Discussion Forum

I want to model two long plates that fit together using a dove tail joint (similar to a puzzle piece) and are glued. The geometry I have created is a 1 x 6 in plate with loads on either end. In the center, a line sequence creates a geometry which would indicate the actual boundary of the two plates and how they are connected. I have set the line to a thin elastic boundary condition as there will be glue as well.

I am running into an issue with modeling the plates as separate materials. When I run the study, the plates separate and seem to be overlapping even though this is a two dimensional model. This is obviously impossible, so I tried using contact pairs but can't find out how they work and don't know if this is the best way to proceed.

Any advice about modeling this situation would be appreciated.