Element deletion using VUMAT/DEPVAR option

[cochiece]

Hi all,

I am running a double cantilever beam test in Abaqus /explicit using a simple linear elastic VUMAT and the element deletion option in DEPVAR.
The simulation runs fine and a crack is simulated to run through the specimen once the failure criteria is reached, but the failed elements do not delete, rather they just lose all stiffness and become like a stretchy membrane. Can Explicit actually delete elements using the VUMAT/DEPVAR option or do they have to be left in the model after failure? I've run the model in 2D using reduced integration quadrilaterals so the entire element fails when its material point fails but the elements are still not deleted.

If anyone has had similar experiences I' d love to hear them :)

Thanks

[chindan]

Hi cochiece,

Yes i did run into similar problems, although the simulation runs according to my expectation. If you just need the elements to be removed for viewing purposes you can just remove them from the viewport by selecting the display options and here selecting the results menu. In that if you have STRESS as your result then you can filter out the elements which have zero stress the resultant of zero stiffness.

If you are having problems physically then i do not know.

Hope this helps.

[cochiece]

HI chindan,

Thanks, the solution you mentioned was pointed out to me just a couple of days ago!; it was just removing the elements using the display group from the viewport that I was having a problem with as the simulation looked ridiculous with the failed element still there. Thanks again!