Hello All,

I am doing an impact analysis of composites and modeled cohesive zone using cohesive surface option. In the interaction property tab, one can specify geometric properties. I am doing an explicit analysis, and when I was trying to define thickness of interfacial layer (explicit), it throws an error mesg. (Pic attached) “Missing out of plane surface thickness or cross sectional area”. This option is clearly for Abaqus standard analysis. So no clue why it’s expecting an input for the first option (refer the fig.).

It would be a great help If, someone can explain this to me.

As per Abaqus CAE user’s guide this is an additional property (fig attached).

So if I don’t use this then I think I need to scale up the penalty stiffness value.

However, not sure how, and what would happen if I don’t define this. Any detailed information (link, paper etc.) related to this would be really helpful.

Thanks.

KB