Modelling of zero thickness cohesive elements for different finite element software

Keywords: Cohesive element, Meshing, Export, Comsol, Abaqus, Ansys, LS-Dyna, Matlab

It is an effective and common method to simulate the failure and fracture of concrete under various loading conditions by zero-thickness cohesive elements. To efficiently and easily benefit the nonlinear solution function of the existing commercial finite element software， The relevant automated modelling algorithm and software interface are prepared here. The GUI and some results of this software are shown in Figure 1.

(a) mesh results

(b) cohesive elements results

Figure 1. The GUI of the software MissCM

Currently implemented functions:

• There are 7 kinds of mesh methods: 'Mapping Qua', 'Mapping Tri', 'Mapping Agg', 'Mapping inp', 'Thermal All', 'Diffusion Mortar', and 'Mechanics Solid', in which the 'Mapping inp' method can input the INP file of ABAQUS as the background grid.

• Support output of INP file of ABAQUs, keyword format file of LS-DYNA, MAT format file which Comsol can read with MATLAB; TXT format file which Python scripts in ANSYS can read;