FE simulation: CAD import

Joel Cugnoni, LMAF / EPFL

March 7, 2012

Joel Cugnoni, LMAF / EPFL

FE simulation: CAD import

CAD Import in Abaqus

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ABAQUS and most other simulation codes allows you to import CAD geometry from standard le formats like STEP (.stp), IGES (.igs) or ACIS (.sat) for example It is also possible to import directly CATIA geometries but I do not have much experience with this option Geometry can be of dierent types: Solid (volume), Shell (surface) or Wire (lines) Be extra careful with units; always check your model dimension after import Model can be scaled during import to convert geometry to another system of units Importing an assembly is also supported. It will just generate several parts in Abaqus without constraints between them. The relative position between the parts should normally be preserved.
Joel Cugnoni, LMAF / EPFL FE simulation: CAD import

Export a model from Catia

Exporting a model from Catia is very simple: Importing a CAD model in Abaqus is also very simple: Load your Part or Assembly (CATPart or CATProduct) Go to File Save As Specify a le name and choose the le format in the drop down list STEP format is recommended for volumes and assemblies, IGES tend to work better for shells Press Save and thats all

Joel Cugnoni, LMAF / EPFL

FE simulation: CAD import

Import a CAD geometry in Abaqus CAE

Importing a CAD model in Abaqus is also very simple: Go to File Import Part Choose the le format in the drop down list and select your le In the import dialog, choose the type of output geometry (Solid / Shell / Wire) It is recommended to select also Convert to XX and Stitch options whenever available In the Part Attribute tab, dene the modeling space and specify if the part is deformable (usual case) or rigid In the Scale tab, enter a scale factor to convert the geometry to your destination set of units (see comment after) Press OK

Joel Cugnoni, LMAF / EPFL

FE simulation: CAD import

Checking a CAD geometry in Abaqus CAE

Right after import you should : Check if the units of length are OK; Go to Tool Query Distance and verify that the overall size of the part is consistent with your set of units. If the dimensions are not OK, delete the part and reimport it with the right Scale factor Check the part validity: go to Tools Query Geometry diagnostics and check Invalid entities (severe) and Imprecise entities (mild problem) If Invalid / Imprecise entities are found, go to Tools Geometry repair. In Part choose Convert to precise (optional) it may help to use Tools Geometry repair Part Convert to analytical (but it may fail) If all is ne, check also for small edges and small faces as it may create problems with meshing (in Tools Query Geometry diagnostics)
Joel Cugnoni, LMAF / EPFL FE simulation: CAD import