Selecting contact output

Contact output data for non-kinematic scalar output variables such as CPRESS, COPEN, CSLIP, CSHEAR1, and CSHEAR2 are consolidated from all continuum element–based surfaces into a single data set. Data for overlapping surfaces are combined. If contact output is requested for membrane or shell elements, the data for the SPOS and SNEG surfaces are contained in separate data sets. When contact surfaces are double-sided or node-based, separate contact output data sets are created for each contact surface pair.

See Also
Selecting model data and analysis results to plot
In Other Guides
Accessing an Output Database

The method that Abaqus/CAE uses to combine overlapping facet data in the consolidated data set depends on the output variable:

  • For the variables CPRESS, CSHEAR, and CSLIP, Abaqus/CAE uses the largest value, positive or negative, in the model for the selected variable.

  • For the variable COPEN, Abaqus/CAE uses the minimum value for contact opening, which can reflect the smallest opening in the model or, if there are overclosures, the greatest overclosure value.

  • For the vector variables CNORMF and CSHEARF, Abaqus/CAE evaluates the sum of all vector values for the individual surface pairs and stores the resultant vector in the consolidated data set.

  • For the variable CSTATUS, Abaqus/CAE assigns one of three contact statuses to individual nodes on the main and secondary surfaces. Abaqus/CAE uses the following settings in the consolidated data set: Closed (Sticking) if any of the overlapping nodes are sticking, Closed (Slipping) if none of the overlapping nodes are sticking and one or more of the overlapping nodes are slipping, and Open if all of the overlapping nodes are open.

The variable names that appear in Abaqus/CAE for each data set indicate the regions to which the contact output applies. For example, a CPRESS data set for an individual contact surface pair (for a double-sided or node-based contact surface) is named CPRESS SECONDARY NAME/MAIN NAME; the data sets for contact on the SPOS or SNEG side of a membrane or shell surface are named CPRESS SPOS and CPRESS SNEG, respectively; and all other surface variable output is named CPRESS.

Contact output data for any individual contact surface pair, without summed contributions from other contact pairs, are accessible using the Create Field Output dialog box or the Abaqus Scripting Interface to the output database; these data sets have names of the form CPRESS SECONDARY NAME/MAIN NAME.

Because CPRESS, CSHEAR1, and CSHEAR2 are associated with particular surfaces defined in the model, the surfaces must be included in the current display group when these output variable results are probed. These variables can be probed only at the nodes.