Abaqus Export

What to Export?

What to Ask User

If unclear, ask:

1. What format? STL, STEP, CSV, INP?
2. What to export? Geometry, mesh, or results?
3. Which parts/steps? Specific part name, all parts, specific time step?
4. For TO results: What density threshold? (0.3-0.5 typical)

Workflow

Exporting Geometry (STL/STEP/IGES)

1. Identify the part - Get part name from model
2. Check if meshed - STL requires mesh; STEP works on geometry
3. Call export method - Use appropriate API call
4. Verify output - Check file was created

Exporting Results to CSV

1. Open the ODB - Use openOdb() with readOnly=True
2. Navigate to frame - Find correct step and frame (typically last)
3. Extract field output - U (displacement), S (stress), etc.
4. Write CSV - Loop through values, write rows
5. Close ODB - Always close when done

Generating Input File

1. Create job object - Job needs model name
2. Call writeInput() - Creates JobName.inp
3. Verify INP created - Check file exists

Exporting TO Result

1. Locate TO ODB - Usually Optimization/TOSCA_POST/Optimization.odb
2. Set density threshold - 0.3-0.5 typical (lower = more material)
3. Export STL - Use session method or GUI

Troubleshooting

Code Patterns

For API syntax and code examples, see:

• API Quick Reference
• Common Patterns
• Troubleshooting Guide