FE simulation: CAD import

Joel Cugnoni, LMAF / EPFL

March 7, 2012

Joel Cugnoni, LMAF / EPFL FE simulation: CAD import

CAD Import in Abaqus
1 ABAQUS and most other simulation codes allows you to
import CAD geometry from standard file formats like STEP
(.stp), IGES (.igs) or ACIS (.sat) for example
2 It is also possible to import directly CATIA geometries but I
do not have much experience with this option
3 Geometry can be of different types: Solid (volume), Shell
(surface) or Wire (lines)
4 Be extra careful with units; always check your model
dimension after import
5 Model can be scaled during import to convert geometry to
another system of units
6 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 file name and choose the file format in the drop
down list
STEP format is recommended for volumes and assemblies,
IGES tend to work better for shells
Press Save and that’s 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 file format in the drop down list and select your file
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, define 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 fine, 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