Importing experimental data into Abaqus, is it possible?

[FEAMonkey]

Hello Everyone,

I am working on a project where I need to create a 3D FE model of a 4 point bend test and validate the analysis results using surface strain measurements. I have already created setup the experiment in Abaqus and I have the experiment data. I just need to validate my simulation.
Is there a way to import my experiment values and overlay on the simulation result somehow?
If so, what is the right procedure for that?

Thank you for the information.

 

[FEA way]

For XY data this is easy - you can use XY Data from Keyboard to add curves from experimental results. However in case of contour plots you would have to write the data to each node/integration point. This should be possible with Python scripting. Another option is to use external postprocessing software (like ParaView or MatLab).

 

[Mustaine3]

Lets assume you want to compare the result of the strain gauge with the simulation:
You can add a Cartesian connector in the model at the same location where the strain gauge was. Request history output of the relative position and displacement of the connector. In postprocessing you can use Tools->XY Data->Operate on XY to convert the data to strain. Then you can import your existing XY data with that Keyboard method and a rightclick to import it from a file. Now you can plot the two curves from the XY Data Manager.

If you have a video, you can import it and play the video side-by-side with the sim animation in two viewports.

 

[FEAMonkey]

I have the XY coordinates and their relevant strain values. Is there an easy way to overlay this dataset on the corresponding surface of the FE model and calculate some sort of error between them in Abaqus without writing a script in Python?

 

[FEA way]

I'm afraid that scripting is the only way. You can use it to add data to output database. Description with examples can be found in the documentation: Abaqus Scripting User's Guide --> Accessing an output database --> Using the Abaqus Scripting Interface to access an output database --> Writing to an output database --> Writing field output data.