Importing Abaqus Meshes

You can import a finite element model (FEM) representation from an Abaqus input file (.inp).

You can import a FEM representation from a file, from an external representation, or from the 3DEXPERIENCE common space. Meshes imported from a file appear as external data within the model; you can use the imported meshes for a simulation, but the finite element information is not available as it would be for a natively created mesh. Importing meshes from an external representation adds the finite element information into the model, more like a natively created mesh.

All element types that you can create in the Mesh Creation app can be imported. If elements of different dimensionality exist in the imported mesh, the import creates separate mesh parts for each. Groups are created if the imported file is separated into distinct sets of elements. Sections are created if the imported file contains solid, shell, continuum shell, membrane, or beam sections.

An imported mesh is always up-to-date. You cannot remove an imported mesh; but you can delete it and, if it is a 2D mesh, use the mesh editing tools to edit it.

When you import mesh data from an Abaqus input file, the import process also imports a subset of the modeling features present in the Abaqus data. These features include couplings, connectors, and nonstructural masses. You can choose whether to import connectors (including couplings, dashpots, ties, and springs) during the process. For a full list of the Abaqus features supported by the import process, see Features Supported for Import from Abaqus.

This task shows you how to:

Before you begin: Open the Structural Model Creation or Fluid Model Creation app.

Import Meshes from a File

You can import meshes from a file to make them available within a simulation. The imported meshes appear as external representations, not part of the native model.

  1. From the top bar, select Add > Import > Import FEM.
    The Import FEM dialog box appears.
  2. Select From file to import the mesh from an Abaqus input file.
  3. Select Browse to choose the directory and file.
    Windows File Explorer opens.
  4. Select the directory and file containing the mesh to import, and click Open.
    The Import FEM dialog box displays the selected path and file name.
  5. Expand the Units section, and specify the units of the data you are importing.

    The selected units are converted to the units specified in your preferences for the current session. For example, if you import a model created in millimeters and the current session uses meters, all lengths are converted to meters (divided by 1000).

  6. From the Structuring option options, select one of the following:
    OptionDescription
    None Generates a mesh part per mesh dimension.

    For example, if you import a file that has mesh data for three dimensions, the 3DEXPERIENCE platform generates three mesh parts.
    Sections Generates a mesh part per property.
  7. Select Connection properties to import all connector-related objects (if present in the original model) with the FEM.

    These objects include:

    • Connectors, couplings, springs, and dashpots, along with their properties (for example, elasticity, damping, reference length, etc.)
    • Tie connections, along with their properties (for example, tie rotational degrees of freedom, constraint ratios, position tolerances, etc.)

  8. Click Import.
    The Import FEM dialog box closes, and the 3DEXPERIENCE platform imports the mesh into the FEM representation.

    An import report displays the number of nodes, elements, and sections imported, along with any sections that were partially imported or not imported.

Import Meshes from an External Representation or Common Space

You can import meshes from an external representation or common space to make them available for use as part of the native model.

  1. From the top bar, select Add > Import > Import FEM.
    The Import FEM dialog box appears.
  2. Select From external representation or From common space to import the mesh from a file (.inp) that is already part of the working model or saved in the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.
  3. Select Browse to choose the object from the tree or to use the search in the top bar to search the database.
  4. Select an object to import.
    The Import FEM dialog box displays the selected representation.
  5. Expand the Units section, and specify the units of the data you are importing.

    The selected units are converted to the units specified in your preferences for the current session. For example, if you import a model created in millimeters and the current session uses meters, all lengths are converted to meters (divided by 1000).

  6. From the Structuring option options, select one of the following:
    OptionDescription
    None Generates a mesh part per mesh dimension.

    For example, if you import a file that has mesh data for three dimensions, the 3DEXPERIENCE platform generates three mesh parts.
    Sections Generates a mesh part per property.
  7. Select Connection properties to import all connector-related objects (if present in the original model) with the FEM.

    These objects include:

    • Connectors, couplings, springs, and dashpots, along with their properties (for example, elasticity, damping, reference length, etc.)
    • Tie connections, along with their properties (for example, tie rotational degrees of freedom, constraint ratios, position tolerances, etc.)

  8. Click Import.
    The Import FEM dialog box closes, and the 3DEXPERIENCE platform imports the mesh into the FEM representation.