Assign Element type

Assign element type

Element types determine how geometry and physics are discretized. Examples include linear/quadratic quadrilaterals (u4-solid), 3D bricks (u8-solid-3D), and multi-phase elements (e.g., u-p). Please refer to element types for more details.

Integration

Options include Full or Reduced integration:

Full: Ensures higher accuracy and is suitable for general use.

Reduced: Avoids locking issues but may require stabilization.

Assign the element type to either:

• Surfaces for 2D geometry
• Volumes for 3D geometry

Assign truss/beam element

Truss and beam material definitions are essential for simulating structural elements correctly. These materials specify both the physical type of the element (truss or beam) and its mechanical properties.

Truss: 1D elements that carry only axial forces. Rotational stiffness and bending are ignored.

Beam: 1D elements capable of carrying axial, shear, and bending forces as well as torsion.

Material Properties

For Truss elements:

A: Cross-sectional Area (m²)

E: Young’s Modulus (kN/m²)

For Beam elements:

A: Cross-sectional Area (m²)

E: Young’s Modulus (kN/m²)

G: Shear Modulus (kN/m²)

I_yy, I_zz: Moments of Inertia (m⁴)

J: Torsional Constant (m⁴)

ky, kz: Shear Correction Factors

Note: All properties are required for accurate stress and deformation calculations.