continuum elements

Hi,

I have a structure which is made up of continuum elements and beam elements joined together. I tried to join the beam elements to continuum elements by tie and coupling (I tried both distributing and kinematic coupling).

There are 2 general-static steps, first a vertical load and then a tip load. For both tie and coupling approach, Abaqus Standard give me aborted runs because the time increment is too small. I tried all ways of stablization but it still would not run.

Hi,

I am modeling interface, its thickness is around 100 micron, I am modeling this problem in ABAQUS, my doubt is, can I use continuum elements like plane stress or plane strain to model this interface with conventional materail models available in ABAQUS or do I have to use interface elements with cohesive zone models. My main doubt is why should I use interface elements, whether plane or solid elements cannot handle interface, please can any body educate on this topic.

THank you

Regadrs

Gouse