Force Displacement Tracking - Equation Constraint

[MegaStructures]

Hello:

I'm continuing to try to automate my processes in Abaqus.

As has been the theme in my last couple posts I have a manual task that I need to repeat over and over to complete my research and I'm searching for way to make it more automated.

I am loading the top of an HSS using a single node that happens to be called the "loading node" and then tying the other nodes on the top surface "follower nodes" to it using an equation constraint. I have the need to remesh the parts over and over and every time I remesh the part the node labels inside these node sets change and I have to go in and manually redefine the node sets every time. This is time consuming and rather monotonous. Is there any way I can define these nodes based on the surface and not have to redefine the nodes each time I remesh?

Loading Node:

Follower Nodes

“The most successful people in life are the ones who ask questions. They’re always learning. They’re always growing. They’re always pushing.” Robert Kiyosaki

 

[FEA way]

Scripting should help in this case as well. You can redefine node sets using commands such as findAt(), getClosest() and getByBoundingBox().