applying loads to a STL bone model

[irishcanadian]

Hi All,
I am a relatively new user of Abaqus, so please excuse me if this is a very simplistic question. I have imported the bone geometry into Abaqus (STL file of the surface geometry from CT scans of a bone). I was able to mesh the model in Abaqus and now that I want to apply loads and BC's, it's not allowing me to select specific areas of interest. Each time I try to apply a load or BC, all of the nodes on the model light up. It looks as though I am seeing the STL lines, not my meshed instance. I want to apply the BC and loads to the meshed model. Is there something I am doing incorrectly?

 

[burningDiesel]

Yes there probably is something that you are doing incorrectly!
You probably have (at the bottom when selecting regions for BC's) 'by angle' or 'by feature edge' selected instead of 'individually'.
Anyway, best way to go is to first (in Part) make sets (node/element or surface) of the things where you want to apply BCs/Loads and name them properly, and then (in Load), assign Bcs and loads to these sets.

Also be sure to use quadratic tetrahedrals, or you will make me cry (on the inside).

 

[irishcanadian]

Ha...thanks sdebock!
This is just a very rough run at seeing if I can get a model to work for me in Abaqus, I will definitely be using 10-node mid-side node elements or maybe hexahedrals.

 

[IceBreakerSours]

A caveat: You must never use quadratic (disp. interp.) elements in contact. If you must, use the modified ones and, perhaps, even a thin layer of membrane elements.

http://www.eng-tips.com/faqs.cfm?fid=376

http://www.eng-tips.com/faqs.cfm?fid=1083