A discrete field is a spatially varying field where values are associated with a node or an element. The Discrete Field toolset allows you to create and manage discrete fields in Abaqus/CAE. A discrete field that is used by a composite layup is called a distribution. Because distributions are applied to specific elements and nodes, you can use a distribution only after you have meshed the part. In most cases you will use a third-party preprocessor that operates on meshed parts to create a distribution that can be applied to a composite layup. For more information, see Chapter 63, “The Discrete Field toolset.”
You can use a distribution for the following:
To define a spatially varying local coordinate system that specifies the overall orientation of the composite layup.
To define an additional rotation for the layup orientation that is varying spatially across the layup.
To define an additional rotation for a ply orientation that is varying spatially across the ply. You can use a distribution to define the ply orientation only in an Abaqus/Standard analysis.
To define an overall shell thickness that varies spatially across a conventional shell composite layup.
To define a ply thickness that varies spatially across a ply in a conventional shell composite layup. You can use a distribution to define the ply thickness only in an Abaqus/Standard analysis.
To define a nodal thickness that varies spatially across a conventional shell composite layup.
To define an offset that varies spatially across a conventional shell composite layup. You can use a distribution to define the offset only in an Abaqus/Standard analysis.