Hello all,

I am attempting to model the snap-through of a bistable composite cylindrical shell with an anti-symmetric [45/-45/45/-45]T lay-up in order to determine the load-displacement curve of the snap-through event. I am trying to model the snap-through actuation by simulating displacement control of an indenter contacting the edges of the shell whilst the shell sits on top of two frictionless plates (see attached image). I have never modelled contact before in Abaqus so I am encountering issues. The snap-through is being modelled using the static, general step with automatic adaptive stabilisation. I have attached a .zip file with the .cae of the project. The model won't converge the first increment of the analysis and I am not sure what is wrong with the model. Any help in rectifying any issues with the model will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.