Creating composite shell sections

This section describes how to create a composite shell section.

Shell section behavior is defined in terms of the response of the shell section to stretching, bending, shear, and torsion. For more information, see Shell Section Behavior. Composite shell sections are composed of layers made of different materials in different orientations.

When you create shell sections, you must choose a section integration method. You can choose to provide the section property data before the analysis (a pre-integrated shell section) or to have Abaqus calculate (integrate) the cross-sectional behavior from section integration points during the analysis.

Shell sections integrated during analysis allow the cross-sectional behavior to be calculated by numerical integration through the shell thickness, thus providing complete generality in material modeling. Any number of material points can be defined through the thickness, and the material response can vary from point to point. This type of shell section is generally used with nonlinear material behavior in the section. It must be used with shells that provide for heat transfer. For more information, see Using a Shell Section Integrated during the Analysis to Define the Section Behavior.

Linear moment-bending and force-membrane strain relationships can be defined using pre-integrated shell sections. In this case all calculations are done in terms of section forces and moments. The section properties are specified by elastic material plies; optionally, you can also apply an idealization based on assumptions about the expected behavior or makeup of the shell. Use a pre-integrated shell section if the response of the shell is linear elastic and its behavior is not dependent on changes in temperature or predefined field variables. For more information, see Using a General Shell Section to Define the Section Behavior.


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