Copying parts of model

[ronaldkoets]

Dear all,

Is it possible to create a kind of submodel or block or something which i can copy a few times. I would like to create a model for a structural building system. I would like to create a part of the model by modelling a model with one storey height, after this i would like to copy this part with alle springs en constraints in it to create a multistorey model.

Does anyone know or this is possible?

Thank you for your reaction!

 

[mechfeeney]

If the stories are all the same, why not instance the part multiple times in the assemlby and link them to gether with springs (engineering features--> springs and dashpots).

 

[ronaldkoets]

Thank you for your reaction,

Each storey consist of about 20 different parts of which i used every single one 4 times at a storey. Therefore i have to make about 80 constraints at each floor. (Tie constraints , coupling constraints and springs)

so, yes it is possible to do this by instance the part multiple times in the assembly en link them together. But the problem is that i have to make a lot of constraints at each storeys.

It would be easier if i can make a block for each storey en than just make 2 constraints for each floor to couple the columns.

Do you have any idea or this is possible?

 

[mechfeeney]

Sure. I understand your problem clearly now. Make you first story with the 20 components. Run a model with an arbitrary setup...could be static loading condition or natural frequency (whatever you want). By running this arbitrary setup, you will produce an input file and an odb. Then start up a new instance of Abaqus. Right click on parts and select import. You can then change the file type to .odb. Select the previously generated .odb and can import the geometry for the 20 components as a single part. It is technically an orphan mesh part. You can then instance this single part into the assembly multiple times and link the stories together with your spring constraints.

 

[ronaldkoets]

Great that it will be possible to do it in the way you wrote above

I ran the setup and produced and input file and an odb.

But now Abaqus gives an error message when i created the instances from the odb file: Part dimensionality does not match the dimensionality of the existing instances.

And when i run the datacheck: elements have missing property definitions.

Do you have any idea what the problem could be?

I look forward to receiving your answer.

 

[mechfeeney]

Ohhh right I forgot about those issues. As for the the missing property definitions, you have to redefine your profiles and reapply your section definitions/material properties. In other words, when you import your orphan mesh part, it has lost the previously defined section/material details. You'll have to re apply them to your newly imported part once. Then you can instance it into your assembly. Make sure you are NOT importing deformed geometry. There is a check box after you right click to import from odb. Just make sure that deformed geometry is unchecked.

 

[ronaldkoets]

Thank you for your reaction,

I tried to do it and it works well. I can import the (meshed) geometry and and i have to apply the section/materials to the imported parts.

The only disadvantage of this method is that i have to define the constraints between these imported parts as well. Is there a solution to overcome this problem?

I look forward to receiving your answer.

Ronald

 

[stevengrass]

good evening...
I have the same problem:I need to copy an assembly of 3 parts (with all the constraints it contains) several times.
I tried to do what i read here.
When I right click on part/import a window appears reporting the names of the 3 parts of the assembly and the word "ASSEMBLY".
if I import one of the 3 part it works, but since i need to import the whole assembly i click on ASSEMBLY. well, abaqus seems to import something (1 part called assembly) but i cannot see anything in the view port.
any idea??
Stefano