Mapping Search Controls

The Abaqus^® solvers attempt to map all of your source data points and their associated field values onto points in the target model. Depending on how far away each source point is from the nearest node on the meshed model target, the Abaqus solvers must decide whether to use or discard each source point. These decisions are based on the search tolerance distance values you choose.

The positive and negative normal tolerance values define how far away a source data point can lie from the exterior surface of the target model. The target model surface is interpolated in the undeformed finite element model. By default, each source data point must lie within a distance calculated by multiplying the average element characteristic size in the target model by 0.3. This distance is measured along the positive normal vector of the target surface.

Positive normal search distance

You can change the tolerance distance values to control which source data points will be included or ignored. You can define the tolerance values as a relative fraction of the average element size in the meshed model or as an absolute distance measured in the length units being used in your model.

For any target points at which a source point cannot be mapped, the Abaqus solvers will substitute the Default unmapped field value entered in the Mapping dialog box.

The individual options and search tolerance values are described in Mapping Search Control Options.