Create an Analysis Step

Define the mechanical loading step and modify the solution controls.

1. Switch to the Step module
2. Double click the Steps icon in the model tree or select Step > Create from the main toolbar.
3. In the Create Step dialog box that appears, name the step ApplyLoad and accept the default selection of a Static, General Procedure type. Click Continue.
4. The Edit Step dialog box appears. Select the Incrementation tab and specify an Initial increment size of 0.05, a Minimum of 1e-05, and a Maximum of 0.05.

   For a linear failure analysis, it is helpful to adjust the default incrementation so that the fiber and matrix failure indices can be tracked as the load increases.

5. Click OK.

To achieve robust convergence when using Simulation Composite Analysis, the solution controls must be modified from their default state.

6. Open the General Solution Controls dialog box by clicking Other > General Solution Controls > Edit > ApplyLoad from the main toolbar, ignore the warning, and click the Specify radio button.
7. From the Time Incrementation tab enter 1000 for the values of both I₀ and I_R.
8. Click the first tab labeled 'more' and enter 1000 for the values of I_P, I_C, I_L, and I_S. Set I_T to 10.
   Note: Increasing these specific values will ensure that Abaqus can take full advantage of the improved convergence characteristics provided by Simulation Composite Analysis.
9. Click OK.