Elements Joints

2021.
Elements
Elements are a fundamental part of any finite element analysis, since they completely
represent (to an acceptable approximation), the geometry and variation in displacement
based
on the deformation of the structure.
Elastic, Damper, and Mass Elements
For such continuum elements, the displacement field over a volume of material which
is represented by an element
is approximated by corresponding shape functions based
on the nodal coordinates. For example, in linear axial
elements, the displacement
vector is expressed as a linear polynomial whose constants are obtained from the
nodal
displacements.
Implementation
OptiStruct supports several elements, ranging from 0D,
1D, 2D, to 3D elements. Depending upon the type of
analysis, modeling, the level of
detail, and the computational time available, any of the available elements, or a
combination of them can be selected to achieve the required results.
Zero-dimensional Elements
Elements in this group only connect to grid points having a single degree of freedom at each end.
Elements also
included in this group are those that connect to scalar points at one
end and ground at the other, like the following:
CELAS1, CELAS2, CELAS3, and CELAS4 that are used to
model elastic springs. The properties for CELAS1 and
CELAS3 are defined on PELAS.
CELAS2 and CELAS4 define spring
properties.
CDAMP1, CDAMP2, CDAMP3, and CDAMP4 that are used to
model scalar dampers. The properties for CDAMP1
and
CDAMP3 are defined on PDAMP.
CDAMP2 and CDAMP4 define scalar
damper properties.
CMASS1, CMASS2, CMASS3, and CMASS4 that are used to
model point masses. The properties for CMASS1 and
CMASS3 are defined on PMASS.
CMASS2 and CMASS4 define the
mass.
CONM1 and CONM2, which are
concentrated mass elements. CONM1 defines a 6x6 mass
matrix at a grid point.
CONM2 defines mass and inertia
properties at a grid point.
CVISC is used to model
viscous dampers. The properties for CVISC are defined on
PVISC.
One-dimensional Elements
Elements in this group are represented by a line connecting grid points at each end. The
following actions involving
forces (and displacements) at each end are possible:
Forces and displacements along the axis of the element
Transverse shear forces (and displacements) in the two lateral
directions
Bending moments (and rotations) in two perpendicular, bending planes
Torsional moments (and resulting rotations)
Twisting of the cross-section (or cross-sectional warping)
The elements in this category are:
CBEAM A general beam element that supports all types of action listed
above.
A simple, prismatic beam element that supports all of the above types of
CBAR
actions except cross-sectional warping.
CBUSH A general spring-damper element that supports forces, moments, and

displacements along the axis of the element.
CBUSH1D A rod-type spring-damper element.
CGAP A gap element that supports axial and friction forces.
CGAPG A gap element that supports axial and friction forces. It does not have
to be
placed between grid points. It can also connect surface
patches.
CROD A simple, axial bar element that supports only axial forces and
torsional
moments.
CWELD A simple, axial bar element that supports forces, moments, and torsional
moments. It does not have to be placed between grid points. It can also
connect surface patches.
The properties for these elements are defined on PBEAM,

PBAR, PBUSH, PBUSH1D, PGAP, PROD, and PWELD,
respectively.
CONROD A simple, axial bar element that supports only axial forces and
torsional
moments. This element does not reference a property
definition; the property
information is provided with the element
definition.
Two-dimensional Shell Elements

Two-dimensional shell elements are used to model thin-shell or thick-shell behavior.
Thin-shell behavior can be
applied to situations where transverse shear deformation
in bending can be ignored, whereas, thick-shell behavior is
required in applications
where transverse shear appreciably affects model behavior. OptiStruct shell elements have
the ability to incorporate
in-plane or membrane actions, plane strain, and bending action (including transverse
shear
characteristics and membrane-bending coupling actions). Reissner-Mindlin shell
theory is used to model bending. A
plane-strain option is available for pure 2D
applications. These properties can be controlled using the PSHELL
Bulk
Data Entry. For example, the MID# fields on the
PSHELL, can be used to define material properties to include
bending,
transverse shear, membrane-bending coupling, and so on.
The element shapes may be triangular (CTRIA3) or quadrilateral

(CQUAD4). Second order triangular (CTRIA6)
and
quadrilateral (CQUAD8) shell elements are also available.
The first order shell element formulation for CQUAD4 and CTRIA3 has the special characteristic of using
six degrees
of freedom per grid. Hence, there is stiffness associated to each degree
of freedom. In some finite element codes,
shell elements do not have a drilling
stiffness normal to the mid-plane, which may cause singular stiffness matrix.
Then,
a user-defined artificial stiffness value is assigned to this degree of freedom to
avoid the singularity.
The second order shell elements (CTRIA6 and

CQUAD8) have five degrees of freedom per
grid. Rotational degrees of
freedom without stiffness are removed through SPC.
Another form of two-dimensional elements may also be used to model thin buckled
plates. These elements support
shear stress in their interior and extensional forces
between their adjacent grid points. These elements are used in
situations where the
bending stiffness and axial membrane stiffness of a plate is negligible. The
elements are
quadrilateral and are defined as CSHEAR. Their
properties are defined on the PSHEAR
entry.
Two-dimensional Shell
Element Formulation (Implicit Analysis)
Element formulations indicate the
theory used to construct the element, which includes the approximations
and improvements applied for an accurate simulation.
The table
here is applicable to MAT1, MATS1,
and corresponding MAT# entries.
Table 1. Summary of Integration Schemes (Implicit Analysis)
Nonlinear Analysis
Nonlinear Analysis
Linear Analysis (Geometric
(Contact
Nonlinearity only)
Nonlinearity/Plasticity)
In- Through- Bubble In- Through- Bubble In- Through- Bub

Elements
Plane Thickness Functions Plane Thickness Functions Plane Thickness Funct
3 3 3
Analytical Analytical 6 point IS
CTRIA3 point Yes
2 point Yes
2 point 1 Yes
Integration Integration
IS IS IS
5 5 5
Analytical 2 Analytical 2 6 point IS
CQUAD4 point Yes
point Yes
point 1 Yes
IS IS IS
3 3
Analytical Analytical
CTRIA6 point No point No NA NA NA
IS IS
4 4
Analytical Analytical
CQUAD8 point No point No NA NA NA
IS IS
1
6-point Gauss-Lobatto quadrature for the
through-thickness integration (for models with
MATS1).
2
Incompatible modes
(bubble function) would introduce additional displacement degree of
freedom which
are not associated with nodes. Bubble function help add
flexibility to the element especially for bending.
3

IS implies Integration Scheme.
Two-dimensional Shell Element Formulation (Explicit Nonlinear
Analysis)
Element formulations indicate the theory used to construct
the element, which includes the approximations
and improvements applied
for an accurate simulation. For explicit analysis, the integration
scheme can be
changed using ISOPE field on
PSOLID, PLSOLID, or
PSHELL entries, or via
PARAM,EXPISOP. The settings on the
ISOPE field will overwrite the settings on
PARAM,EXPISOP.
Table 2. Summary of Integration Schemes (Explicit Nonlinear

Analysis)
Belytschko- Belytschko-Wong-Chiang Belytschko-Wong-Chiang

C0 Triangular
Shell
Tsay with drill
projection with full
projection
(ISOPE=4)
(ISOPE=1) (ISOPE=2) (ISOPE=3)
In- Through- In- Through- In- Through- In- Through-

Elements
Plane Thickness Plane Thickness Plane Thickness Plane Thickness
1
3 point IS
CTRIA3 NA NA NA NA NA NA point 1
IS
1 1
1 point
CQUAD4 point 3 point IS 1 point 3 point IS
1 3 point IS
1 NA NA
IS
IS IS
1
Through the thickness direction, the default
number of integration points for Explicit analysis is 3 points. This
can
be controlled using the NIP field on
PSHELL entry. The value of NIP
can vary from 1 to 10. (a) To mimic
membrane behavior,
NIP can be set to 1 and/or
MID2 can be left blank. (b) For elastic material,
NIP can be set
to 2. (c) For nonlinear material, NIP
should be set to a minimum of 3.
2
IS implies
Integration Scheme
Two-dimensional
Axisymmetric Solid Elements (Implicit Analysis)
Two-dimensional
Axisymmetric solid elements CTAXI,
CTRIAX6, and CQAXI are
available. CTAXI and CTRIAX6
are
triangular, and CQAXI is a quadrilateral axisymmetric
element. The materials for these elements can be
defined by
MAT1, MAT3,
MATS1, and MATHE entries. The
properties for these elements are defined by PAXI
entry.
Table 3. Summary of Integration (Implicit Analysis)
Nonlinear Analysis Nonlinear Analysis

Linear
Analysis (MAT# or
MAT# with
MATS1) (MATHE)
Elements Regular Elements

1 Regular Elements
1 Regular Elements
1
CQAXI
4 point IS 4 point IS 5 point IS
(1st
order)
CTAXI
(1st
order)
CTRIAX6
(1st
order)
CQAXI
(2nd
order)
CTAXI
(2nd
order)
CTRIAX6
(2nd
order)
1
Contact Friendly elements are not supported
for 2D axisymmetric solid elements.
2
IS implies
Integration Scheme
Two-dimensional
Plane-Strain Elements (Implicit Analysis)
Two-dimensional plane-strain
elements CQPSTN and CTPSTN are
available. CTPSTN is triangular, and
CQPSTN is a
quadrilateral plane-strain element.
The materials for these elements can be defined by
MAT1, MAT3, and
MATHE
entries. The properties for these elements
are defined by PPLANE entry.
Table 4. Summary of Integration (Implicit Analysis)
Nonlinear Analysis Nonlinear Analysis

Linear
Analysis (MAT#) (MATHE)
Elements Regular Elements

1 Regular Elements
1 Regular Elements
1
CQPSTN
(1st
order)
CTPSTN
(1st
order)
CQPSTN
(2nd
order)
CTPSTN
(2nd
order)
1
Contact Friendly elements are not supported
for two-dimensional plane-strain elements.
2
IS
implies Integration Scheme
Three-dimensional Solid Elements

The three-dimensional solid elements are used to model thick plates, solid
structures. In general, structures in which
the lateral dimensions are of the same
order of magnitude as the longitudinal dimensions can support the use of
three-dimensional solid elements in modeling. The elements in this category are the
CHEXA, CPENTA, CPYRA, and
CTETRA.
Three-dimensional Solid Element Formulation (Implicit Analysis)
Element
formulations indicate the theory used to construct the element, which
includes the approximations
and improvements applied for an accurate
simulation. The number of integration points mentioned here are
the
generic defaults. Depending on the solution and model parameters, a
different number of integration
points may be used. For example,
Hyperelastic elements or integration points on surfaces of solids.
Table 5. Summary of Integration Schemes (Implicit Analysis)
Nonlinear
Analysis
Linear
Analysis
MAT# or
MAT# with
MATS1,
MATVE,
MATVP
Contact-
Contact- Regular
Regular Friendly Regular Elements Regular Elements
Elements Friendly Elements
Elements Elements (ISOP=MODPLAST) (ISOP=REDPLAST)
Elements (ISOP=FULL) (
(ISOP=FULL)
CTETRA
1 point
(1st NA 1 point IS NA 1 point IS 1 point IS
IS
order)
CHEXA
8 point
IS
order)
CTETRA
4 point 5 point
(2nd 5 point IS 5 point IS 5 point IS 4 point IS
IS IS
order)
CHEXA
27 point 27 point
(2nd 27 point
IS 27 point
IS 14 point
IS 9 point IS
IS IS
order)
CPENTA
6 point
IS
order)
CPENTA
21 point 21 point
(2nd 21 point
IS 21 point
IS 21 point
IS 12 point
IS
IS IS
order)
CPYRA
8 point
IS
order)
CPYRA
27 point 27 point
(2st 27 point
IS 14 point
IS 27 point
IS 9 point IS
IS IS
order)
1
IS implies Integration Scheme
Table 6. Summary of Integration Schemes for Gasket Elements (Implicit
Analysis)
Linear Analysis Nonlinear Analysis
Regular Contact Friendly Regular

Elements Contact Friendly
Elements
Elements Elements Elements
CGASK8 4 point IS NA 4 point IS NA
CGASK6 3 point IS NA 3 point IS NA
CGASK16 9 point IS 25 point

IS 9 point IS 25 point
IS
CGASK12 7 point IS 19 point

IS 7 point IS 19 point
IS
1
The integration points are located on the mid-plane of
the 3D gasket elements.
2
IS implies Integration
Scheme
Three-dimensional
Solid Element Formulation (Explicit Nonlinear Analysis)
Element
formulations indicate the theory used to construct the element, which
includes the approximations
and improvements applied for an accurate
simulation. Note that the number of integration points mentioned
here
are the generic defaults. Depending on the solution and model
parameters, a different number of
integration points may be used. For
example, Hyperelastic elements or integration points on surfaces of
solids. For explicit analysis, the integration scheme can be changed
using the ISOPE field on PSOLID,
PLSOLID,
or PSHELL entries, or
via PARAM,EXPISOP. The settings on the
ISOPE field will overwrite the settings on
PARAM,EXPISOP.
Table 7. Summary of Integration Schemes (Explicit Nonlinear

Analysis)
Regular
Regular Elements
Regular Elements
Elements Elements Regular Elements
(ISOPE=SRI)
(ISOPE=AURI) (Full
(ISOPE=URI)
Integration)
Average Reduced
Uniform
Uniform
CHEX Integration Selective Reduced
Integration
Reduced
(1st Integration B matrix is volume- Full IS for deviatoric term and NA
order) averaged
over the 1-point IS for bulk term
1-point IS
element
CTETRA
(2nd NA NA NA 5 point IS
order)
CPENTA Selective Reduced

Integration
(1st NA NA Full IS for deviatoric term and NA
order) 1-point IS for bulk term
CTETRA
(1st NA NA NA 1 point IS
order)
1
Interface Elements
Interface elements are elements which are specialized for a particular purpose of
simulating behavior at the
interfaces between structures or on the surface of the
structural elements interacting with the environment (for
example,
CHBDYE - thermal boundary surface elements,
CIFPEN/CIFHEX - cohesive elements, and so
on).
The number of integration points listed is for each surface of the cohesive
elements. Each Cohesive element has two
surfaces.
Table 8. Summary of Integration for Cohesive Elements (Implicit Analysis)
Gaussian IS Newton-Cotes IS
Elements
Default:
INT=0 (On
PCOHE) =1 (On
PCOHE)
CIFPEN
3 point IS 3 point IS
(1st order)
CIFHEX
(1st order)
CIFPEN
(1st order)
CIFHEX
(2nd order)
1
The number of integration points listed is for each surface of the
cohesive elements. Each Cohesive element has
two surfaces.
2
Offset for One-dimensional and Two-dimensional Elements
Some one-dimensional and two-dimensional elements can use offset to “shift” the
element stiffness relative to the
location determined by the element’s nodes. For
example, shell elements can be offset from the plane defined by
element nodes by
means of ZOFFS. In this case, all other information, such as
material matrices or fiber locations for
the calculation of stresses, are given
relative to the offset reference plane. Similarly, the results, such as shell
element forces, are output on the offset reference plane.
Offset is applied to all element matrices (stiffness, mass, and geometric stiffness),
and to respective element loads
(such as gravity). Hence, in principle, offset can
be used in all types of analysis and optimization.
However, caution is advised when interpreting the

results, especially in linear buckling analysis. Without offset, a
typical simple
structure will bifurcate and loose stability “instantly” at the critical load. With
offset, though, the loss of
stability is gradual and asymptotically reaches a limit
load, as shown in Figure 1(b):
Figure 1.
In practice, the structure with offset can reach excessive deformation before the
limit load is reached.
Note: More complex structures, such as frames or structures

experiencing bending moments, buckle via limit
load even in absence of
ZOFFS on the element card.
Furthermore, in a fully nonlinear approach, additional instability points may be

present on the limit load path.
Comments
1. Through-Thickness direction, the default number of integration
points for Explicit analysis is 3 points. This can
be controlled using the
NIP field on PSHELL entry. The
value of NIP can vary from 1 to 10.
To mimic membrane behavior, NIP can be set to
1
For elastic material, NIP can be set to 2
For nonlinear material, NIP should be set to a
minimum of 3
Non-structural Mass
Non-structural mass may be specified in two different ways.
1. Many property definitions (PSHELL, PCOMP, PBAR, PBARL, PBEAM, PBEAML, PROD, CONROD, PSHEAR, and
PTUBE), have an NSM data field that allows a value
of non-structural mass per unit area or non-structural
mass per unit length to be defined.
When non-structural mass is defined in this way, it is considered in all
analyses.
2. Non-structural mass may be defined via a number of non-structural mass Bulk Data Entries
(NSM, NSM1,
NSML, NSML1, and NSMADD) for a list of elements or properties.
In the case of a list of properties, non-
structural mass is applied to the elements
referencing the properties in the list.
These non-structural mass definitions must be
selected for use in an analysis through the NSM
Subcase
Information Entry.
The NSM Subcase Entry is currently

subcase-dependent only for Linear Static and Nonlinear Static Analysis. For
all other
solution sequences, the NSM Subcase Entry should be defined globally above
the first SUBCASE
statement. If the NSM Subcase Entry
is specified within any subcase which is not linear static or nonlinear
static, then the run
will be terminated with an error.
Input non-structural mass per unit area/length/volume
(NSM/NSM1)
The NSM Bulk Data
Entry and its alternate form NSM1 allow you to define a value of
non-structural mass
per unit area, non-structural mass per unit length, or non-structural
mass per unit volume to be applied
to a selected list of elements
The
NSM field on various property entries listed above also inputs mass
per unit area/length/volume
directly.
Input lumped non-structural mass

(NSML/NSML1)
The NSML Bulk Data
Entry and its alternate form NSML1 allow you to allocate and smear a
lumped non-
structural mass value to be evenly distributed over a list of elements.
Default Distribution (DTYPE=blank on
NSML/NSML1)
The non-structural mass value per
unit area, per unit length, or per unit volume to be applied to
the elements is:
(1)
V ALU E
N SMper unit area =
n
∑ Ai
i=1
(2)
V ALU E
N SMper unit length =
n
∑ Li
i=1
(3)
V ALU E
N SMper unit volume =
n
∑ Vi
i=1
For the default case when DTYPE is blank,

referencing a mixture of different element or property
types is not supported.
Distribution based on Mass/Volume

(DTYPE=MASS/VOLUME on
NSML/NSML1)
The non-structural mass value per
unit mass or volume to be applied to the elements is:
(4)
V ALU E
N SMper unit mass =
n
∑ Mi
i=1
(5)
V ALU E
N SMper unit volume =
n
∑ Vi
i=1
Where,
n Number of elements in the set
V ALU E Value of the lumped mass

Li Length of element i
Ai Area of element i
Vi Volume of element i
Mi Mass of element i
An important difference between the default distribution

(DTYPE=blank) and
DTYPE=MASS/VOLUME, is that a
mixture of
multiple element types (1D, 2D, and 3D elements) can be defined on a single
NSML/NSML1 entry
when TYPE field is
set to ELEMENT/ELSET (mixture of elements) or
MIXED (mixture of properties).
The NSMADD Bulk Data Entry allows you to form combinations of

NSM, NSM1, NSML, and
NSML1.
An element can have more than one non-structural mass value specified for it. The actual non-structural mass value
will be the sum of all of the individual non-structural mass values.
Virtual Fluid Mass
Virtual Fluid Mass mimics the mass effect of an incompressible inviscid fluid in contact
with a
structure. There is no mesh needed for the fluid domain. The Virtual Fluid Mass represents
the
full coupling between acceleration and pressure at the fluid-structure interface.
A dense mass matrix is generated among damp grids at the fluid-structure interface. This
simulation is applicable to
automobile containers, such as a fuel tank, which hold
non-pressurized fluids.
Assumptions
1. The fluid is inviscid and incompressible. The fluid flow is a potential flow.
2. Because the fluid is nearly incompressible, the structural modes are below the compressible fluid modes.
3. There is no gravity effect or sloshing effect.
4. There is no acoustic effect involved. The modes from the structural side do not couple with the modes of the
nearly incompressible fluid modes.
5. Fully enclosed wet surface without any open surface is currently not supported.
MFLUID Interface
If a fish can swim to every point inside fluid domain without leaving the fluid, the fluid domain
can be represented by
a single MFLUID card in the Bulk Data section. Each
MFLUID card in the Bulk Data section can only be referred to by a
single
MFLUID card in the control section. Multiple Bulk Data
MFLUID cards can be referred by a single MFLUID card in
the control section. Symmetry and anti-symmetry options can be applied to a
MFLUID card.
PARAM,VMOPT
If
PARAM,VMOPT,1 is used (default), the
virtual mass is included in the regular mass matrix and it can be applied
to both direct and
modal dynamic subcases. Because the virtual mass matrix is dense for the damp grids, the
computational time increases significantly.
However, you have the option to use

PARAM,VMOPT,2; although,
PARAM,VMOPT,2 can only be applied to
modal
dynamic subcases. In this case, the virtual mass is added after the eigen solution, and
the computational time
is not increased significantly. When
PARAM,VMOPT,2 is used, the dry modes
are computed without adding virtual
mass in the computation. Then the modes are modified
based on the virtual mass matrix.
To generate accurate wet modes results with

PARAM,VMOPT,2, it is recommended to request 2 to 4 times (or
even higher,
depending on the density of fluid) the number of dry modes than the desired number of wet
modes. If the density of fluid is larger, the number of dry modes required could be larger
accordingly in order
to maintain the accuracy of wet modes that are based on dry
modes.
PARAM,VMMASS
PARAM,VMMASS,YES can be used in
conjunction with PARAM,VMOPT,1 to include MFLUID mass
to the Grid Point
Weight Generator output in the .out file.
Theory
The elemental pressure and acceleration are calculated with respect to the source potential of
the element. The
pressure is calculated based on displacement potential as:
(6)
2
∂ ϕ
p = −ρ 2
∂t
If the source potential of element j is τ , the pressure can be represented as:

1z
(7)
σ̈j
pi = ∑ ρ dAj
∣r i − r j ∣
j
An additional area integration is done to convert pressure into force.
Similarly, the acceleration vector ü can be represented as:

i
(8)
σ̈j
üi = ∑ ∫ dAj
2
j ∣r i − r j ∣
Aj
Using the force and acceleration, the effective mass matrix can be calculated.
Arbitrary Beam Section Definition
In addition to using predefined beam cross-sections selected by the TYPE field

on the PBARL and PBEAML Bulk Data
Entries,
defining arbitrary beam cross-sections. This is referred to here as section
definitions. To define an Arbitrary
Beam Section,
HYPRBEAM should be entered into the
GROUP field on the PBARL and
PBEAML Bulk Data Entries. Also,
the ND
field should specify the number of dimensions input during the definition of the
arbitrary beam section in the
DIMi fields of the
PBARL and PBEAML Bulk Data Entries.
Section definitions are contained within the Bulk Data section of the input file. A section
definition begins with the
statement BEGIN and ends with the
statement END. Section definitions are referenced from a
PBARL or PBEAML
definition through the
NAME field. The NAME entered on the
PBARL or PBEAML definition must match the
NAME following
the BEGIN statement.
The section is defined by a 2D finite element mesh. The finite element mesh is composed of nodes
(specified by
GRIDS entries), which
are connected by 2-node, 3-node, 4-node, 6-node or 8-node elements (specified by
CSEC2,
CSEC3, CSEC4,
CSEC6, or CSEC8 entries, respectively).
These elements reference PSEC entries; these provide a material
reference for all elements and thickness information for the 2-noded
CSEC2 elements.
Example: Simple Thin-walled Section Definition Named SQUARE
BEGIN,HYPRBEAM,SQUARE
GRIDS,1,0.0,0.0
GRIDS,2,1.0,0.0
GRIDS,3,1.0,1.0
GRIDS,4,0.0,1.0
CSEC2,10,100,1,2
CSEC2,20,100,2,3
CSEC2,30,100,3,4
CSEC2,40,100,4,1
PSEC,100,1000,0.1
END,HYPRBEAM
Figure 2.
Example: Solid Section Definition Named CUTOUT

$
BEGIN,HYPRBEAM,CUTOUT
GRIDS,1,0.0,0.0
GRIDS,2,0.05,0.0
...
...
GRIDS,895,0.35,1.18
GRIDS,896,0.38,1.19
CSEC3,806,100,887,873,872
CSEC3,809,100,868,820,885
CSEC3,812,100,813,803,817
CSEC4,1,100,147,148,149,157
CSEC4,2,100,157,149,150,158
...
...
CSEC4,813,100,648,712,895,896
CSEC4,814,100,647,646,896,895
PSEC,100,1000
END,HYPRBEAM
Figure 3.
Rigid Elements and Multi-Point Constraints
Rigid elements and multi-point constraints are used to constrain

one or more degrees of
freedom to be equal to linear
combinations of the values of other degrees of
freedom.
Rigid elements are equations generated

internally. You provide the connection data only.
Rigid elements function as
rigid bodies; therefore
they are also known as rigid bodies or constraint
elements. Internally, they are treated the
same
way as multi-point constraints.
The RROD element can be used to model a pin-ended rod which is rigid in extension. One
equation of constraint will
be generated for this element. The RBAR element can be used to model a rigid bar
with six degrees of freedom at
each end. Anywhere from one to six (depending on your input)
equations of constraint will be generated for this
element.
The RBE1 and RBE2 elements are rigid

bodies connected to an arbitrary number of grid points. The number of
equations of
constraint generated is equal to or greater than one, depending on the dependent degrees of
freedom
selected by you. For the RBE1 element, the independent degrees of
freedom are six components of motion that must
be jointly capable of representing any
general rigid body motion of the element; whereas for the RBE2 element,
the
independent degrees of freedom are the six components of motion at a single grid
point.
The RBE3 element provides for specification from one to six equations of constraint
developed from the relation that
the motion at a "reference grid point" is the least square
weighted average of the motion at other grid points. This
element is generally used to
"beam" loads and masses from a reference point to a set of grid points. Multi-point
constraints are equations in which you explicitly provide the coefficients of the equations.
Each multi-point
constraint is described by a single equation that specifies a linear
relationship for two or more degrees of freedom.
Multiple sets of multi-point constraints
can be provided in the Bulk Data section. In the Subcase Information section,
the
multi-point constraints are assigned to the specific load case using the MPC statement.
The Bulk Data Entry MPC is the statement for defining multi-point
constraints. The first coordinate mentioned on the
card is taken as the dependent degree of
freedom (that is, the degree of freedom that is removed from the
equations of motion).
Dependent degrees of freedom may appear as independent terms in other equations of the
set;
however, they may appear as dependent terms in only a single equation.
Some uses of multi-point constraints are:

To enforce zero motion in directions other
than those corresponding to components of the
global coordinate
system. In this case, the
multi-point constraint will involve only the
degrees of freedom at a single grid point.
The
constraint equation relates the displacement in
the direction of zero motion to the displacement
components in the global system at the grid
point.
To describe rigid elements and mechanisms such
as levers, pulleys, and gear trains. In this
application, the
degrees of freedom associated
with the rigid element that are in excess of those
needed to describe rigid
body motion are
eliminated with multi-point constraint equations.
Treatment of very stiff members as being
rigid
elements eliminates the ill-conditioning
associated with their treatment as ordinary
elastic elements.
To be used with scalar elements to generate
non-standard structural elements and other special
effects.
When using rigid elements or multi-point

constraints, you must make sure that the following
requirements are
satisfied:
A dependent degree of freedom cannot be in the
SPC.
A dependent degree of freedom in any rigid
element or multi-point constraint cannot be
defined as a
dependent degree of freedom in any
other rigid element or multi-point
constraint.
JOINTG (Connectors)
The various joints identified by the JTYPE field require certain

corresponding coordinate
system rules.
Note: The OptiStruct joints defined using

JOINTG are different from the Multibody Dynamics (OS-MBD) joints
which are defined using the JOINT entry with OptiStruct-MotionSolve
integration.
Universal Joint
A Universal Joint is a joint which allows rotary motion transmission in multiple shafts
which are at an angle to each
other (for example, in a powertrain drive shaft). The joint
works by allowing free rotation along two mutually
perpendicular degrees of freedom of the
two grid points associated with the joint. The remaining rotational degrees
of freedom are
automatically constrained. The translational degrees of freedom can be constrained by
defining an
additional Ball joint.
On the JOINTG entry, follow these rules to define a universal joint:

1. JTYPE should be set to UNIVERSA.
2. The X-axis of the coordinate system (CID1) of Grid Point 1 should
be mutually perpendicular to the Z-axis of
coordinate system (CID2)
of Grid Point 2.
3. The Y-axes of coordinate systems 1 and 2 should be along the corresponding shaft axes.
Additionally, they
should point in the same direction (should not point opposite to one
another).
4. The translational degrees of freedom can be constrained by defining an additional Ball
joint.
Figure 4.
Revolute Joint
A Revolute Joint is a joint which allows single axis rotation functions (for example, in a
door hinge). The joint works
by allowing free rotation (or enforced displacement via
MOTNJG) about one degree of freedom of the two grid points
associated
with the joint (the two selected degrees of freedom should be the same). The remaining
rotational
degrees of freedom are automatically constrained. The translational degrees of
freedom can be constrained by
defining an additional Ball joint.
On the JOINTG entry, follow these rules to define a revolute joint:

1. JTYPE should be set to REVOLUTE.
2. The X-axis of the coordinate system (CID1) of Grid Point 1 should
be parallel (and in the same direction) to the
X-axis of coordinate system
(CID2) of Grid Point 2. The MOTNJG Subcase
Information and Bulk Data Entries can
be used to define the value of rotation (dof=4)
about the X-axis.
3. The other axes of the coordinate system may point in any direction.
4. The translational degrees of freedom can be constrained by defining an additional Ball
joint.
Figure 5.
Ball Joint
A Ball Joint is a joint which allows free rotation in all three directions and translations
are constrained in all three
directions (for example, in automobile steering and suspension
systems). The joint works by allowing free rotation
about all three degrees of freedom of
the two grid points associated with the joint. The remaining translational
degrees of
freedom are constrained. For BALL joint, there is no relative translation between the two
degrees of
freedom in the basic system. Local systems should not be defined for the BALL
joint and will not be used if specified.
On the JOINTG entry, follow these rules to define a ball joint.

1. JTYPE should be set to BALL.
2. Only the grid points GID1 and GID2 should be
specified. The coordinate systems are not required.
3. The grid points GID1 and GID2 should be
coincident to simulate physical joints. If they are not, then the
specified joint may
deviate from expected behavior.
Figure 6.
Axial Joint
An Axial Joint is a joint which allows connection between two grid points by enforcing
relative displacement along
the line joining them. The relative displacement is enforced
only along the line connecting the two grid points, and
other degrees of freedom are not
constrained by this joint.
On the JOINTG entry, follow these rules to define an axial joint.

1. JTYPE should be set to AXIAL.
2. Only the grid points GID1 and GID2 should be
specified. The coordinate systems are not required and will be
ignored if
specified.
3. The MOTNJG Bulk Data Entry should be used to identify the value of
the enforced relative displacement via the
VALUE field (u ). The MOTNJG Subcase Information Entry
can then be used to identify the corresponding
rel
MOTNJG Bulk Data

Entries.
4. To hold the value of the relative displacement from the previous subcase in the
subsequent nonlinear subcase
(via CNTNLSUB), the
VALUE field can be set to FIXED on the
MOTNJG Bulk Data Entry. Alternatively, a different
value of
relative motion can be specified for the continuing subcase.
Figure 7.
Cartesian Joint
A Cartesian Joint allows connection between two grid points by enforcing relative
displacement along three
directions (1,2,3) of a local Cartesian coordinate system
CID1 defined on GID1. The other degrees of freedom
are not
constrained by this joint.
On the JOINTG entry, follow these rules to define a Cartesian joint.

1. JTYPE should be set to CARTES.
specified. The coordinate system CID1 on GID1 is
required. CID2 is
not required and will be ignored if specified.
VALUE fields corresponding
to the 1, 2, and 3 degrees of freedom. The MOTNJG Subcase Information
Entry can
then be used to identify the corresponding MOTNJG Bulk Data
Entries.
(via CNTNLSUB), the
value of
Cardan Joint
A Cardan Joint allows connection between two grid points by enforcing relative rotation
along three directions
(4,5,6). Three successive rotations are performed based on the Cardan
angles that correspond to the local
coordinate system directions at GID1
and GID2. The other degrees of freedom are not constrained by this joint.
On the JOINTG entry, follow these rules to define a Cardan joint.

1. JTYPE should be set to CARDAN.
specified. The coordinate system CID1 is required.
CID2 is not
required and will be ignored if specified.
the Cardan angles via the VALUE fields
corresponding to the 4, 5, and
6 degrees of freedom. The MOTNJG Subcase Information Entry can then
be used
to identify the corresponding MOTNJG Bulk Data Entries.
(via CNTNLSUB), the
value of
In-Plane Joint
An in-plane joint allows connection between two grid points by enforcing zero relative
displacement along direction
1 of a local Cartesian coordinate system
CID1 defined on GID1. Additionally, enforced
relative displacement is applied
in the 2 and 3 directions of CID1. The
other degrees of freedom are not constrained by this joint.
On the JOINTG entry, follow these rules to define a In-Plane joint.

1. JTYPE should be set to INPLANE.
required. CID2 is
VALUE fields corresponding
to the 2, and 3 degrees of freedom. The MOTNJG Subcase Information
Entry can
then be used to identify the corresponding MOTNJG Bulk Data
Entries.
(via CNTNLSUB), the
value of
In-Line Joint
An in-line joint allows connection between two grid points by enforcing zero relative
displacement along directions 2
and 3 of a local Cartesian coordinate system
CID1 defined on GID1. Additionally, enforced
relative displacement is
applied in the 1 direction of CID1. The other
degrees of freedom are not constrained by this joint.
On the JOINTG entry, follow these rules to define a In-Line joint.

1. JTYPE should be set to INLINE.
required. CID2 is
VALUE field corresponding
to the 1 degree of freedom. The MOTNJG Subcase Information Entry can
then be
used to identify the corresponding MOTNJG Bulk Data
Entries.
(via CNTNLSUB), the
value of
Orient Joint
An Orient joint allows connection between two grid points by enforcing zero relative
rotations along directions 4, 5,
and 6 of two local Cartesian coordinate systems
CID1 and CID2. The other degrees of freedom are not
constrained by
this joint.
On the JOINTG entry, follow these rules to define an Orient joint.

1. JTYPE should be set to ORIENT.
specified. The coordinate systems CID1 and CID2
are required.
Hinge Joint
A Hinge joint allows connection between two grid points by enforcing zero relative
translations along directions 1, 2,
and 3 of two local Cartesian coordinate systems
CID1 and CID2. Additionally, the relative rotations
in 5 and 6 are also
constrained. Only degree of freedom 4 is not constrained by this joint.
The joint works by allowing free rotation in
degree of freedom 4 of the two grid points
associated with the joint (the two X axes of both CID1 and
CID2 should
match for this joint).
Therefore, on the JOINTG entry, the following rules should be followed

to define a Hinge joint:
1. JTYPE should be set to HINGE.
are required.
3. The X-axes of both CID1 and CID2 should
match.
4. The Hinge joint is equivalent to a combination of Revolute joint and Rigid Pin
joint.
Rigid Pin Joint

A Rigid Pin joint allows connection between two grid points by enforcing zero relative
translations along directions 1,
2, and 3 of a local Cartesian coordinate system
CID1 defined on grid GID1. The joint works by
allowing free rotation in
degrees of freedom 4, 5 and 6 of the two grid points associated
with the joint. For RPIN joint, there is no relative
translation between
the grids in the local system defined on CID1 (this is where
RPIN differs from BALL joint). Note
that for any local
system defined on a grid for the joints, the local systems move/rotate along with the grids
on
which they are defined. Therefore, even though from the perspective of the basic system,
there may seem to be
relative translation between the grids in RPIN joint,
there will not be any relative translation between the grids in the
local
CID1 which moves/rotates with grid GID1.

to define a Rigid Pin joint:
1. JTYPE should be set to RPIN.
specified. The coordinate systems CID1 is required and
CID2 should
not be specified. CID2 will be
ignored if defined.
Rigid Link Joint

A Rigid Link joint allows connection between two grid points by enforcing zero relative
translations along direction 1
of the basic coordinate system. The joint does not constrain
degrees of freedom 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the two grid points
associated with the joint. For
RLINK joint, there is no relative translation between the grids in
direction 1 in the basic
system.
Note: No local coordinate systems are required for the

Rigid Link joint.

to define a Rigid Link joint.
1. JTYPE should be set to RLINK.
should not be
specified and will be ignored if defined.
Rigid Beam Joint

A Rigid Beam joint allows connection between two grid points by enforcing zero relative
translations along directions
1, 2, and 3 of a local default basic coordinate system on grid
GID1. Additionally, zero relative rotations along
directions 4, 5, and
6 of two local basic coordinate systems on GID1 and
GID2.
Note: No local coordinate systems are required for the Rigid Beam
joint, and default local basic systems are
used at the two grid points.

to define a Rigid Beam joint.
1. JTYPE should be set to RBEAM.
specified.
3. By default, CID1 and CID2 are defined as the
basic coordinate system and the results are output in the basic
coordinate system.
If
a local coordinate system is assigned to these fields, the results are output in the
local coordinate system.
4. The Rigid Beam joint is equivalent to a combination of Rigid Pin joint and Orient
joint.
Universal Connection with Rigid Pin Joint
A Universal connection with Rigid Pin Joint allows connection between two grid points by
allowing free rotation along
two mutually perpendicular degrees of freedom of the two grid
points associated with the joint. The remaining
rotational degrees of freedom are
automatically constrained by enforcing zero relative translations along directions
1, 2, and
3 of a local default basic coordinate system on grid GID1. Additionally,
zero relative rotations along
directions 4, 5, and 6 of two local coordinate systems,
CID1 and CID2, on GID1 and
GID2.
Note: Both local coordinate systems are required for this

joint.

to define a UJOINT joint:
1. JTYPE should be set to UJOINT.
2. The X-axis of the coordinate system (CID1) of Grid Point 1 should be mutually
perpendicular to the Z-axis of
coordinate system (CID2) of Grid Point 2.
3. The Y-axes of coordinate systems 1 and 2 should be along the corresponding shaft axes.
Additionally, they
should point in the same direction (should not point opposite to one
another).
should not be
The UJOINT joint is equivalent to a combination of Rigid Pin joint and

Universal joint.
Cylindrical Joint
A Cylindrical joint allows connection between two grid points by enforcing zero relative
displacement along
directions 2 and 3 of a local Cartesian coordinate system
CID1 defined on GID1. Additionally, free translation
(or
enforced relative displacement via MOTNJG) is allowed in the 1
direction of CID1, and free rotation (or enforced
displacement via
MOTNJG) is allowed about degree of freedom 4 of both
CID1 and CID2.
Note: Both local coordinate systems

are required for the Cylindrical joint and the degree of freedom 1 should
match for both
systems.

to define a Cylindrical joint:
1. JTYPE should be set to CYLINDRI.
should not be
The Cylindrical joint is equivalent to a combination of In-Line joint and Revolute
joint.
Translator Joint
A Translator joint allows connection between two grid points by enforcing zero relative
displacement along
directions 2 and 3 of a local Cartesian coordinate system
CID1 defined on GID1. Additionally, free translation
(or
enforced relative displacement via MOTNJG) is allowed in the 1
direction of CID1, and, zero relative rotations along
directions 4, 5,
and 6 of two local coordinate systems CID1 and CID2 on
GID1 and GID2.
Note: Both local coordinate systems

are required for the Translator joint.

to define a Translator joint:
1. JTYPE should be set to TRANSLAT.
should not be
The Translator joint is equivalent to a combination of In-Line joint and Orient joint.
Combination Joints
Axial and Orient Joint
A combination of Axial and Orient joints allow connection between two grid points by
enforcing relative
displacement along the line joining them and by enforcing zero relative
rotations along directions 4, 5, and 6. The
other degrees of freedom are not constrained by
this joint.
Note: Both local coordinate systems are required for this joint.

to define this joint:
1. JTYPE should be set to AXIAORIE.
should be specified.
Inline and Cardan Joint
A combination of Inline and Cardan joints allows connection between two grid points by
enforcing zero relative
displacement along directions 2 and 3 of a local cartesian
coordinate system CID1 defined on GID1. Additionally,
enforced relative displacement is applied in direction 1 of CID1. the
line joining them and by enforcing zero relative
rotations along directions 4, 5, and 6.
Additionally, relative rotation along directions 4, 5, and 6 are enforced. The
three
successive rotations are performed based on the Cardan angles that correspond to the local
system directions
at GID1 and GID2.
Note: Both local

coordinate systems are required for this joint.

1. JTYPE should be set to INLICARD.
Rigid Link and Orient Joint
A combination of Rigid Link and Orient joints allow connection between two grid points by
enforcing zero relative
translations along direction 1 of the basic coordinate system them
and by enforcing zero relative rotations along
directions 4, 5, and 6 along the local
coordinate systems. The other degrees of freedom are not constrained by this
joint.
Note: Both local coordinate systems are required for this joint.

1. JTYPE should be set to RLINORIE.
Define Local Coordinate Systems for JOINTG
Local coordinate systems (via CID1 and CID2)

are important to define the interpretation of joint
loading (LOADJG),
joint motion (MOTNJG), and for STOP and
LOCK options (PJOINTG).
Local coordinate systems (CID1 and CID2) are

not mandatory for all joint types. Depending on the joint, either
CID1,
CID2, or both may be required. For
some joints, like BALL or RLINK, both
CID1 and CID2 are not required. For more
information, refer to JOINTG (Connectors). This is also tabulated on the
JOINTG Bulk Data Entry.
Note: With regard to

JOINTG, local coordinate systems (CID1
and CID2) always rotate and translate in
conjunction with the
grid points they are associated to (corresponding, GID1 and
GID2).
Interpretation of Joint Characteristics
The interpretation of joint characteristics, such as joint length, loading, motion,

STOP, LOCK options, and output are
influenced
by:
1. Order of joint grids, GID1 and
GID2.
The order of GID1 and
GID2 influences the calculation of relative
displacement between the two grids.
Typically for a particular degree of
freedom, the relative displacement is calculated as:
(9)
urel = uGI D2 − uGI D1
Where, u GI D1 and u GI D2 are displacements of

GID1 and GID2 in a particular
degree of freedom.
2. Local Coordinate System(s) CID1 and

CID2 at GID1 and
GID2, respectively.
Direction of the degree of
freedom of interest identified via CID1 or
CID2 influences the interpretation of
length,
motion, STOP, LOCK options, and
output.
3. Nature of applied loading, motion, or value of

STOP/LOCK.
For instance, the effect
of compressive loading (negative LOADJG) on the joint
is opposite to that of tensile
loading (positive
LOADJG).
The following sections investigate in detail, the interpretation of individual joint

characteristics. Simple examples
with corresponding JOINTG are
used to illustrate the concepts, as well.
Joint Loading (LOADJG)
Loading on a joint can be applied using LOADJG entry or via other

external loads. Here you will study the behavior of
loading using
LOADJG.
If the VALUE field for a particular dof on

LOADJG Bulk Data Entry is positive (tensile), then opposing
forces are
internally applied on the grid points to cause a corresponding increase
in the value of u . Where, rel
urel = u − u
GI D2 . Similarly, a negative (compressive)
LOADJG will lead to forces which act on the joint to decrease
GI D1
the value of u . rel
Note: The actual direction of forces applied on the

joint grids may point towards or away from each other
depending on the factors
listed in Interpretation of Joint Characteristics.
For example, in Figure 8, the joint grids move

towards each other for a positive value of LOADJG and move away
from
each other for a negative value of LOADJG.
Figure 8.
At a first glance, it seems counterintuitive, since a positive

LOADJG is leading to the joint grids moving together and a
negative LOADJG is moving the joint grids apart. However, upon
closer inspection, it becomes clear that, the value of
urelis +1.50 for a LOADJG of 600.0
and u is -1.50 for a LOADJG of -600.0.
This is a consequence of the order of GID1
rel
(node 8) and
GID2 (node 7) having a direction opposite to the X-axis of
the local coordinate system (CID1) for this
INLINE joint (as
listed in Interpretation of Joint Characteristics).
Therefore, although this result is technically accurate,
caution should be exercised
to examine your model setup to make sure that you intend to define the joint
direction
opposite to the local X-axis of the joint.
Figure 9.
When the direction of X-axis is flipped, note that the effect of

LOADJG is more intuitive; wherein, positive
LOADJG leads
to the grids moving apart, and a negative
LOADJG leads of the grids moving together.
Figure 10.
The key here is the calculation of U7 and U8. In the LOADJG=600.0

image above, U7 in basic Y is -0.6. Since Local X was
flipped, it points opposite to
basic Y. Therefore, U7 in local X is +0.6. Similarly, U8 in basic Y is 0.9 and in
local X it is
-0.9. Therefore, U7-U8 in local X is 1.5. The value of U7 and U8 for
LOADJG=-600.0 case can also be inferred similarly.
You can see that the only change is that the local CID1 X-axis is
flipped (the local Z-axis is also flipped, but it does not
influence the results of
this model. It is not possible to only flip the X-axis since it will then no longer
be a Right-
handed coordinate system).
Figure 11.
Enforced Joint Motion (MOTNJG)
Enforced Motion on a joint can be applied using MOTNJG entry or

via other external SPCD entries. In this section, you
will study
the behavior of loading using MOTNJG.
If the VALUE field for a particular dof on

MOTNJG Bulk Data Entry is positive, then a positive relative
motion is enforced
on the joint (that is, a positive u is enforced). This is similar to a tensile
LOADJG applied to the joint. Similarly, a
rel
negative
MOTNJG will lead to a decrease in the value of u .rel
Note: The actual motion of the joint grids may be

towards or away from each other depending on the factors
listed in Interpretation of Joint Characteristics.
For example, in Figure 12, the joint grids move

towards each other for a positive value of MOTNJG and move away
from each other for a negative value of MOTNJG.
Figure 12.
At a first glance, it seems counterintuitive, since a positive

MOTNJG is leading to the joint grids moving together and a
negative MOTNJG is moving the joint grids apart. However, upon
closer inspection, it becomes clear that, the value of
urelis +1.2 for a MOTNJG of 1.2 and u is -1.2 for a MOTNJG of -1.2.
Similar to the example in the LOADJG section, this is a
rel
consequence of the order of GID1 (node 8) and

GID2 (node 7) having a direction opposite to the X-axis of
the local
coordinate system (CID1) for this
INLINE joint (as listed in Interpretation of Joint Characteristics). Therefore, although
this result is technically accurate,
caution should be exercised to examine your model setup to make sure that you
intend
to define the joint direction opposite to the local X-axis of the joint.
Figure 13.
When the direction of X-axis is flipped, you see that the effect of
MOTNJG is more intuitive, wherein, positive
MOTNJG
leads to the grids moving apart, and a negative
MOTNJG leads to the grids moving together.
Figure 14.
The key here is the calculation of U7 and U8. In the MOTNJG=1.2

image above, U7 in basic Y is -0.48. Since Local X was
flipped, it points opposite
to basic Y. Therefore, U7 in local X is +0.48. Similarly, U8 in basic Y is 0.72 and
in local X it is
-0.72. Therefore, U7-U8 in local X is 1.2. The value of U7 and U8
for MOTNJG=-1.2 case can also be inferred similarly.
You can clearly see that the only change is that the local CID1
X-axis is flipped (the local Z-axis is also flipped, but it
does not influence the
results of this model. It is not possible to only flip the X-axis since it will then
no longer be a
Right-handed coordinate system).
Figure 15.
STOP and LOCK (PJOINTG)
STOP and LOCK options are available via the

PROPERTY field on the PJOINTG Bulk Data
Entry, to restrict the range of
movement of the grids associated with a joint
defined via JOINTG.
Note: STOP and

LOCK should not be used in conjunction with the
MOTNJG entry as they are opposing constraints
on the
joint which cannot be resolved. For example, a MOTNJG value
of 4.5 enforces a relative displacement of 4.5 and
a LOCK
motion value of 1.0 restricts motion beyond 1.0. Both constraints cannot be
satisfied simultaneously.
The direction of the local system axis along the degree of freedom of interest
influences the interpretation of length
of the joint. Therefore, it influences the
interpretation of length that is used to quantify the defined lower and upper
bounds
on the PJOINTG entry for STOP and
LOCK options, when the TYPE field is set to
1.
Figure 16.
Length of a joint in a particular degree of freedom is positive, if the

GID1 → GID2 direction is in the same
direction as
the corresponding local degree of freedom axis. For instance, in Figure 16, a CARTESIAN
joint is illustrated with LOCK
property applied. An SPC of 3.5 is
applied at the outer CBUSH grid. The absolute value of the length
of the joint is 2.0
and the length of the joint in local X direction when the local
X axis is aligned with GID1 → GID2 is also
equal to 2.0.
The length of the joint in local X axis, when local X axis is opposite
to GID1 → GID2 is equal to -2.0. A positive
SPC
value of 2.0 is applied in basic Y direction on the model. To lock the upper
bound of the length of the joint at an
absolute value of 2.2.
1. When local X is aligned with GID1 →
GID2, the length is positive and to apply an absolute
upper limit of 2.2, the
upper bound field of LOCK should be
set to 2.2.
2. When local X is opposite to GID1 →
GID2, the length is negative and to apply an absolute
upper limit of 2.2, the
lower bound field of LOCK should be
set to -2.2.
Figure 17.
Based on the CARTESIAN joint example in Figure 16, you can infer the process of applying similar
constraints on the
length of other joints of other degrees of freedom of interest,
depending on the interplay of GID1 → GID2
direction
and the local axis direction of the degree of freedom of interest.
Composite Laminates
Shells and solid elements can be made of composites in which several layers of
different
materials (plies) are bonded together to form a cohesive structure.
Typically, the plies are made of unidirectional fibers or

of woven fabrics and are joined together by a bonding
medium (matrix). Composite
Shells are modeled based on PCOMP, PCOMPP, or
PCOMPG properties assigned to shell
elements, while Continuum
Shells are modeled based on PCOMPLS property assigned to solid
elements. For
Composite Shells, the plies are assumed to be laid in layers parallel
to the middle plane of the shell. Each layer may
have a different thickness and
different orientation of fiber directions.
Figure 18. Four-layer Composite Shell with Ply Angle
Classical lamination theory is used to calculate effective stiffness and mass density of the
composite shell. This is
done automatically within the code using the properties of
individual plies. The homogenized shell or solid
properties are then used in the
analysis.
After the analysis, the stresses and strains in the individual layers and between the layers can be calculated from the
overall shell stresses and strains. These results may then be used to assess the failure indices of individual plies and
of the bonding matrix.
Analysis of Composite Shells (PCOMP, PCOMPG, PCOMPP)
Analysis of composite shells is similar to the solution of standard shell elements.

The primary
difference is the use of the PCOMP, PCOMPP
or PCOMPG property card, instead of PSHELL, to specify
shell element properties.
From the ply information specified on the corresponding PCOMP,

PCOMPG entries or from the PLY entries (in
case of
PCOMPP), OptiStruct
automatically calculates the effective properties of the shell element.
After the analysis, the available results include shell-type stresses as well as
stresses, strains, and failure indices for
individual plies and their bonding. These
results are controlled by the results flags on the PCOMP or
PCOMPG entry and
the typical I/O control cards, including
CSTRESS, CSTRAIN, and
CFAILURE entries.
In addition, for composite shells defined using PCOMP/PCOMPG/PCOMPP with Hashin/Puck

failure criteria, the
output of composite failure indices for all failure modes
(fiber tension, fiber compression, matrix tension and matrix
compression) are
available through the CFAILURE entry.
Differences between PCOMP and
PCOMPG
PCOMP and
PCOMPG define the composite lay-up in two
different ways.
PCOMP defines the structure and

properties of a composite lay-up, which is then assigned to an element.
The
plies are only defined for a particular property and there is no
relationship of plies that reach across several
properties.
PCOMPG defines the structure

and properties of a composite lay-up allowing for global ply
identification which
is then assigned to an element. The plies of
different PCOMPG definitions can have a relationship
because of the
use of global ply IDs.
PCOMPP
PCOMPP allows ply-based
modeling using PLY and STACK
entries to define plies. The element sets to which plies
are assigned
are identified on the PLY entries via the
ESID# fields. The stacking information and
stacking
sequence are defined via the STACK entries.
Optionally, substacks and interface definitions are also possible
using
the STACK entries.
Some remarks regarding the specifics of composite analysis:

1. The most typical material type used for composite plies is MAT8, which is planar
orthotropic material. The use
of isotropic MAT1 or general anisotropic
MAT2 for ply properties
is also supported.
2. While it is possible to specify ply angles relative to the element
coordinate system, the results become
strongly dependent upon the node
numbering in individual elements. Thus, it is advisable to specify a
material coordinate system for composite elements and specify ply angles
relative to this system.
3. Depending on the specific lay-up structure, the composite may be offset from
the reference plane of the shell
element, i.e. have more material below than
above the reference plane (or vice versa).
4. Stress results for composites include both shell-type stresses and
individual ply stresses. Importantly, shell-
type stresses are calculated
using homogenized properties and thus only represent the overall
stress-state in
the shell. To assess the actual stress-state in the
composite, individual ply results need to be examined.
Analysis of Continuum Shells (PCOMPLS)
Continuum Shells can be effective in dealing with a three-dimensional stress state

and/or if the
laminate thickness is high enough that the classical shell theory limitations
are met.
Analysis of Continuum Shells involves using the PCOMPLS entry to

assign ply information to solid elements. This is
currently supported only for
CHEXA and CPENTA elements. For instance,
the interlaminar normal stress (σ ) is only
zz
available when Continuum Shells are used.

Interlaminar shear stresses (σ and σ ) are available in both Composite
zx zy
Shell and Continuum

Shell laminates.
After the analysis, the available results include Layered Solid stresses, as well as
stresses, strains, and failure indices
for individual plies and their bonding. These
results are controlled by the typical I/O control cards, including
CSTRESS, CSTRAIN, and CFAILURE entries.
In addition, for continuum shells defined using PCOMPLS

with Hashin/Puck failure criteria, the output of composite
failure indices for all
failure modes (fiber tension, fiber compression, matrix tension and matrix
compression) are
available through the CFAILURE entry.
Some remarks regarding the specifics of Continuum Shell analysis.

1. The material types supported for Continuum Shells are
MAT1, MAT9,
MAT9OR, and MATUSR materials.
2. While it is possible to specify ply angles relative to the element
coordinate system, the results become
strongly dependent upon the node
numbering in individual elements. Thus, it is advisable to prescribe a
material coordinate system for composite elements and specify ply angles
relative to this system.
For more information, refer to Continuum Shells in the User

Guide.
Continuum Shells
Continuum shells can provide some advantages over directly using shell elements for
Composite laminates.
For composite laminates, there are two approaches to accomplish the modeling. One is
directly using shell elements
via the
PCOMP/PCOMPP/PCOMPG
properties, or you can use solid elements using Continuum Shells via the
PCOMPLS
property. For instance, for thicker laminates, or
when the stress state is three-dimensional in the laminate,
continuum shells may be
a better choice for the simulation.
Input
Continuum shells can be activated by using CHEXA and

CPENTA solid elements referenced by the
PCOMPLS property
entry. The various plies in the laminate can
be listed on the PCOMPLS entry directly. The assumed strain
enhanced
formulation is used by default to help improve bending behavior. The ply
material coordinate system is defined by
the CORDM field, and is
set to 0 by default (which indicates the basic system).
Note: The
material coordinate system can also be defined on the CORDM
continuation line of the corresponding
element data.
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10)
PCOMPLS PID CORDM SB
C8 INT8
ID1 MID1 T1 THETA1
ID2 MID2 T2 THETA2
Output
The elemental results are output by default in the Ply material coordinate system
(defined by CORDM on PCOMPLS or
on the
CORDM continuation line of the corresponding solid element
entries). If CORDM is not provided on PCOMPLS
or on
the element entries, then the Basic Coordinate System is used by default. The
Ply material system only uses the X-
axis from the systems (CORDM
or Default Basic system) and performs a projection of this X-axis onto the ply
plane.
The Z-axis is the thickness direction, and the cross product of X and Z-axes
provides the Y-axis. Additionally, if the X-
axis cannot be projected, then the
Y-axis is projected and Z-axis is again the thickness directions. Now, X-axis is
calculated from the Y and Z-axes.
Note: The thickness direction of the composite

element by default starts from face G1-G2-G3-G4 to face G5-G6-
G7-G8 of the solid
element. Ply numbering also follows this thickness direction. This is used to
only determine the
direction of the local Z axis of the plies. The local Z-axis
of each ply is perpendicular to the ply plane and aligned to
the thickness
direction.
Example Using CORDM on PCOMPLS
Elemental results are output by default in the ply material coordinate system. For
Continuum Shells, the material
coordinate system can be defined by either by the
CORDM field on the PCOMPLS entry or the
CORDM continuation line on
the corresponding solid element.
The following example uses a CHEXA element beam model which is
referenced by
PCOMPLS. The PCOMPLS assigns a
single ply of thickness 5.0 to each element. Isotropic material properties are used
via
the MAT1 entry.
Figure 19. (a) Model 1: reference model (blank CORDM on PCOMPLS); (b)
Model 2: Model 1 rotated by 90° about basic Y-axis (X-axis of
CORDM on
PCOMPLS can be projected
Figure 20. (a) Model 3: Model 1 rotated by 90° about basic Y-axis
(different CORDM on PCOMPLS for which the X-axis cannot be projected);
(b)
Model 4: Model 1 rotated by 90° about basic Y-axis (blank CORDM on
PCOMPLS)
Here you will consider the effect of the

CORDM field in PCOMPLS on the elemental
output. To clearly determine if the
CORDM field is being
respected for elemental stress output, you will consider four variations of the
model:
Model
1
model_1_blank_cordm.fem
PCOMPLS
with blank CORDM
Model 2
model_2_rotated_user_cordm.fem
Model 1
is rotated by 90° about Y-axis.
Additionally,
PCOMPLS with CORDM defined
referring to CORD2R (X-axis can be projected).
Figure 21. Projected X-axis of CORDM on PCOMPLS
Model 3
model_3_rotated_user_cordm.fem
Model 1
Additionally,
PCOMPLS with CORDM defined
referring to CORD2R (X-axis cannot be projected).
Figure 22. Non-Projected X-axis of CORDM on PCOMPLS

Model 4
model_4_rotated_blank_cordm.fem
Model 1
Additionally,
PCOMPLS with blank CORDM.
Figure 23. (a) Model 1: Blank CORDM on PCOMPLS (basic

system); (b) Model 2: Rotated model with CORDM on PCOMPLS (local
system with CORD2R); .
(c) Model 3: Rotated model with CORDM on PCOMPLS (local system
with CORD2R); (d) Model 4: Rotated model with blank CORDM
on
PCOMPLS (basic system)
As mentioned in Output, the elemental stress results are

output in the Material Coordinate system for Continuum
Shells. This can be
illustrated by the four models listed above and in the interpretation of results
(Figure 23).
In Model 1, The basic X-axis is projected onto the plane of G1-G2-G3-G4 for each
element. As an example, you can
see the G1-G2-G3-G4 plane for element 208 (Figure 24).
Figure 24. Element 208 (Model 1) Example.

for blank CORDM, the X-axis of the Basic System is projected on the
G1-G2-G3-G4 plane
For Model 1, Figure 24 also illustrates how the local material system
is generated for element 208 from the basic
system (since in Model 1, the
CORDM field is blank). Similarly, for Model 2 (Figure 25), instead of the basic system,
since
CORDM is specified, the user-defined CORDM
is projected to create local material systems for each element. Figure
21 shows the CORDM system
specified for Model 2, clearly the X-axis can be projected on G1-G2-G3-G4 plane and
the
thickness direction is along the CORDM Z, as well. Therefore,
the local material Y-axis is defined as the cross product of
Z and X-axes.
Figure 25. Model 2 projection of the CORDM X-axis and creation of local
material system
In Figure 24 and Figure 25, you can expect that the Stress output in
Material X-axis for Model 1 should be identical to
the Stress output in Material
Y-axis for Model 2.
Note: Both of these axes are along the length of the beam. This
is evident from the matching contours and
stress values in Figure 23(a) and (b).
Figure 26. Model 3: projection of the CORDM X-axis is not possible -

CORDM Y-axis is projected first.
the local material system is now created from the projected Y and
thickness direction Z
X-axis for Model 3.
Note: Both of these axes are along the length of the beam. Again,
this is evident from the matching contours
and stress values in Figure 23(a) and (c).
Figure 27. Model 4: CORDM is blank - the basic-X axis is projected onto
the element.
the local material system is then created based on this projected basic-X
and the thickness direction which is the local material Z
Y-axis for Model 4.
Note: Both of these axes are along the length of the beam. Again,
this is evident from the matching contours
and stress values in Figure 23(a) and (d).
The calculation of the local Material system for Continuum shell elements depends on
the definition of the CORDM
field on PCOMPLS
or the CORDM continuation line on the element entries
(CHEXA entry). The following table summarizes
these options
and also illustrates the difference between how the material system is calculated
for elements
referenced by PSOLID or
PCOMPLS.
Generation of Local Material

Coordinate Systems
Input Data PSOLID PCOMPLS
CORDM field on CORDM=0 or Basic System is used directly The X-axis of the Basic System
Property
PCOMPLS blank (Basic is projected. [3]
(No projection)
System) The Z-axis is always in the
Thickness Direction. [4]
The Y-axis is the cross-product

of these material Z and
X-axes.
[5]
CORDM=-1 Elemental System1 is used The X-axis of the Elemental

directly System [6] is projected. [3]
(Elemental
System) (No
projection) The Z-axis is always in the
The Y-axis is the

cross-product
of these material Z and X-axes.
[5]
CORDM=Integer User-defined System is used The X-axis of the User-defined

directly System is projected. [3]
(User-defined
System) (No
The Y-axis is the cross-product

of these material Z and
X-axes.
[5]
CORDM continuation CID=0 Basic System is used directly The X-axis of the Basic System
line on
element card is projected. [3]
(Basic System) (No projection)
(CHEXA) The Z-axis is always in the
The Y-axis is the

cross-product
[5]
CID=-1 Elemental System [1] is used The X-axis of the Elemental

directly System6 is Projected. [3]
(Elemental
System) (No
The Y-axis is the

cross-product
[5]
CID User-defined System is used The X-axis of the User-defined
directly System is projected. [3]
(User-defined
System) (No
The Y-axis is the

cross-product
[5]
THETA/PHI The Elemental System [1] is The X-axis of the Rotated

rotated based on
THETA/PHI Elemental System [7] is
[2] projected. [3]
(No projection) The Z-axis is always in the
The Y-axis is the

cross-product
[5]
Interpretation of Results for Composites
Several composite-specific results are calculated for composite shell and continuum
shell
elements. Due to the specialized nature of these results, some explanation is provided
regarding their meaning.
Ply Stresses and Strains (CSTRESS and CSTRAIN

entries)
Classical lamination theory assumes two-dimensional stress-state in individual
plies (so-called membrane
state) for composite shells. The values of stresses and strains are
calculated at the mid-plane of each ply, i.e.
halfway between its upper and lower surface.
For sufficiently thin plies, these values can be interpreted as
representing uniform stress
in the ply.
For composite shells, ply stresses and strains are calculated in coordinate
systems aligned with ply material
angles as specified on the corresponding composite property
card. In particular, σ correspond to the primary
1
ply direction, σ is orthogonal to it, and τ represents in-plane shear stress.

2 12
Composite materials
typically have a low matrix Young’s modulus in comparison to the fiber modulus. Since
the
matrix is the bonding material in between plies, a shearing effect on the laminate is built
up by the
contributions of each interlaminar zone of the matrix. Because the longitudinal and
transverse shear moduli is
relatively lower than the longitudinal and transverse Young’s
modulus, the effect of transverse shear stresses
are important in composite panels than for
isotropic plates. The theory behind the calculation of transverse
shear stress is given in
the subsequent section.
Ply stresses and strains can also be calculated at planes

between the top and bottom planes of each ply. The
NDIV field on the CSTRESS and CSTRAIN entries can be used to request the
corresponding results for the
required planes.
Inter-laminar Stress
Inter-laminar bonding matrix usually has different material
properties and stress-state than the individual
plies. For composite shells, the primary
stress that is of importance here is inter-laminar shear with two
components: τ and τ . For continuum shells, in addition to interlaminar shear,
interlaminar normal stress (
1z 2z
σ ) at the interface between plies is also available.

3
Failure Indices
To facilitate prediction of potential failure of the laminate, failure
indices are calculated for plies and bonding
material. While there are several theories
available for such calculations, their common feature is that failure
indices are scaled
relative to allowable stresses or strains, so that:
the value of a failure index lower than 1.0 indicates that the stress/strain is within
the allowable limits
(as specified on the material data card), and
a failure index above 1.0 indicates that the allowable stress/strain has been
exceeded.
according to the formula, some failure criteria (for example, Tsai-Wu and Hoffman) would
produce the
negative ply failure, depending on the problem.
Failure Criteria for Composite Laminated Shells
Hill's Theory of Ply Failure
The CRITERIA field on MATF or

FT field of
PCOMP/PCOMPP/PCOMPG
should be set to HILL.
According to Hill's theory, the ply failure index is calculated as:

(10)
2 2 2
σ σ1 σ2 σ τ
1 2 12
Findex = − + +
2 2 2 2
X X Y S
Where,
X The allowable stress in the ply material direction (1).
Y The allowable stress in the ply material direction (2).
S The allowable in-plane shear stress.
Note: Hill's theory does not differentiate between tension and compression
stresses and it is strongly
recommended to use the same values for both
allowable stresses.
On MAT8 entry, X = X = X and Y = Y = Y , S = S . If

this suggestion is not adopted, warning messages will be
t c t c
output and the following

rules will be applied: If σ > 0.0, X = X ; otherwise, X = X , and similarly for Y and σ
. For
1 t c 2
the interaction term, if σ σ > 0.0, X = X ; otherwise, X = X .

1 2 t c
On MATF entry, V 1 = X, V 3 = Y , V 5 = S
Hoffman's Theory of Ply Failure

FT field of
PCOMP/PCOMPP/PCOMPG
should be set to HOFF.
In Hoffman's theory, the ply failure index is calculated as:

(11)
2 2 2
σ σ τ
1 1 1 1 1 2 σ1 σ2 12
Findex = ( − ) σ1 + ( − ) σ2 + + − +
2
Xt Xc Yt Yc Xt Xc Yt Yc Xt Xc S
On MAT8 entry, X t = Xt ,X c = Xc ,Y t = Yt ,Y c = Yc ,S = S
On MATF entry, V 1 = X , V 2 = X , V 3 = Y , V 4 = Y , V 5 = S
t c t c
Tsai-Wu Theory of Ply Failure

FT field of
PCOMP/PCOMPP/PCOMPG
should be set to TSAI.
In Tsai-Wu theory, the ply failure index is calculated as:

(12)
2 2 2
σ σ τ
1 1 1 1 1 2 12
Findex = ( − ) σ1 + ( − ) σ2 + + + + 2F12 σ1 σ2
2
Xt Xc Yt Yc Xt Xc Yt Yc S
Where, F 12 is a factor to be determined experimentally.
On MAT8 entry, X t = Xt ,X c = Xc ,Y t = Yt ,Y c = Yc ,S = S ,F 12 = F12
On MATF entry, V 1 = X , V 2 = X , V 3 = Y , V 4 = Y , V 5 = S
t c t c
Maximum Strain Theory of Ply Failure

FT field of
PCOMP/PCOMPP/PCOMPG
should be set to STRN.
In maximum strain theory, the ply failure index is calculated as the maximum ratio of
ply strains to allowable strains:
(13)
ε1 ε2 γ12
Findex = max (∣
∣
∣,∣
∣ ∣
∣,∣
∣ ∣
∣)
∣
X Y S
Where,
X The allowable strain in the ply material direction (1).
Y The allowable strain in the ply material direction (2).
S The allowable in-plane engineering shear strain.
If you provide different values of X and Y for tension and compression, the appropriate values
are used depending
on the signs of ε and ε , respectively.
1 2
Note: If you set allowable stresses

rather than strains on the material data card, the allowable strains are
calculated via simple division by the relevant material module.
On MAT8 entry, X or Xt c = X ,Y t or Yc = Y ,S = S . The STRN field can be used to

identify whether input values are stress
or strain allowables.
On MATF entry, V 1 or V 2 = X, V 3 or V 4 = Y , V 5 = S .
Maximum Stress Theory of Ply Failure
The CRITERIA field on MATF should be set to

STRS.
In maximum stress theory, the ply failure index is calculated as the maximum ratio of
ply stresses to allowable
stresses.
(14)
σ1 σ2 σ12
Findex = max (∣ ∣,∣ ∣,∣ ∣)
∣ ∣ ∣ ∣ ∣ ∣
X Y S
Where,
X The allowable stress in the ply material direction (1).
Y The allowable stress in the ply material direction (2).
S The allowable in-plane engineering shear stress.
If you provide different values of X and Y for tension and compression, the appropriate values
are used depending
on the signs of σ and σ , respectively.
1 2
On MATF entry, V 1 or V 2 = X, V 3 or V 4 = Y , V 5 = S .
Bonding Material Failure
The primary failure mode of the bonding material is due to inter-laminar shear. The
corresponding failure index is
calculated as:
(15)
max(|τ1z |,|τ2z |)
Findex =
SB
Where, S is the allowable shear in the bonding material.

B
On PCOMP/PCOMPP/PCOMPG
entry, SB = S B
Hashin Failure Criteria

FT field of
PCOMP/PCOMPP/PCOMPG
should be set to HASH.
The Hashin Failure criteria is calculated for four basic failure modes: in fiber
tension, fiber compression, matrix
tension, and matrix compression and the failure
indices are output for all modes separately.
The corresponding failure indices are calculated as:

Fiber Tension (σ 1 > 0 )
(16)
2 2
σ1 τ12
T
F = ( ) + ( )
f iber AT A
σ τ
1 12L
Fiber Compression (σ 1 < 0 )

(17)
C ∣ σ1 ∣
F = ∣ ∣
f iber AC
∣ σ ∣
1
Matrix Tension (σ 2 > 0 )

(18)
2 2
σ2 τ12
T
F = ( ) + ( )
matrix AT A
σ τ
2 12L
Matrix Compression (σ 2 < 0 )

(19)
2 2 2
AC
σ2 τ12 ⎡ σ ⎤ σ2
C 2
F = ( ) + ( ) + ( ) − 1
marix
A A A AC
2τ τ ⎣ 2τ ⎦ σ
12T 12L 12T 2
Where,
σ
AT
1
The allowable homogenized longitudinal tension strength of the
composite.
σ
AC
1
The allowable homogenized longitudinal compression strength of the
composite.
σ
AT
2
The allowable homogenized transverse tension strength of the
composite.
σ
AC
2
The allowable homogenized transverse compression strength of the
fibers.
τ
A
12L
The allowable homogenized longitudinal shear strength of the
composite.
τ
A
12T
The allowable homogenized transverse shear strength of the composite,
defined by the Hashin approximation:
(20)
A A
τ = τ
12L 12T
σ1 The stress in the 1-direction.
τ12 The shear stress in 1-2 plane.
On MAT8 entry, X t = σ
AT
1
,X c = σ
AC
1
,Y t = σ
AT
2
,Y c = σ
AC
2
,S = τ
A
12L
= τ
12T
A
.
On MATF entry, V 1 = σ AT
1
, V2 = σ AC
1
, V3 = σ AT
2
, V4 = σ AC
2
, V5 = τ A
12L
.
Puck Failure Criteria

FT field of
PCOMP/PCOMPP/PCOMPG
should be set to PUCK.
The Puck failure criteria is calculated for two basic failure modes based on 2D plane
stress, in fiber failure mode and
inter-fiber failure mode. The failures indices are
output separately for all these failure modes.
The allowable material data should be specified on the MATF Bulk

Data Entry for Puck Failure Criterion. The
corresponding failure indices are
calculated as:
Fiber Failure Mode:

(21)
T σ11
F =
f iber T
σ
1
Fiber Compression
(σ 11 < 0 )
(22)
|σ11 |
C
F =
f iber C
σ
1
Inter-Fiber Failure Mode:

Mode A (σ 22 > 0 )
(23)
2 2
T
τ12 2 σ σ22
A + 2 + σ22
F = √( ) + (1 − P ) ( ) + P
inter τ 12 τ T 12 τ
σ
2
Mode B (σ 22 < 0 )
(24)
1 − 2 −
B 2
F = (√ τ + (P σ22 ) + P σ22 )
inter 12 12 12
τ
Mode C (σ 22 < 0 )
(25)
2 2
C
⎛ τ12 τ12 ⎞ σ
C 2
F = ( ) + ( ) ( )
inter −
⎝ 2 (1 + P )τ
C
⎠ −σ22
σ
22 2
Where,
σ
T
1
The allowable longitudinal tension strength.
σ
C
1
The allowable longitudinal compression strength.
σ
T
2
The allowable transverse tension strength.
σ
C
2
The allowable transverse compression strength.
τ The allowable shear strength.
τ12 The shear stress in 1-2 plane.
P
+
12
The failure envelope factor 12(+).
The failure envelope factor 12(-).
−
P
12
P
−
22
The failure envelope factor 22(-).
On MATF entry, V 1 = σ , V 2 = σ , V 3 = σ , V 4 = σ , V 5 = τ ,
W 1 = P ,
W 2 = P ,
W 3 = P .
1
T C
1
T
2
C
2
−
12
+
12
−
22
The output results of failure mode for Hashin and Puck failure criterion are mutually
exclusive. For example, a
specified ply cannot fail due to tension and compression
simultaneously. In such cases, the result plot for the other
failure modes of the
ply are not valid and this situation is represented by the notation – N/A, on the
result plot.
Final Failure Index for Composite Element
After calculation of failure indices for individual plies, the potential failure
index for the composite shell element is
obtained. This is based on the premise that
failure of a single layer qualifies as failure of the composite. Thus, the
failure
index for composite element is calculated as the maximum of all computed ply and
bonding failure indices.
Note: Only plies with requested stress output are taken into
account here.
Figure 28. Comparison of Laminate Modeled with PCOMP and

PCOMPG
Failure Criteria for Composite Anisotropic Solid and Continuum Shell Elements
The available criteria for continuum shells (PCOMPLS) are:

HILL3D
PUCK3D
HOFF3D
TSAI3D
HASH3D
STRN3D
STRS3D
CNTZ3D
The available criteria for anisotropic solid elements (MAT9OR)
are:
HILL3D
HOFF3D
TSAI3D
STRN3D
STRS3D
The details of each failure criteria are presented in this section.
The normal stresses, σ

(i = 1, 2, 3), and shear stresses, τ
(i, j = 1, 2, 3; i ≠ j), are in the material coordinate system
i ij
(solid
elements with MAT9/MAT9OR) or in fiber
coordinate system (PCOMPLS).
The symbols X , Y , and Z are normal tension stress limits in 1-1, 2-2 and 3-3
direction, respectively. The symbols X
t t t c
, Y , and Z are normal compression stress limits in 1-1, 2-2 and

3-3 direction, respectively. S , S and S are the
c c
12 23 13
shear stress limits in 1-2 plane, 2-3 plane

and 1-3 plane, respectively.
Note: The assumption, Z = Y , Z = Y , is only valid for transversely isotropic

materials, and hence is not used
t t c c
for failure criteria calculations for solid

anisotropic composite MAT9/MAT9OR elements
or for continuum shell PCOMPLS
elements. Therefore, as this
assumption is not used, the V5 and V6
fields on MATF entry are also used for failure
criteria
calculations.
Hill Criteria
On MATF, set CRITERIA to

HILL3D.
The failure index, f , is calculated as:

(26)
2 2 2 2 2 2
f = F (σ2 − σ3 ) + G(σ3 − σ1 ) + H (σ1 − σ2 ) + Lτ + Mτ + Nτ
12 23 13
Where,
1
F = (C22 + C33 − C11 )
2
1
G = (C33 + C11 − C22 )
2
1
H = (C11 + C22 − C33 )
2
2 2
or ( , depending on σ in tension or compression.

1 1
C11 = ( ) c ) 1
Xt X
2 2
C22 = (
1
t
) or ( 1
Y c
) , depending on σ in tension or compression. 2
Y
2 2
C33 = (
1
t
) or ( 1
Z
c
) , depending on σ in tension or compression. 3
Z
2 2 2
,M ,N .
1 1 1
L = ( ) = ( ) = ( )
S12 S S
23 13
On the MATF Bulk Data Entry,
V1 X
t
V2 X
c
V3 Y
t
V4 Y
c
V5 Z
t
V6 Z
c
V7 S12
S23
V8
V9 S13
Hoffman Criteria

HOFF3D.

(27)
2 2 2
2 2 2
f = F (σ2 − σ3 ) + G(σ3 − σ1 ) + H (σ1 − σ2 ) + I σ1 + J σ2 + Kσ3 + Lτ + Mτ + Nτ
12 23 13
Where,
1 1 1 1
F = [( ) + ( ) − ( )]
2 Y tY c Z tZ c X tX c
1 1 1 1
G = [( ) + ( ) − ( )]
2 Z tZ c X tX c Y tY c
1 1 1 1
H = [( ) + ( ) − ( )]
2 t c t c t c
X X Y Y Z Z
1 1
I = − c
Xt X
1 1
J = − c
Y t Y
1 1
K = − c
Zt Z
2
1
L = ( )
S12
2
1
M = ( )
S23
2
1
N = ( )
S13
V1 X
t
V2 X
c
V3 Y
t
V4 Y
c
V5 Z
t
V6 Z
c
V7 S12
V8 S23
V9 S13
Tsai-Wu Criteria

TSAI3D.

(28)
2 2 2 2 2 2
f = C11 σ + C22 σ + C33 σ + C44 τ + C55 τ + C66 τ + 2C23 σ2 σ3 + 2C13 σ1 σ3 + 2C12 σ1 σ2 +
1 2 3 12 23 13
C1 σ1 + C2 σ2 + C3 σ3
Where,
1 1
C1 = − c
t X
X
1 1
C2 = − c
t
Y Y
1 1
C3 = − c
t
Z Z
1
C11 =
t c
X X
1
C22 =
t c
Y Y
1
C33 =
t c
Z Z
2
1
C44 = ( )
S12
2
1
C55 = ( )
S23
2
1
C66 = ( )
S13
C12 ,C ,C
23 13 Defined in MATF card as V10,
V11 and V12, respectively.
If V10, V11 and V12 are blank, the

coupling coefficients are calculated by:
(29)
1 2
Cij = 2
[1 − bij (Ci + Cj ) − b (Cii + Cjj )]
ij
2b
ij
Where, i, j = 1, 2, 3; i ≠ j and the b terms are the tensile stress limits in equal-biaxial
tension tests.
ij
W1 b12
W2 b23
W3 b13
W1 is the tension stress limit in equal-biaxial tests where the

two tension loads are in directions 1 and 2. W1 is
mandatory,
while W2 and W3 are optional. If
W2 and W3 are not specified, then they are
set equal to W1. The definition
of W2 and
W3 is similar to W1. W2
is the tension stress limit in equal-biaxial tension tests where the two tension
loads
are in directions 2 and 3. W3 is the tension stress limit
in equal-biaxial tension tests where the two tension loads are
in directions 1 and
3.
In Tsai-Wu criteria, the following conditions must be met:

(30)
2
Cii Cjj − C ≥ 0
ij
V1 X
t
V2 X
c
V3 Y
t
V4 Y
c
V5 Z
t
V6 Z
c
S12
V7
V8 S23
V9 S13
W1 b12
W2 b23
W3 b13
If V10, V11, V12,

W1, W2 and W3 are all
blank, the coupling coefficients C , C , and C 12 23 13 are 0.0.
Maximum Strain Criteria

STRN3D.
The failure index is taken as the maximum value from the following 6
values:
(31)
f = max (fi )
i=1~6

i = 1, 2, 3
εi
∣ ∣
fi =
∣ Cii ∣
,f ,f
ε ε23 ε13
∣ 12 ∣ ∣ ∣ ∣ ∣
f4 = 5 = 6 =
∣ C ∣ ∣ C23 ∣ ∣ C13 ∣
12
Cii Strain limit in i − i direction. It can be taken as tension or

compression strain
limit, depending on the sign of corresponding normal
strain (C = X or X ; 11
t c
C = Y or Y ; and C = Z or Z ).
22
t c
33
t c
C12 is the strain limit in 1-2 direction, C is the strain limit in 2-3 direction, C
23 13
is the strain limit in 1-3 direction (C = S , C = S , C = S )

12 12 23 23 13 13
V1 X
t
V2 X
c
V3 Y
t
V4 Y
c
V5 Z
t
V6 Z
c
V7 S12
V8 S23
V9 S13
In continuum shell elements (PCOMPLS), the above four criteria are

available, Z t
= Y
t
, and Z c
= Y
c
. Also, the Hashin,
Puck and Cuntze criteria can be
used.
Maximum Stress Criteria
The CRITERIA field on MATF should be set to

STRS3D.
The failure index is taken as the maximum value from the following 6
values:
(32)
f = max (fi )
i=1~6
, i = 1, 2, 3
σi
∣ ∣
fi =
∣ Cii ∣
,f ,f
σ12 σ23 σ13
∣ ∣ ∣ ∣ ∣ ∣
f4 = 5 = 6 =
∣ C12 ∣ ∣ C23 ∣ ∣ C13 ∣
Cii
Stress limit in i − i direction. It can be taken as tensile or

compressive stress limit, depending on the sign of
corresponding normal
stress (C = X or X , C = Y or Y , and C = Z or Z ). 11
t c
22
t c
33
t c
On the MATF Bulk Data Entry, V1 = X , V2 = X , V3 = Y , V4 = Y , V5 = Z , V6 = Z , V7 = S , V8 = S , and V9 = S .

t c t c t c
12 23 13
In continuum shell elements (PCOMPLS), the above five criteria are

available. Besides, three additional criteria, which
are only available for
PCOMPLS can be used: Hashin, Puck and Cuntze.
Hashin Criteria

HASH3D.
In Hashin failure criteria, four failure modes are distinguished:

1. Fiber Tension
2. Fiber Compression
3. Matrix Tension
4. Matrix Compression
All four modes are checked, and all four failure indices are output separately.
The four failure indices corresponding
to the four modes are expressed as:
(33)
2 2
σ1 1 2 2
f1 = ( ) + α( ) (τ + τ ) ≤ 1
t
S12 12 13
X
Where, α is a user-defined empirical parameter. This is used to define the

contribution of transverse shear
stress taken into account in the Fiber
Tension mode. The coefficient α is automatically set as 1.0, if
W1 is left as
blank in the
MATF card.
Fiber Compression (σ 1 < 0 )

(34)
σ1
f2 = ∣
∣
∣
∣
c
X
Matrix Tension (σ 2 + σ3 > 0 )

(35)
2 2 2
σ2 +σ3 1 1
2 2 2
f3 = ( ) + ( ) (τ − σ2 σ3 ) + ( ) (τ + τ )
Y
t
S23 23 S12 12 13
Matrix Compression (σ 2 + σ3 < 0 )
(36)
2 2 2 2
c
1 Y 1 2 1 2 1 2 2
f4 = [( ) − 1] (σ2 + σ3 ) + ( ) (σ2 + σ3 ) + ( ) (τ − σ2 σ3 ) + ( ) (τ + τ
Y
c
2S23 2S23 S23 23 S12 12 13
V1 X
t
V2 X
c
V3 Y
t
c
Y
V4
V5 Z
t
V6 Z
c
V7 S12
V8 S23
V9 S13
W1 α which is used in fiber tension failure

check
Puck Criteria

PUCK3D.
Five failure modes are distinguished in PUCK failure criteria.

Fiber Tension Mode (σ 1 > 0 )
(37)
∣ σ1 ∣
f1 = ∣ ∣
∣ σ
t
∣
1
Fiber Compression Mode (σ 1 < 0 )

(38)
σ1
∣ ∣
f2 =
∣ σ
c
∣
1
Inter-Fiber check 1 (σ n > 0 )

(39)
+ 2 2 +
p 2 p
1 2φ τnt τn1 2φ
2
f (θ) = √( − ) σn + ( ) + ( ) + σn
t A A A
Y R R S12 R
2φ ⊥⊥ 2φ
Inter-Fiber check 2 (σ n < 0 )
(40)
2 − 2 −
2 p p
τnt τn1 2φ 2φ
f (θ) = √( ) + ( ) + ( σn ) + σn
A A A
R S12 R R
⊥⊥ 2φ 2φ
Where,
+ +
+ ⎧ p p
p ⎪
⎪
1 22
2
12
2 2 2
2φ ( τ + τ ) if τ + τ > 0
2 2 A
nt A n1 nt n1
= ⎨ τ +τ R R
nt n1 ⊥⊥ ⊥∥
A
R ⎪
⎩
2φ ⎪ 2 2
0 if τ + τ = 0
nt n1
− −
− ⎧ 1
p p
p ⎪
⎪
22 2 12 2 2 2
2φ ( τ + τ ) if τ + τ > 0
2 2 A nt A n1 nt n1
τ +τ R R
= ⎨ nt n1 ⊥⊥ ⊥∥
A
R ⎪
⎩
2φ ⎪ 2 2
0 if τnt + τ = 0
n1
−
S p
12 22
A −
R = (√1 + 2p − 1)
⊥⊥ − 12 S
2p 12
12
σ2 +σ3 σ2 −σ3
σn = − cos 2θ − τ23 sin 2θ
2 2
σ3 −σ2 τ
23
τnt = sin 2θ + cos 2θ
2 2
τ1n = τ12 cos 2θ + τ13 sin 2θ
p
−
12
, p , p , and p
+
12
−
22
+
22
Coefficients for the envelope of failure curve, and they
should be
provided by users in the MATF
card as W1, W2,
W3, and W4,
respectively.
A search on the critical failure plane is performed automatically from -90° to 90° at
every 1°.
V1 X
t
V2 X
c
V3 Y
t
V4 Y
c
V5 Z
t
V6 Z
c
V7 S12
V8 S23
V9 S13
W1 p
−
12
W2 p
+
12
W3 p
−
22
W4 p
+
22
Cuntze Criteria

CNTZ3D.
In Cuntze failure criteria, five potential failure modes (two fiber failure modes and
three inter-fiber failure modes)
are calculated separately, and a reserve factor is
obtained for each mode. The final failure index is calculated based
on the reserve
factors of each mode.
FF1 (I 1 > 0 )
(41)
I1
SR1 =
t
X
FF2 (I 1 < 0 )
(42)
−I1
SR2 =
c
X
IFF1
(43)
I 2 + √I 4
SR3 =
t
2Y
IFF2
(44)
3
√I 3 I2 I3 −I5
SR4 = ( ) + b⊥∥
3
S12
(S12 )
IFF3
(45)
τ τ
b I4 +b I3
I2 ⊥ ∥
τ
SR5 = (b − 1) +
⊥ c 2
Y (Y
c
)
Where,
I 1 = σ1
I 2 = σ2 + σ3
2 2
I3 = τ + τ
12 13
2 2
I4 = (σ2 − σ3 ) + 4τ
23
2 2 2 2 2
I5 = (σ2 − σ3 ) (τ − τ ) − 4τ τ τ
13 12 23 13 12
The reserve factor of each mode is calculated as:

(46)
1
fResi =
SRi
Where,
i = 1, 2, 3
1
3
fRes4 = √
SR
4
2
−l+√l +4q
fRes5 =
2q
I2
τ
l = (b − 1) c
⊥ Y
τ τ
b I4 +b I3
⊥ ∥
q =
2
(Y c )
The final failure index is expressed as:

(47)
5
1
f = ∑
fResi
i=1
V1 X
t
V2 X
c
V3 Y
t
V4 Y
c
V5 Z
t
V6 Z
c
V7 S12
V8 S23
V9 S13
W1 b⊥∥
W2 b
τ
W3 b
τ
Interlaminar Shear Failure Index
In continuum shell elements, interlaminar shear failure index can be output. The
index is calculated as:
(48)
∗
f = max (|τ23 | , |τ13 |) /τ
Where, τ is user-defined in the SB field

on the PCOMPLS card.
∗
1. The elemental system for PSOLID is calculated based

on the centroidal method (see comment 4 on the CHEXA Bulk
Data Entry).
2. The
rotation based on THETA/PHI for elements
referenced by PSOLID is explained in comment 5 of the
CHEXA Bulk
Data Entry
3. For
an example CHEXA element, the projection is conducted onto
the G1-G2-G3-G4 plane of CHEXA
4. Example CHEXA element, the thickness direction is

always the direction of G1-G2-G3-G4 plane to G5-G6-G7-G8
plane
5. If
X-axis cannot be projected (for instance, if X-axis is perpendicular to
G1-G2-G3-G4 plane), then Y-axis is projected
and then the X-axis is calculated
based on local material Y and Z-axes
6. The
X-axis of the elemental system for material system calculation for elements
referencing PCOMPLS is calculated
based on the bisection
method applied to the G1-G2-G3-G4 plane (the bisection method is explained on
comment
3 of the CQUAD4 element)
7. The
X-axis of the Elemental system for the case when
THETA/PHI is specified and
PCOMPLS is referenced by an
element, is the G1-G2
direction of the mid-plane of the element (for example, the mid-plane between
G1-G2-G3-G4
and G5-G6-G7-G8 planes of the CHEXA element).
This G1-G2 axis on the mid-plane is then rotated based on the
THETA/PHI values specified on the
CORDM continuation line. The rotation convention for
THETA/PHI rotation is the
counter-clockwise direction.
See Also
Bulk Data Entries by Function

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2021.

Elastic, Damper, and Mass Elements

The elements in this category are:

CBUSH A general spring-damper element that supports forces, moments, and

CBUSH1D A rod-type spring-damper element.

CGAP A gap element that supports axial and friction forces.

The properties for these elements are defined on PBEAM,

Two-dimensional Shell Elements

The element shapes may be triangular (CTRIA3) or quadrilateral

The second order shell elements (CTRIA6 and

Table 1. Summary of Integration Schemes (Implicit Analysis)

In- Through- Bubble In- Through- Bubble In- Through- Bub

Table 2. Summary of Integration Schemes (Explicit Nonlinear

Belytschko- Belytschko-Wong-Chiang Belytschko-Wong-Chiang

In- Through- In- Through- In- Through- In- Through-

Table 3. Summary of Integration (Implicit Analysis)

Nonlinear Analysis Nonlinear Analysis

Elements Regular Elements

Table 4. Summary of Integration (Implicit Analysis)

Nonlinear Analysis Nonlinear Analysis

Elements Regular Elements

Three-dimensional Solid Elements

Table 5. Summary of Integration Schemes (Implicit Analysis)

Linear Analysis Nonlinear Analysis

Regular Contact Friendly Regular

CGASK8 4 point IS NA 4 point IS NA

CGASK6 3 point IS NA 3 point IS NA

CGASK16 9 point IS 25 point

CGASK12 7 point IS 19 point

Table 7. Summary of Integration Schemes (Explicit Nonlinear

CPENTA Selective Reduced

Table 8. Summary of Integration for Cohesive Elements (Implicit Analysis)

Offset for One-dimensional and Two-dimensional Elements

However, caution is advised when interpreting the

Note: More complex structures, such as frames or structures

Furthermore, in a fully nonlinear approach, additional instability points may be

Non-structural mass may be specified in two different ways.

The NSM Subcase Entry is currently

Input lumped non-structural mass

For the default case when DTYPE is blank,

Distribution based on Mass/Volume

n Number of elements in the set

V ALU E Value of the lumped mass

An important difference between the default distribution

The NSMADD Bulk Data Entry allows you to form combinations of

Virtual Fluid Mass

However, you have the option to use

To generate accurate wet modes results with

If the source potential of element j is τ , the pressure can be represented as:

An additional area integration is done to convert pressure into force.

Similarly, the acceleration vector ü can be represented as:

Arbitrary Beam Section Definition

In addition to using predefined beam cross-sections selected by the TYPE field

Example: Simple Thin-walled Section Definition Named SQUARE

Example: Solid Section Definition Named CUTOUT

Rigid Elements and Multi-Point Constraints

Rigid elements and multi-point constraints are used to constrain

Rigid elements are equations generated

The RBE1 and RBE2 elements are rigid

Some uses of multi-point constraints are:

When using rigid elements or multi-point

The various joints identified by the JTYPE field require certain

Note: The OptiStruct joints defined using

On the JOINTG entry, follow these rules to define a universal joint: