WSFE-based User-Defined Elements in ABAQUS for Modeling 2D Laminated Composites with Complex Features

Abstract

Wavelet spectral finite element (WSFE) model is much smaller than conventional finite element and it’s a highly efficient method for wave propagation analysis. Since the wavenumber solutions are not available for complex features (delamination, crack, impact damage and etc.), modeling of these features using WSFE is practically not possible. In this paper, WSFE-based elements are defined and implemented in ABAQUS through UEL subroutine. WSFE works in the frequency domain, so most of the variables are complex values. Implementing complex values in ABAQUS is not feasible. All of the complex values are decoupled in to real and imaginary parts and presented to ABAQUS as real values. Thus the number of nodes is doubled, two nodes to represent real parts and two nodes to represent imaginary parts in a beam structure. Impact damage in a plate is modeled reducing the stiffness in the damaged area by 50%. Three elements are used to model the entire area. The plate is excited at the tip by a tone-burst and results are obtained at the same point.