Projecting 2D load onto 3D surface 1

[MegaStructures]

Is there a way to "project" 2d loads onto a 3d surface in Abaqus? I have CFD loads in a spreadsheet that are provided in one plane only with a single pressure value. I'd like Abaqus to interpolate and apply loads onto a 3D surface considering the plan coordinates of the model nodes only.

“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]

There’s no such built-in functionality, you would have to use some workarounds (a script to convert the loads or a model of a zero stiffness surface that will transfer the loads to the part being analyzed).

If the loading is not very complex then maybe you will be able to convert it manually to surface traction. This recent thread might be helpful for you:

https://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=485112

Analytical mapped fields can be useful as well.

 

[Mustaine3]

You can map data in Abaqus, but that requires that the data are close to the target surface.
So the question is, how you get the data down near the actual surface.

One idea:
Mesh the target surface really fine and export the coordinates of the nodes. Create a simple script (Python, e.g.) that takes the two coordinates (x,y) of a point on your planar face and find the closest node (x,y) in that fine mesh. From that node you can take now the z-coordinate. Add the z-coordinate to your 2D coordinates and use those data for the mapping. Use a regular mesh now on the target surface.

 

[MegaStructures]

Mustaine3 that sounds perfect! Only problem is my complete lack of knowledge in scripting

“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]

To start working with scripts I recommend checking the contents of rpy file (it contains the commands necessary to recreate everything that you clicked in Abaqus/CAE). The documentation (Scripting Guide and Scripting Reference Guide) will also be very useful (or actually necessary). In the Scripting Reference Guide you can find all the commands, including those used for interaction with node objects.

 

[Mustaine3]

For this kind of script you just need to know the basics of a scripting/programming language (how to read & write ASCII files) and basic mathematics.
The script does not directly interact with Abaqus/CAE, so it does not need to be Python.

But Python would be a good choice in general. Easy to learn and can be used for many things.