Dynamic analysis question

[KelvinVE]

I am doing a dynamic analysis using ABAQUS’ dynamic, explicit procedure. Both my structure and load are symmetric about a plane. I want to model only half of the structure to reduce the model size, while it is suggested in some papers that the whole structure should be model to accurately evaluate the dynamic effects. Do I have to model the whole structure? Thanks

[Jorgen]

If the load and the structure are symmetric about a plane, then you should be able to that symmetry and get exactly the right results.

I always try to use symmetry when I can.

- Jorgen