Workshop 2b

Creating Native Geometry:

Reinforced Panel Model
Introduction
In this workshop we consider the geometry of a reinforced panel such as one that might
be used in the design of airplane fuselage structures. The model under consideration is
shown in Figure W2b–1. The panel is reinforced in both the longitudinal and
circumferential directions. Since the panel is quite thin, it (as well as the reinforcements)
will be modeled using shell elements. In a later optional exercise one of the longitudinal
reinforcements will be modeled using beam elements (by way of stringer geometry).
The aim of the analysis is to calculate the stress in the panel under a prescribed set of
loading conditions. Buckling of the panel will not be investigated.

Figure W2b–1 Reinforced panel geometry.

Note: The parts created in this workshop will be used in subsequent workshops to build
the complete model and perform the analysis. It is important that you use the dimensions
stated and not deviate from the workshop instructions; otherwise, you may find it difficult
to complete the subsequent workshops.

© Dassault Systèmes, 2015 Introduction to Abaqus

 W2b.2

Preliminaries
1. Enter the working directory for this workshop:
../IntroClass/Workshops/panel

2. Start a new session of Abaqus/CAE using the following command:

abaqus cae
where abaqus is the command used to run Abaqus.
3. In the Start Session dialog box, underneath Create Model Database, click With
Standard/Explicit Model.

Defining the geometry

The geometry consists of four parts: the panel and three reinforcement geometries in the
approximate shapes of the letters C, L, and Z.
For each, you will create a three-dimensional, deformable shell to model the part. The SI
system of mm, N, and MPa is used here; you can use another system if you prefer.

To create the panel:

1. In the Model Tree, double-click Parts to create a new part.
2. In the Create Part dialog box, name the part panel and accept the default
settings of a three-dimensional, deformable body. Select a shell, extruded base
feature. In the Approximate size text field, type 8000, as shown in Figure W2b–
2. This value is approximately 4 times the diameter of the panel. Click Continue.

Figure W2b–2 Part dialog box.

© Dassault Systèmes, 2015 Introduction to Abaqus

 W2b.3

3. Use the Create Arc: Center and 2 Endpoints tool to sketch an arc of
arbitrary radius centered at the origin. Draw the arc so that it is approximately
symmetric about the horizontal sketch axis.
4. Define a fixed constraint ( ) so that the center of the arc is fixed at the origin.
5. Create three construction lines: a horizontal one ( ) that passes through the
origin of the sketch axes and ones that pass through the origin and each endpoint
of the arc ( ).
6. Define a symmetry constraint ( ) so that the endpoints of the arc are symmetric
about the horizontal construction line.
7. Use the Add Dimension tool to dimension the arc radius to 2540 mm.
8. Dimension the angle between the oblique construction lines so that it is 32
degrees.
The final sketch is shown in Figure W2b–3.

Figure W2b–3 Sketch of panel.

9. In the prompt area, click Done to continue.

10. The Edit Base Extrusion dialog box appears. Enter a value of 1625.6 mm for
the depth of the shell extrusion and click OK.
The part appears as shown in Figure W2b–4.

© Dassault Systèmes, 2015 Introduction to Abaqus

 W2b.4

Figure W2b–4 Extruded panel.

To create the Z-beam:

The Z-beam is the straight (longitudinal) member, so we can create an extruded shell to
model it.
1. In the Model Tree, double-click Parts.
2. In the Create Part dialog box, name the part Z-beam and accept the default
settings of a three-dimensional, deformable body. Select a shell, extruded base
feature. In the Approximate size text field, type 100.
3. Use the Create Lines: Connected tool to sketch a series of straight lines as
shown in Figure W2b–5. Dimension each line as indicated in the figure.

© Dassault Systèmes, 2015 Introduction to Abaqus

 W2b.5

Figure W2b–5 Sketch of Z-beam.

4. In the prompt area, click Done to continue.

5. The Edit Base Extrusion dialog box appears. Enter a value of 1625.6 mm for
the depth of the shell extrusion and click OK.
The part appears as shown in Figure W2b–6.

Figure W2b–6 Extruded Z-beam.

© Dassault Systèmes, 2015 Introduction to Abaqus

 W2b.6

To create the L-beam:

The L-beam is the circumferential member with a series of cutouts. We can create a
revolved shell to model it. The geometry definition will require two steps: first the base
feature (without the cutouts) will be defined; then the cutouts will be added.
1. In the Model Tree, double-click Parts.
2. In the Create Part dialog box, name the part L-beam and accept the default
settings of a three-dimensional, deformable body. Select a shell, revolved base
feature. In the Approximate size text field, type 8000.
3. Use the Create Lines: Connected tool to sketch a series of straight lines as
shown in Figure W2b–7. Dimension each line as indicated in the figure. The
radius of the part is the same as for panel. Thus, dimension the horizontal distance
between the axis of symmetry and the vertical edge to be 2540 mm.

Figure W2b–7 Sketch of L-beam.

4. In the prompt area, click Done to continue.

5. In the Edit Revolution dialog box, enter a value of 32 degrees for the angle of
revolution and click OK.
The part appears as shown in Figure W2b–8.

© Dassault Systèmes, 2015 Introduction to Abaqus

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Figure W2b–8 Revolved L-beam without cutouts.

6. Before creating the cutouts, you will first create a series of datum axes that will
later facilitate the positioning of the part for the cutout sketch.
7. Create a datum axis using the Principal axis option ( ). Create the axis along
the Y-direction.
8. Create a datum axis using the Rotate from line option ( ). Select the edge
indicated in Figure W2b–9 as the edge from which to rotate; select the datum axis
create in the previous step as the edge about which to rotate. In the prompt area
enter an angle of rotation of 16 degrees. This will create a datum axis along the
center of the part.

Figure W2b–9 Edge from which to rotate datum axis.

9. Use the Create Cut: Extrude tool to create the cutouts. Select the top face of
the part as the plane for the extruded cut and the datum axis created in the
previous step as the axis that will appear vertical and on the right of the sketch.

© Dassault Systèmes, 2015 Introduction to Abaqus

 W2b.8

10. Sketch a rectangle centered about the Y-axis as indicated in Figure W2b–10.
a. Create a horizontal construction line tangent to the outer edge of the part.
Apply a fixed constraint to the construction line.
b. Create an arbitrary rectangle and use symmetry constraints to position it
about the vertical axis. Dimension its width to 36 mm.
c. Dimension the distance between the construction line and the rectangle as
shown in the figure.

Figure W2b–10 Cutout sketch.

11. Pattern the rectangle in a circular array ( ) to define the cut.

a. Select the edges of the rectangle as the entities to be patterned.
b. In the Radial Pattern dialog box, click to select the center of the
pattern. Select the point at the center of the arcs (you will need to zoom
out to see it; it is located along the Y-axis near the top of the sketch
plane).
c. Enter 77 as the number of repetitions and 360 as the total angle.
The pattern appears as shown in Figure W2b–11.

© Dassault Systèmes, 2015 Introduction to Abaqus

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Figure W2b–11 Cutout pattern.

12. In the prompt area, click Done to continue.

13. In the Edit Cut Revolution dialog box, click if necessary so that the cut
direction points into the part and click OK.
The part appears as shown in Figure W2b–12.

Figure W2b–12 L-beam with cutouts.

To create the C-beam:

The C-beam is also a circumferential member, so we can create a revolved shell to model
it.
1. In the Model Tree, double-click Parts.
2. In the Create Part dialog box, name the part C-beam and accept the default
settings of a three-dimensional, deformable body. Select a shell, revolved base
feature. In the Approximate size text field, type 8000.
3. Use the Create Lines: Connected tool to sketch a series of straight lines as
shown in Figure W2b–13. Dimension each line as indicated in the figure.
Dimension the horizontal distance between the axis of symmetry and the left
vertical edge to be 2460 mm.

© Dassault Systèmes, 2015 Introduction to Abaqus

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Figure W2b–13 Sketch of C-beam.

4. In the prompt area, click Done to continue.

5. In the Edit Revolution dialog box, enter a value of 32 degrees for the angle of
revolution and click OK.
The part appears as shown in Figure W2b–14.

Figure W2b–14 Revolved C-beam.

6. From the main menu bar, select File→Save to save your model in a model
database file named panel.cae. You will continue building this model in
subsequent workshops.

© Dassault Systèmes, 2015 Introduction to Abaqus