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Abaqus Constraint/Coupling Copy

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Jbaden

Automotive
Apr 4, 2012
10
Hi Everyone,

Is it possible to copy constraint objects, such as couplings, MPC Constraints, Ties etc between models in ABAQUS.

To provide context, I have a model where I have slight geometry translation change between interacting bodies. My current method involves copying the model, moving the one body manually and continuing on with my life. This is okay for a .cae file with one or two models, but more than 4 I start running into issues with my supplied hardware (the CAE file is 600+ MB), in addition to repetitive meshing of multiple models for the same parts.

To keep my cae model small I would like to copy the ASSEMBLY instances in say Model-1 to a new model, Model-2. Correct me if I am wrong, but this would allow me to translate bodies/parts in a Model-2 while maintaining the base properties, mesh etc from Model-1 for the same part.

This method currently removes all my constraints which is not ideal. I have a fair number of constraints (300+) representing fasteners, Mass element couplings etc.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Cheers,
Jakob.
 
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You can use Model —> Copy Objects tool available from the Assembly module. It will allow you to copy selected objects, including instances and constraints.
 
Hi FEA Way,

That is the current method I am taking within Abaqus/CAE 2017. However, I do not have any options to copy across constraints such as couplings, ties, etc. see attached

Is this an update in more recent versions?

Cheers,
Jakob

AbaqusCopyObjectV2017_ocrhwn.png


Cheers,
Jakob
 
Yes, the option to copy constraints between models was introduced in Abaqus 2019.
 
That's a bugger. We aren't moving to the latest until after this project so that option is out.

As I will be using 2017 for the remainder of this project, any advice on getting these constraints to copy across?

Cheers,
Jakob

Cheers,
Jakob
 
Generally it would be easiest to copy the whole models in CAE and edit them afterwards. But since you say that you have performance issues when using this method, I think that editing input files and copying keywords will be the fastest way. You can also try to speed up some repetitive model set up tasks using Python scripting.
 
I'm already using a script to populate my fasteners and their respective couplings to bolt edges and faces. After looking into it further I think best option will probably be the *INCLUDE keyword. This way I can use the work I've already done, as long as my Set/Surface names are the consistent between models.

Thanks IceBreakerSours and FEA way



Cheers,
Jakob
 
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