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.
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?
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?
