Hi there,

I have a 2D ribbon mesh by square elements intending to modeling 2D solid. The loads is specified in a displacement manner, e.g., the middle line of this ribbon is driven into an arc with an extreamly small curvature.

After simulation, I can get the nodal reaction force of each node on the middle line. But how to calculate the distributed forces that dirves the middle line?

It's easy to calculate nodal forces from distributed forces by equal work, which involves integrating the product of distribute forces and shape function. How to do the other way around?

Any suggestion would be appreciated.

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I try to obtain the approximate distributed force (DF). In the spirit of FEM, I assume a linear distribution of DF on each element edge just as displacement. Then, by applying the 'Equivalence of Work' principle, a set of linear algebraic equations about the DF values at each node can be derived. Solve these equations, the approximate DF is obtained.

However, when I use the minus Reaction Force as the Equivalence Nodal Force, a badlly osillated DF is obtained (shown below).

So, here is the question. Does the minus Reaction Force equal the Equivalence Nodal Force?

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Abaqus ​​​​​​​