Hello everybody,

I have a "comprehension" problem of the shell modelling in the 3DExperience platform. Let me explain myself, I have worked with Abaqus/CAE for 6 months and now I am working with SIMULIA on the 3DExperience platform (2016X). I am trying to achieve a shell modelling by using a 3D assembly of 17 parts. So first, what I do is I go from "3D" sections to 2D by using mid-surfaces on the Generative Shape Design app of CATIA. However, small gaps appear on the CAD part and by consequences on the finite element model inserted after that due to the fact that the contacts were in 3D.

(Note: I do not know if I'm saying correct things by using the notions of 3D and 2D but forgive me, english is not my native language).

My question is the following: I do not remember having those issues (gaps) with Abaqus/CAE because I was directly starting a modelling with shell elements (I was not using input files in 3D, I started from scratch on Abaqus) but in the 3DExperience platform, I have tried to create interactions to "fill" the gaps and not have unconnected regions in my model, but, by using surface to surface contact based on geometry, the simulation did not converge, so, I was wondering what has to be done in terms of contact to make the model coherent and converge to a solution given the fact that neither geometry (mid-surfaces that I have meshed) nor the mesh are in direct contact between parts?

Thank you for your help