Define the element types to be used for the ply material and the cohesive material.
We will use a 3-dimensional, 8-noded, homogeneous structural solid to define our ply material (SOLID185). We will use a cohesive, 8-noded element to define our cohesive layer (INTER 205).
Click Main Menu > Preprocessor > Element Type > Add/Edit/Delete.
In the dialog box that appears, click Add.
Select Solid and Brick 8 node 185 in the Library of Element Types dialog box. Click Apply.
Now we want to define the cohesive elements. Select Cohesive and 8-node 205 in the Library of Element Types. Click OK, and Close the dialog box.
In order to use a uniform, reduced integration scheme with hourglass control for the ply material, KEYOPT(2) is used.
Type KEYOPT,1,2,1 into the command prompt and press Enter.
Type KEYOPT,2,2,0 into the command prompt and press Enter to specify the cohesive zone material for the INTER205 element.
Refer to the ANSYS APDL documentation for additional details on using the KEYOPT command.