Learning Forum

[mrunal_n]

I am attempting to simulate the properties of a composite material in a mid-surface shell model. I generated the shell model using the ANSYS ACP module. On this component, I need to do a transient thermomechanical simulation. The following diagram illustrates the information flow approach:

Workbench Info Flow.PNG

[Sean Harvey]

Thanks for your query. The ACP oriented element set is used to change the stacking of the layup. For the heat flux, you can change the direction by using the sign when you specify the loading.
For example, Here I have a -1 heat flux on the top of the laminate.

If I change the sign, the resulting heat flux arrows go into the part. You only need to change the OSS direction if you wish to change the stacking direction, not the loading.
You also should be sure to specify the loads/BCs on the top or bottom of the shell. You can see in the first image above I am applying the heat flux on the top of the shell.
Now one question is your laminate a single layer? If it is made of more than one ply(layer), then to get the layered thermal shell to function we need some settings, such as beta turned on in Workbench>Options>Appearce, there is a beta check box if you scroll down. There are additional steps necessary to post-process layered thermal shells (use user defined results with DOFs like tbot, ttop, te2, te3, etc.). Also, the contact may not work as expected (some limitations) as the DOF uses TEMP (for single layer) and Mechanical would need simple command object to change the keyoption 13 to use the temperature DOF (TTOP,TBOT, or Temp) depending on the contact you desire.
So, if you don't expect much thermal gradient in the thickness direction of the shell, then using shells is still OK approach, but if you do, then to setup with shells will require these additional steps, and might explain why you are not matching the solid. The main issue is that layered thermal shells don't use the TEMP DOF, but rather have DOF for top and bottom of the shell, and we need to make sure these DOFs get properly loaded and connected.
Please let me know if you need more details Thank you!
Sean