Library
Nodes Associated with the Element
Choosing an Appropriate Element
Assigning a Material Definition to a Set of Fluid Pipe Connector Elements
Fluid Pipe Connector Equations
Specifying the Fluid Pipe Connector Geometry and Connector Loss
Specifying Initial and Prescribed Conditions
Specifying Loads and Boundary Conditions
Fluid Pipe Connector Element Library
Choosing an Appropriate Element
Assigning a Material Definition to a Set of Fluid Pipe Elements
Using Fluid Pipe Elements in Symmetric Models
Specifying the Friction Loss Behavior
Specifying Initial and Prescribed Conditions
Specifying Loads and Boundary Conditions
Motivation for Gasket Elements
Spatial Representation of a Gasket Element
Local Behavior Directions Defined at the Integration Points
Procedures with Which Gasket Elements Are Allowed
Elements for General Use Versus Elements with Thickness-Direction Behavior Only
Elements for Two-Dimensional, Three-Dimensional, and Axisymmetric Analyses
Including Gasket Elements in a Model
Discretizing Gaskets Using Gasket Elements
Assembling Gaskets to Other Components in a Model
Using Gasket Elements That Model Thickness-Direction Behavior Only
Additional Considerations When Using Gasket Elements
Defining the Gasket Element's Initial Geometry
Default Element Thickness-Direction Definition
Specifying an Initial Gap and an Initial Void in the Thickness Direction of a Gasket Element
Stability of Unsupported Gasket Elements
Defining the Gasket Behavior Using a Material Model
Assigning a Gasket Behavior to a Gasket Element
Specific Output for Material Definition of Gasket Behavior
Defining the Gasket Behavior Directly Using a Gasket Behavior Model
Assigning a Gasket Behavior to a Gasket Element
Defining the Thickness-Direction Behavior of the Gasket
Defining the Transverse Shear Behavior of the Gasket
Defining the Membrane Behavior of the Gasket
Defining Thermal Expansion for the Membrane and Thickness-Direction Behaviors
Defining Creep Behavior for the Thickness-Direction Behavior
Defining Viscoelastic Behavior for the Thickness-Direction Behavior
Defining the Contact Area for Average Contact Pressure Output
Specific Output for Directly Defined Gasket Behavior
Defining a Thermal Interaction for a Gasket Element
Specifying Thermal Conductance of a Gasket Element
Modeling Conductance between the Top and Bottom Surfaces of a Gasket Element
Two-Dimensional Gasket Element Library
Node Ordering and Integration Point Numbering
Three-Dimensional Gasket Element Library
Node Ordering and Face Numbering on Elements
Numbering of Integration Points for Output
Axisymmetric Gasket Element Library
Node Ordering and Integration Point Numbering
Line Spring Elements for Modeling Part-through Cracks in Shells
Choosing an Appropriate Element
Defining the Elements Section Properties
Defining the Shell Model That Contains the Flaw
Including the Effects of Pressure Loading on the Crack Faces
Nodes Associated with the Element
Numbering of Integration Points for Output
Pipe-Soil Interaction Elements
Assigning the Pipe-Soil Interaction Behavior to a PSI Element
Kinematics and Local Coordinate System
Specifying the Constitutive Behavior with a User Subroutine
Specifying the Constitutive Behavior Directly
Pipe-Soil Interaction Element Library
Node Ordering and Integration Point Numbering
Choosing an Appropriate Element
Stability Considerations in Abaqus/Explicit
Relative Displacement Definition
Defining the Direction of Action for SPRING1 and SPRING2 Elements
Defining Linear Spring Behavior with Complex Stiffness
Choosing an Appropriate Element
Defining the Elements Section Properties
General Surface Element Library
Numbering of Integration Points for Output
Cylindrical Surface Element Library
Node Ordering and Face Numbering on Elements
Numbering of Integration Points for Output
Axisymmetric Surface Element Library
Numbering of Integration Points for Output
Choosing an Appropriate Element
Defining the Behavior of ITS Elements
Nodes Associated with the Element
Assigning an Element Type Key to a User-Defined Element
Invoking User-Defined Elements
Defining the Active Degrees of Freedom at the Nodes
Defining a Linear User Element in Abaqus/Standard