If you are interested in learning more about using continuum elements in ABAQUS, you should examine the following problems:
“Geometrically nonlinear analysis of a cantilever beam,” Section 2.1.2 of the ABAQUS Benchmarks Manual
“Spherical cavity in an infinite medium,” Section 2.2.4 of the ABAQUS Benchmarks Manual
“Performance of continuum and shell elements for linear analysis of bending problems,” Section 2.3.5 of the ABAQUS Benchmarks Manual
