Introduction

This post is about the tutorial of finite element analysis of inflatable thin shell bag in abaqus package. I have used very simplified model to demonstrate the procedure of finite element analysis (FEA) of the model. The end result look like as shown in following video.

Why this tutorial?

Inflatable thin shell structures inflate when pressurised internally. For example, balloon inflates when air is filled. Pouches of fruit juice, oils, shampoos, jams etc. are other examples similar to this model. So the basic understanding of FEA of the simplified model chosen, helps in designing of other similar shell structures. Some more insight about this tutorial is given in following video.

Demonstration of simulation

The whole simulation is broken down in two videos part 2 and part 3. part 1 is basically the above introductory video. Part 2 and part 3 videos can be accessed through following links:

Abaqus: inflation of thin sheet bag tutorial part 2

Abaqus: inflation of thin sheet bag tutorial part 3

Simulation files

Click here to download simulation files

Summary

This tutorial helps in understanding the FEA of internally pressurised inflatable thin shell structures. Also, the basic use of dynamic explicit step and modelling of interaction are key things in this whole tutorial.

If you have any query or suggestion or correction, please comment or contact me via contact page of this site. Simulation files are also available, in case anybody need it to get started.

Thanks and enjoy yourself !