Create and manipulate Abaqus geometry - parts, sketches, extrusions, CAD import. Use for any geometry creation task including box, cylinder, or STEP/IGES import.
Create parts, assemblies, and import CAD files for finite element analysis.
Route here when user mentions:
Route elsewhere:
/abaqus-mesh/abaqus-material/abaqus-load, /abaqus-bc/abaqus-static-analysis| Shape | Approach |
|---|
| Box, plate, beam | Sketch rectangle + extrude |
| Cylinder, tube | Sketch circle + extrude |
| Pipe, disc, shaft | Sketch profile + revolve |
| Complex/existing | Import STEP/IGES |
| Quick prototype | Primitives |
Decision guidance:
| Origin Location | When to Use |
|---|---|
| Corner (0,0,0) | Asymmetric parts, easier coordinate math |
| Center (0,0,0) | Symmetric parts, rotation about center |
| Context | Use |
|---|---|
| Geometry creation, section assignment | Part coordinates |
| BCs, loads, sets, finding faces | Instance/assembly coordinates |
Important: After creating an instance, use instance.faces.findAt() not part.faces.findAt().
If unclear, ask:
Create the model container, then a 3D deformable part.
Choose approach based on shape:
Add secondary features if needed:
Create root assembly with Cartesian datum, then create instance from part.
Create named sets/surfaces on instance (not part) for:
Two methods to locate faces/edges:
Combine multiple entities with + operator.
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| "Sketch is not closed" | Gap in sketch entities | Ensure lines connect to form closed loop |
| "Cannot find face at coordinates" | Point not exactly on face | Use bounding box or verify coordinates |
| "Part has no cells" | Sketch not extruded | Call BaseSolidExtrude or similar |
| "Instance already exists" | Duplicate name | Use unique name or delete existing |
Before proceeding to mesh/analysis:
All dimensions use consistent units (mm-tonne-s-N-MPa):
For API syntax and code examples, see: