I am modeling roll forming processes using solid elements. Is there a way to visualize the sheet thickness after forming? The element scalar "Thickness of Element" only seems to work on shell elements.
You may want to consider using solid shell elements (element type 185). For this element type, the "Thickness of Element" scaler will work. E024 in the user's guide provides an example.
I also thought about using solid shells to reduce computation time. Am I correct in assuming that solid shells can also detect two-sided contact, i.e. that I can simultaneously detect contact on the top and bottom layer of the element? Or is the contact only detected for one side and then determined for the other side via a virtual thickness?
Currently, I use 3 solids over the sheet thickness. With enough layers (I tend towards 7) should it be enough if I only use one solid shell across the sheet thickness? Are there advantages or disadvantages if I use several solid shells across the sheet thickness?
Yes, the solid-shell elements can detect two-sided contact. Example E024 uses two-sided contact so I suggest you take a look at that example.
Element 185 is an assumed strain formulation so it can capture out of plane bending well even with a single element through the thickness. The only disadvantage to using multiple elements through the thickness is it may be harder to set up and post-process.
