catiav5toabaqus_cai_bidirectional.pdf

AbaqusCATIA Associative Interface Users Guide

CATIA V5 Associative Interface

Users Guide

Last updated February 2011

Abaqus ID:caiPrinted on: Tue February 22 -- 10:11:56 2011

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CONTENTS

Contents

1. CATIA V5 Associative Interface: overview

About this manual 1.1About the CATIA V5 Associative Interface 1.2What is associative import? 1.3Using the CATIA V5 Associative Interface 1.4Direct import 1.5

2. System requirements for the CATIA V5 Associative Interface

3. Units

4. Installing the CATIA V5 Associative Interface plug-in

Determining the build date of the CATIA V5 Associative Interface plug-in 4.1

5. Using the CATIA V5 Associative Interface to import a part or assembly from CATIA V5to Abaqus/CAE

Using automatic associative import 5.1Using manual associative import 5.2Updating geometry parameters in an imported model 5.3Using direct import 5.4

6. Tips for using the CATIA V5 Associative Interface

7. CATIA V5 Associative Interface scripting interfaces

CATIA V5 Associative Interface automation interface 7.1CATIA V5 Associative Interface Python interface 7.2

A. Whats new?

v

Abaqus ID:cai-tocPrinted on: Tue February 22 -- 10:10:43 2011

OVERVIEW

1. CATIA V5 Associative Interface: overview

1.1 About this manualThis manual provides information for systems administrators on how to install and configure theCATIA V5 Associative Interface. The manual also provides information for end users on how to use theCATIA V5 Associative Interface to transfer models from CATIA V5 to Abaqus/CAE. The installationinstructions require some familiarity with basic Windows systems administration.

1.2 About the CATIA V5 Associative InterfaceThe CATIA V5 Associative Interface allows you to transfer the geometry of a CATIA V5 model toAbaqus/CAE when both programs are running on a Windows platform. The CATIA V5 AssociativeInterface consists of the following two components:

The CATIA V5 Associative Interface plug-in. This plug-in for CATIA V5 allows you to save amodel in CATIA V5 as an assembly (.eaf) file and to save the models parameters in a parameter(.par_abq) file. You must have CATIA V5 installed and licensed to run the plug-in. The plug-incan be downloaded from www.simulia.com.

The Abaqus/CAE CAD Connection toolset. The CAD Connection toolset, which is enabled witha CATIA V5 Associative Interface license, allows you to import an assembly file that is generatedby the CATIA V5 plug-in. The CATIA V5 Associative Interface license is available as an add-onproduct from your local sales office.

1.3 What is associative import?Associative import allows you to easily transfer an assembly from CATIA V5 to Abaqus/CAE; you cansubsequently modify the model in CATIA V5 and propagate these modifications to Abaqus/CAE withoutlosing any analysis features assigned to the model in Abaqus/CAE. The CATIA V5 Associative Interfaceis useful when you are iterating on the design of a model in CATIA V5 based on the results of analysesconducted in Abaqus. Figure 11 shows the connection between CATIA V5 and Abaqus/CAE usingassociative import.

When you use associative import to transfer the model from CATIA V5 to Abaqus/CAE, the modelappears in the current Abaqus/CAE viewport. The parts and part instances from CATIA V5 are stored inthe Abaqus/CAE model database and appear in the Model Tree. You can use CATIA V5 to modify theparts or to change the position of instances in the assembly; when the modifications are complete andthe model is ready to be analyzed, perform another associative import. Every time you import the modelinto Abaqus/CAE, Abaqus/CAE updates the current viewport and the Model Tree to reflect the changes.

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OVERVIEW

Abaqus/CAECATIA V5

Figure 11 Using associative import to export a model from CATIA V5 (left) to Abaqus/CAE (right).

In addition, associative import retains any features that you added to the model with Abaqus/CAE.Any of the features that you created in Abaqus/CAEsuch as partitions, loads, boundary conditions,sets, and surfacesare regenerated each time you import the modified model from CATIA V5 toAbaqus/CAE. For example, if you partitioned a cell with Abaqus/CAE, the partition is regenerated eachtime you import the model from CATIA V5 into Abaqus/CAE. However, the regeneration of featuresmay fail if the changes that you made with CATIA V5 change the topology of the model.

The CATIA V5 Associative Interface also allows you to modify parameters that define CATIAV5 featuressuch as a hole radius or an extrusion lengthfrom within Abaqus/CAE. The updatedparameters are propagated to both the CATIA V5 model and the Abaqus/CAE model. Figure 12 shows

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OVERVIEW

the use of geometry parameter updates in Abaqus/CAE to synchronize geometry changes in both theCATIA V5 and Abaqus/CAE models.

Abaqus/CAECATIA V5

Figure 12 Parameter updates change the dimensions of geometry features in theCATIA V5 model and the Abaqus/CAE model.

When you import an assembly of part instances, Abaqus/CAE creates parts that correspond to theimported part instances and maintains the relationship between the parts and their instances. In mostcases Abaqus/CAE retains the names of the parts and the part instances from the CATIA V5 model. Inaddition, Abaqus/CAE can create material definitions corresponding to any material assignments in theCATIA V5 model, and any publications of vertices, edges, or faces in CATIA V5 can be converted intoset definitions in Abaqus/CAE.

1.4 Using the CATIA V5 Associative InterfaceThe CATIA V5 Associative Interface offers two associative import methods: automatic associativeimport and manual associative import.

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OVERVIEW

Automatic associative importAutomatic associative import transfers the geometry of a CATIA V5 model to Abaqus/CAE ina single step. Sessions of CATIA V5 and Abaqus/CAE must be running simultaneously on thesame computer. Using the CAD Connection toolset, you establish a link between Abaqus/CAE andCATIA V5. As soon as an assembly file is created by the CATIA V5 Associative Interface plug-in,the assembly is imported automatically into Abaqus/CAE. After the model has been transferred,you can continue to make design modifications in CATIA V5 and propagate these modificationsto the Abaqus/CAE model with a single mouse click. For detailed instructions on performing anautomatic associative import, see Using automatic associative import, Section 5.1.

Manual associative importManual associative import is a multistep procedure that can be used to perform an associativeimport when CATIA V5 and Abaqus/CAE are not running concurrently or are running on differentcomputers. Using the CATIA V5 Associative Interface plug-in, you can save an assembly (.eaf)file and a parameters (.par_abq) file to a specified location. Using the CAD Connection toolset,you can import the geometry into Abaqus/CAE or use the assembly file to update an existing modelin Abaqus/CAE at a later time. For detailed instructions on performing a manual associative import,see Using manual associative import, Section 5.2.

1.5 Direct importThe CATIA V5 Associative Interface also allows you to perform a direct import of CATIA V5 geometryinto Abaqus/CAE. Direct import is a nonassociative import that does not require the use of the CATIAV5Associative Interface plug-in. You can save a model in the standard CATIA V5 Part (.CATPart) orProduct (.CATProduct) file format. You can import the model geometry from this file to Abaqus/CAEat a later time using the traditional part import techniques (see Importing a part from a CATIAV4- or V5-format file, Section 10.7.5 of the Abaqus/CAE Users Manual). Material definitions and publicationsare not imported with the model. Abaqus/CAE creates a new part each time you perform a direct import,so any model features that you defined in Abaqus/CAE are not retained between imports.

If you do not have access to the CATIA V5 Associative Interface plug-in, you can use the directimport capability to import the geometry of a CATIA V5 part or product into Abaqus/CAE. The abilityto move between associative import and direct import provides flexibility in the approach that you usefor transferring models from CATIA V5 to Abaqus/CAE.

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SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

2. System requirements for the CATIA V5 AssociativeInterface

The CATIA V5 Associative Interface is supported only on Windows platforms (Windows/x86-32 orWindows/x86-64).

To install the CATIA V5 Associative Interface plug-in, you must use an installer that is specific tothe CATIA release you are using. Installers are available for CATIA V5R19 and later releases and forAbaqus/CAE 6.9 and later releases. To perform bidirectional associative updates using the geometryparameter update capability, you must have Abaqus/CAE 6.11 or higher. For the latest informationabout which releases of CATIA V5 and which platforms are supported by the CATIA V5 AssociativeInterface, see the Dassault Systmes DSX.ECO Knowledge Base at www.3ds.com/support/knowledge-base or the SIMULIA Online Support System, which is accessible through the My Support page atwww.simulia.com.

Direct (nonassociative) import does not require the use of the CATIA V5 Associative Interfaceplug-in and is available for CATIA V5R13 and all later releases.

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UNITS

3. UnitsCATIA V5 allows you to change the displayed units of measure in a model; if you change the displayedunits, all measurements and parameters in the model are converted and updated to reflect the newunits. Abaqus/CAE has no units built into it. When you use associative import to transfer a modelfrom CATIA V5, Abaqus/CAE imports the displayed numerical measurements without regard for thedisplayed units.

For example, consider a model created in CATIA V5 of a cube that measures 30 millimeters on aside (see Figure 31). If the displayed units in CATIA V5 are millimeters, Abaqus/CAE imports a cubewith a side length of 30. If the displayed units in CATIA V5 are centimeters, Abaqus/CAE imports acube with a side length of 3.

Figure 31 Abaqus/CAE ignores the displayed units when importing models from CATIA V5.

If the displayed units in CATIA V5 are mixed units (Feet, Inch, Fraction/64; Feet, Inch,Fraction/16; or Feet, Inch, Decimal), Abaqus/CAE converts all measurements to feet beforeimporting the model.

Because Abaqus does not apply any unit-based conversion factors to numerical parameters in amodel, the parameters must be self-consistent. The individual parts in an assembly should use the sameunits system. When you import an assembly withmixed units into Abaqus/CAE, all of the parts are scaledto a consistent set of units before the import. However, if you subsequently update the Abaqus/CAE

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UNITS

assembly by importing an individual part, the units for that part are not scaled and may be inconsistentwith the existing dimensions in Abaqus/CAE. In addition, keep inmind that displayed units in CATIAV5can impact not only the length dimensions of an imported model, but also the parameters in an importedmaterial definition.

If you use direct import to transfer a model from CATIA V5, all dimensions in the model areconverted to millimeters before they are imported into Abaqus/CAE. You have the option of scalingthese dimensions during the import process; for more information, see Importing a part from a CATIAV4- or V5-format file, Section 10.7.5 of the Abaqus/CAE Users Manual.

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INSTALLATION

4. Installing the CATIA V5 Associative Interface plug-inThe following procedure describes how to install the CATIA V5 Associative Interface plug-in onWindows systems. You need administrative privileges to install the plug-in. CATIA V5 must beinstalled and licensed on your system before installing the plug-in. For more information about systemrequirements, see Chapter 2, System requirements for the CATIA V5 Associative Interface.

1. Download the appropriate CATIA V5Associative Interface installation file fromwww.simulia.com.There is a different installer for each CATIA V5 release.

2. Run the CATIA V5 Associative Interface installation executable.

3. Follow the prompts in the installation process. You must provide the following information:

The CATIA V5 service pack on which the plug-in will be installed. The installation procedureautomatically detects all of the appropriate CATIA V5 service packs that are installed on yoursystem.

The installation directory for the plug-in. The plug-in does not need to be installed in the samedirectory as CATIA V5.

4. The installation process creates a Windows desktop shortcut and a Start menu shortcut for theCATIA V5 Associative Interface. Use either shortcut to start a full version of CATIA V5 thatincludes the CATIA V5 Associative Interface plug-in and, if it is installed on your system,Abaqus for CATIA V5.

4.1 Determining the build date of the CATIA V5 Associative Interfaceplug-in

To determine the build date for the CATIA V5 Associative Interface plug-in that you are using, selectAbaqusAbout Abaqus plug-in from the CATIA V5 main menu. The dialog box that appearscontains trademark information and the build date for the CATIA V5 Associative Interface plug-in.This information may be necessary if you are contacting SIMULIA for troubleshooting issues relatedto the CATIA V5 Associative Interface.

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USING THE CATIA V5 Associative Interface

5. Using the CATIA V5 Associative Interface to import apart or assembly from CATIA V5 to Abaqus/CAE

The CATIA V5 Associative Interface includes three techniques for exporting models from CATIA V5to Abaqus/CAE:

Associative import, which can be performed automatically ormanually, allows you to transfermodeldata (geometry, materials, and publications) and subsequent design changes from CATIA V5 toAbaqus/CAE without losing any analysis features that are defined in Abaqus/CAE.

Geometry parameter updates allows you to modify parameters that define CATIA V5 features fromwithin Abaqus/CAE. The updated parameters are propagated to the CATIA V5 model and back tothe Abaqus/CAE model.

Direct import allows you to import the geometry of a standard CATIA V5 Part (.CATPart) orProduct (.CATProduct) file into Abaqus/CAE.

For a more detailed comparison of the various import techniques, see Chapter 1, CATIA V5 AssociativeInterface: overview.

The CATIA V5 Associative Interface is supported on Windows platforms only. For moreinformation about system requirements, see Chapter 2, System requirements for the CATIA V5Associative Interface.

5.1 Using automatic associative importFollow the instructions given below to import an assembly from CATIA V5 to Abaqus/CAE usingautomatic associative import:

1. Start Abaqus/CAE, and enter the Assembly module.

2. From the main menu bar, select ToolsCAD InterfacesCATIA V5.3. From the CATIA V5 dialog box that appears, choose Auto-assign port and click Enable.Abaqus/CAE displays the port number that it assigned in the message area. (If desired, you canclick Specify port and enter the port number.)

4. Start CATIA V5 using the Windows desktop shortcut or the Start menu shortcut that was createdduring the installation of the CATIA V5 Associative Interface plug-in.Abaqus appears in the CATIA V5 main menu bar.

5. Load the model to be exported, and select AbaqusExport to Abaqus/CAE from the CATIA V5main menu.

6. From the Export to Abaqus/CAE dialog box that appears, specify the following information:

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a. Select Open Abaqus/CAE as the export Method (see Figure 51).

b. If necessary, change the default number in the Port field so that it matches the port numberdisplayed by Abaqus/CAE when you enabled the CAD interface.

c. If the CATIA V5 model includes publications of faces, edges, or vertices, you can export thesepublications to the Abaqus model as set definitions. Toggle on Face, Edge, or Vertex totranslate the associated CATIA V5 publications into Abaqus sets.

d. If materials are applied to the CATIA V5 model, toggle onMaterials to export the CATIA V5materials as Abaqus material definitions. If the CATIA V5 model includes multiple materialswith different properties but the same name, only one of these material definitions is exportedto Abaqus/CAE.Only thematerial definitions are created in the Abaqusmodel; sections and section assignmentsare not defined.

7. Click OK in the Export to Abaqus/CAE dialog box.CATIAV5 saves all of the parts in the model, and theAbaqus/CAE Export Log dialog box appearswith a summary of the entities that were exported. Click Close to close the Abaqus/CAE ExportLog dialog box.

The model appears in the current Abaqus/CAE viewport. If an assembly is open in CATIA V5, theparts are imported into Abaqus/CAE and an assembly of part instances is created automatically. If asingle part is open in CATIA V5, only the part is imported into Abaqus/CAE. You can use the partsand the assembly in an Abaqus/CAE analysis; for example, you can apply sections to the parts, andyou can apply loads and boundary conditions to the assembly.

8. If you modify the model in CATIA V5, click the Quick export to Abaqus/CAE icon toupdate the model in Abaqus/CAE. The modified model is imported immediately into Abaqus/CAEusing the settings previously specified in the Export to Abaqus/CAE dialog box.Abaqus/CAE imports only the modified parts. Any changes that you make to the position of partsin the CATIA V5 assembly will also be exported to Abaqus/CAE. Any components that youdeactivate or activate in CATIA V5 are suppressed or resumed similarly in Abaqus/CAE. If youhide a component in CATIA V5, the visibility of that part instance in Abaqus/CAE is turned off;use the Assembly Display Options in Abaqus/CAE to control the visibility of part instances (formore information, see Controlling instance visibility, Section 76.14 of the Abaqus/CAE UsersManual).

Modifications to material definitions and publications in CATIA V5 are also propagated toAbaqus/CAE.

Features (such as loads and sets) and geometric modifications that you created in Abaqus/CAEare updated to account for the changes to the CATIA V5 parts. Abaqus/CAE will be unable toregenerate some features if the topology of the part has changed significantly.

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Figure 51 Use automatic associative import to transfer the model directly to Abaqus/CAE.

9. From the Abaqus/CAE main menu bar, select ToolsCAD InterfacesCATIA V5 to show theport number that is being used or to disable the connection with CATIA V5. For more information,see Creating a CAD connection, Section 60.1 of the Abaqus/CAE Users Manual.

5.2 Using manual associative importFollow the instructions given below to import an assembly fromCATIAV5 toAbaqus/CAE usingmanualassociative import:

1. Start CATIA V5 using the Windows desktop shortcut or the Start menu shortcut that was createdduring the installation of the CATIA V5 Associative Interface plug-in.Abaqus appears in the CATIA V5 main menu bar.

2. Load the model to be exported, and select AbaqusExport to Abaqus/CAE from the CATIA V5main menu.

3. From the Export to Abaqus/CAE dialog box that appears, specify the following information:

a. Select Write to file as the export Method (see Figure 52).

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Figure 52 Write an assembly file.

b. Click Browse, and specify a path and file name to which the assembly file will be saved.

c. If the CATIA V5 model includes publications of faces, edges, or vertices, you can save thesepublications as Abaqus set definitions. Toggle on Face, Edge, orVertex to save the associatedCATIA V5 publications as Abaqus sets.

d. If materials are applied to the CATIA V5 model, toggle on Materials to save the CATIA V5materials as Abaqus material definitions. If the CATIA V5 model includes multiple materialswith different properties but the same name, only one of these material definitions is saved.Only the material definitions are subsequently imported into the Abaqus model; sections andsection assignments are not defined.

4. Click OK in the Export to Abaqus/CAE dialog box.The Abaqus/CAE Export Log dialog box appears with a summary of the entities that were savedand a list of files that are required to subsequently import the model into Abaqus/CAE; click Closeto close the Abaqus/CAE Export Log dialog box.CATIA V5 saves the model in assembly (.eaf) file format. You can now end your CATIA V5session. If necessary, copy the assembly file and all of the required files (as reported in theAbaqus/CAE Export Log dialog box) to the computer where you will be running Abaqus/CAE.

5. Start Abaqus/CAE, and select FileImportAssembly from the main menu bar.6. From the Import Assembly dialog box that appears, select the assembly (.eaf) file that waswritten in Step 4, and click OK.

7. From the Import Assembly from EAF File dialog box that appears, select the assembly orindividual part instances to import, and click OK.

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The selected part instances appear in the current Abaqus/CAE viewport, and all appropriate set andmaterial definitions are created. You can use the parts and the assembly in an Abaqus/CAE analysis;for example, you can apply sections to the parts, and you can apply loads and boundary conditionsto the assembly.For more information about importing assembly files, see Importing an assembly from an assemblyfile, Section 10.7.14 of the Abaqus/CAE Users Manual.

8. If you modify the model in CATIA V5, use the following steps to propagate the changes to themodel in Abaqus/CAE:a. Repeat Steps 14 to create an updated assembly file. The name of the assembly file can changebetween imports; however, the names of the parts and products in the CATIA V5 model mustremain the same.

b. Open the existing model in the current viewport of Abaqus/CAE.

c. Import the updated assembly file using the procedure in Steps 57.Abaqus/CAE imports only the modified parts. Any changes that you made to the position ofparts in the CATIA V5 assembly will also be imported to Abaqus/CAE. Any components thatyou deactivated or activated in CATIAV5 are suppressed or resumed similarly in Abaqus/CAE.If you hid a component in CATIA V5, the visibility of that part instance in Abaqus/CAE isturned off; use the Assembly Display Options in Abaqus/CAE to control the visibility ofpart instances (for more information, see Controlling instance visibility, Section 76.14 of theAbaqus/CAE Users Manual).Modifications to material definitions and publications in CATIA V5 are also propagated toAbaqus/CAE.Features (such as loads and sets) and geometric modifications that you created in Abaqus/CAEare updated to account for the changes to the CATIA V5 parts. Abaqus/CAE will be unable toregenerate some features if the topology of the part has changed significantly.

5.3 Updating geometry parameters in an imported modelThe parameter update capability allows a bidirectional associative import, in which you modify thedimensions of certain geometric features in an imported model in Abaqus/CAE, then propagate thesemodifications to the original CATIA V5 model. Using parameter updates, you can work exclusively inAbaqus/CAE after importing a model while keeping the CATIA V5 model up to date with any geometricchanges. This allows you to keep your Abaqus/CAE and CATIA V5 models synchronized while youoptimize your design based on the results from your Abaqus analyses.

To modify a dimension using parameter updates, that dimension must be defined as a parameter(real, integer, length, or angle) in a CATIA V5 formula, and the formula must be associated with a part-level feature; for example, the radius of a hole feature should be specified using a variable parameter,not a specific numerical value. Assembly-level geometry features cannot be modified using parameterupdates. During an associative import, the CATIA V5 Associative Interface passes a list of parameters

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to Abaqus/CAE. You can use the CAD Parameters dialog box in Abaqus/CAE to modify the valuesassigned to each parameter, then pass the updated values back to the CATIA V5 model; the geometryof both the CATIA V5 and the Abaqus/CAE model is updated based on the new parameter values. Tohelp you choose the desired parameter, Abaqus/CAE highlights the associated feature when you selecta parameter in the CAD Parameters dialog box. Geometric modifications made to the Abaqus/CAEmodel using standard Part module and Assembly module tools are typically retained in Abaqus/CAEbetween updates and imports, but they cannot be propagated to the CATIA V5 model.

You should make only incremental changes to the parameters to ensure that the original features ofthe CATIA V5 model are retained. For example, if you make a large change to the radius of a fillet, theparameter update could attempt to delete faces of your CATIA V5 model, and the update operation willfail.

Bidirectional import via parameter updates is supported only by Abaqus/CAE Version 6.11 orlater and by CATIA V5 R19 and R20. To update geometry parameters, CATIA V5 and the CATIA V5Associative Interface plug-in must be installed on the computer where you are running Abaqus/CAE.In addition, a CATIA V5 session must be running before you perform a parameter update fromAbaqus/CAE.

Follow the instructions given below to update the model geometry using bidirectional import:1. Load the part or assembly to be exported in CATIA V5.

2. To create a parameter that can be exported to Abaqus/CAE and to associate the new parameter withan existing CATIA V5 parameter, do the following:a. Select Toolsf(x) Formula from the toolbar.b. From the Formulas dialog box that appears, select the CATIA V5 parameter to export.

c. Enter the name of the new parameter. The parameter name must begin with ABQ_ if you wantit to be exported to Abaqus/CAE.

d. If desired, modify the value of the new parameter.

e. Click OK to create the new parameter and to close the Formulas dialog box.

3. To create a parameter that can be exported to Abaqus/CAE and to create a relationship between thenew parameter and an existing CATIA V5 parameter, do the following:a. Select Toolsf(x) Formula from the toolbar.b. From the Formulas dialog box that appears, select the type of the new parameter (Real,

Integer, Length, or Angle).

c. Select with Single Value to indicate how the parameter will be defined.

d. Enter the name of the new parameter. The parameter name must begin with ABQ_ if you wantit to be available to Abaqus/CAE.

e. Enter the value of the new parameter. Figure 53 shows the user creating a new parametercalled ABQ_Rim_Hole_Dia. The new parameter is of type Length and has a value of1.588.

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Figure 53 Creating a new parameter.

f. From the list of existing CATIA V5 parameters, select the parameter that will be related toyour new parameter.

g. Click Add Formula.

h. From the Formula Editor dialog box that appears, enter the formula that relates theCATIA V5 parameter to your new parameter. Figure 54 shows the user associating aCATIA V5 dimension (Outer_Rim\Hole.1\Diameter) with the new parameter(ABQ_Rim_Hole_Dia), which is in turn set equal to a length of 1.588 cm.

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Figure 54 Associating a dimension with the new parameter.

i. Click OK to close the Formula Editor dialog box.

j. Create additional parameters, as desired.

k. Click OK to create the relationships between the CATIA V5 parameters and your newparameters and to close the Formulas dialog box.The parameters and the relationships appear in the specification tree.

Refer to the CATIA V5 documentation for more information about defining parameters andformulae.Only those parameters whose names start with the string ABQ_ are passed to Abaqus/CAE and cansubsequently be modified using bidirectional update. Each parameter should be referenced onlyonce within a feature definition. Figure 55 shows the final list of parameters in CATIA V5.

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Figure 55 Parameters in CATIA V5.

4. Import the model to Abaqus/CAE using one of the associative import methods described in Usingautomatic associative import, Section 5.1.When the CATIA V5 Associative Interface plug-in creates the assembly (.eaf) file, it alsocreates an XML-format parameters (.par_abq) file. If you are copying files from one computeror directory to another as part of a manual associative import, you must perform the followingadditional steps:

a. Copy the parameters file and the original CATIA V5 part (.CATPart) files along with theassembly file.

b. Edit the parameters file to update the File attribute for each Part element; for example:

When performing a parameter update, Abaqus/CAE identifies the CATIA V5 .CATPart filesthat must be updated by first looking in the current working directory and then looking in thepath specified in the parameters file.

5. After the model has been imported, display the list of modifiable parameters in Abaqus/CAE:

In the Part module, select ToolsCAD Parameters from the main menu. In the Assembly module, select ToolsCAD InterfacesCAD Parameters from the mainmenu.

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The CAD Parameters dialog box appears, as shown in Figure 56. Clicking on a parameter namehighlights the portions of the model affected by that parameter in the viewport.

Figure 56 CATIA V5 parameters in Abaqus/CAE.

6. To modify a parameter value, click the appropriate cell in the Value column and enter a new value.

7. When you have changed all of the necessary parameter values, you can update themodel geometries,generate a new parameters file, or reset the parameters to their initial value:

To update the geometries, click Update. The model features are regenerated based on the newparameter values, and the geometry of the model is updated in CATIA V5 and Abaqus/CAE.The original parameters (.par_abq) file is also updated.

To generate an updated parameters file, click mouse button 3 on the CAD Parameters table,and select Write to File from the menu that appears. If you are currently in the Part module,only the parameters associated with the current part are included in the file; if you are currentlyin the Assembly module, all parameters associated with the model are included in the file.The model geometries are not updated when you write a new parameters file. You can use thenew parameters file to verify the parameters that are being passed to CATIA V5, or you can useit to manually perform subsequent parameter updates using the Abaqus Scripting Interface.

To reset all parameters to their initial values, click Defaults. The default values reflect thevalues in the current Abaqus/CAE model geometry.

5.4 Using direct importThe CATIA V5 Associative Interface plug-in is not required to use the direct import technique. Thegeometry of models saved in standard CATIA V5 Part (.CATPart) or Product (.CATProduct) fileformats can be imported directly into Abaqus/CAE. From the Abaqus/CAE main menu bar, selectFileImportPart and select the file you want to import. Detailed instructions on using direct

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import are available in Importing a part from a CATIA V4- or V5-format file, Section 10.7.5 of theAbaqus/CAE Users Manual.

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TIPS FOR USING THE CATIA V5 Associative Interface

6. Tips for using the CATIA V5 Associative InterfaceThe following tips will help you use the CATIA V5 Associative Interface to import CATIA V5 parts andproducts into Abaqus/CAE. Additional tips are available from the SIMULIA Online Support System,which is accessible through the My Support page at www.simulia.com.

When you create a new .CATPart or .CATProduct file, you must save the file before you usethe CATIA V5 Associative Interface for the first time. You do not have to save the file subsequently;the CATIA V5 Associative Interface saves the .CATPart or .CATProduct file before exportingit to Abaqus/CAE.

After you have imported the assembly from CATIA V5 into Abaqus/CAE, you can continueto modify the position of instances in the CATIA V5 assembly. However, before you use theCATIA V5 Associative Interface to update the assembly changes into Abaqus/CAE, you must

update the changes in CATIA V5 by clicking the Update all icon or by entering [Ctrl]+U. TheCATIA V5 Associative Interface will not export the changes in the CATIA V5 model until youhave updated it.

When you use the direct import method to import a .CATPart or .CATProduct file intoAbaqus/CAE, you can choose to create individual parts or to combine all the parts into a singlepart. If you import a .CATPart file, all of the features that are visible in CATIA V5 (solid,surface, line, plane, and PartBody) are imported as a single part into Abaqus/CAE. For example, ifa part has a solid and a surface that are visible in CATIA V5, both the surface and the solid will beimported as a single part into Abaqus/CAE. If you want to import only the solid into Abaqus/CAE,only the solid should be visible. Similarly, to import only the surface as a single part, the solidalong with any planes, lines, points, and sketches that were used to create the surface must behidden in CATIA V5.

The default XY, YZ, and ZX planes will not be imported into Abaqus/CAE, even if they are keptvisible in CATIA V5. In contrast, if an additional plane, other than the default planes, is kept visiblein CATIA V5, the plane will be imported into Abaqus/CAE as a small patch of surface along withthe part.

If you import a surface model into Abaqus/CAE and then add a surface feature (fill, extrude, sweep,multi-section surface, or blend) to the model in CATIA V5, the associativity between the model inCATIA V5 and Abaqus/CAE is lost until you join the new surface to the original surface in CATIAV5.

Publications in CATIA V5 are imported as sets in Abaqus/CAE. The following rules apply toexporting publications:

Publications at only the part level are imported into Abaqus/CAE. Publications at the assemblylevel are not supported by the CATIA V5 Associative Interface.

Publications of only vertices, edges, and faces are exported to Abaqus/CAE. Publications oflines, points, planes, and bodies are not supported by the CATIA V5 Associative Interface.

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TIPS FOR USING THE CATIA V5 Associative Interface

If the publication list contains a combination of supported and unsupported objects, only thesupported objects will be imported into Abaqus/CAE; the other objects are ignored.

You must select individual faces for publication. If you drag-select select a face, theCATIA V5 Associative Interface publishes the feature instead of the face in the specificationtree. A publication of the feature in the specification tree is not imported as a set definitioninto Abaqus/CAE.

You can publish a point created in the Sketch module as a vertex; however, the CATIA V5Associative Interface supports only geometric vertices created in the Part module.

Only material properties that you assign to parts, part bodies, and products will be imported intoAbaqus/CAE. If you assign a material property to a geometrical set in a part, the CATIA V5Associative Interface will not import the material property into Abaqus/CAE.

The following conventions apply to the conversion of part and product names from CATIA V5 toAbaqus/CAE:

A part name in CATIA V5 that starts with a numerical digit is imported into Abaqus/CAE witha p_ preceding the number.

A long part name in CATIA V5 will be truncated to 38 characters when the partis imported into Abaqus/CAE. For example, if the part name in CATIA V5 isPartName_controlaram_YearMade_1998_ModelUsed_2000, the part name inAbaqus/CAE will be PartName_controlaram_YearMade_1998_Mod.

If a CATIA V5 model contains more than one part with a name longer than 38 characters andthe first 38 characters are the same, the names are truncated to 34 characters and _n is appendedto the end of the name, where n is the part number.

The associativity between CATIA V5 and Abaqus/CAE is broken when you export a part fromCATIAV5 that contains both a surface and a solid that have been kept visible. As a result, additionalchanges in CATIA V5 will not be progagated into Abaqus/CAE. Two workarounds are providedthat allow the associativity to continue:

Save the file in CATIA V5 and start a new associative import into Abaqus/CAE. Hide any internal surfaces in CATIA V5 and continue the associative import of only the solidregions of the part.

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CATIA V5 Associative Interface SCRIPTING INTERFACES

7. CATIA V5 Associative Interface scripting interfacesYou can use the CATIA V5 Associative Interface automation interface to create scripts that exportCATIA V5 parts and products in assembly (.eaf) file format. You can use the Abaqus/CAE Pythoninterface to manage CAD connections and CAD parameters.

7.1 CATIA V5 Associative Interface automation interfaceThe automation interface for the CATIA V5 Associative Interface utilizes the CATIA VB scriptinginterface to save CATIAV5 parts and products in assembly (.eaf) file format. This automation interfaceis based on the following VB interfaces:

ABQCAIVBEafFile writes out the assembly file, ABQCAIVBEafFile.EnableParameterUpdate() sends the port number (required forparameter update) to Abaqus/CAE. You must call EnableParameterUpdate() before youcall ExportToCAE().

ABQCAIVBEafFileExportOptions specifies which non-geometric entities (facepublications, edge publications, vertex publications, and materials) are exported with theassembly file (see What is associative import?, Section 1.3, for more information).

The following template lists all of the commands necessary to save a CATIA V5 part as an assemblyfile:

Dim EafFile As CAIEafFileSet EafFile = CatiaPartName.GetItem("ABQCAIVBEafFile")Dim ExportOptions As CAIEafFileOptionsSet ExportOptions = EafFile.GetItem("ABQCAIVBEafFileExportOptions")ExportOptions.FacePublicationExportStatus = [True|False]ExportOptions.EdgePublicationExportStatus = [True|False]ExportOptions.VertexPublicationExportStatus = [True|False]ExportOptions.MaterialExportStatus = [True|False]EafFile.WriteEAFFile ("DestinationPath")

The same commands can be used to save a CATIAV5 product as an assembly file by using the appropriateCatiaProductName in place of the CatiaPartName.

7.2 CATIA V5 Associative Interface Python interfaceThe CATIA V5 Associative Interface Python interface allows you to configure and enable a CADconnection between CATIA V5 and Abaqus/CAE. The Python interface also allows you to manage

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CATIA V5 Associative Interface SCRIPTING INTERFACES

the movement of parameters between CATIA V5 and Abaqus/CAE. The following commands areavailable:

enableCADConnection() disableCADConnection() setCADPortNumber() updateCADParameters()The CATIA V5 Associative Interface Python interface is described in detail in the Session

commands chapter of the Abaqus Scripting Reference Manual.

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APPENDIX A: WHATS NEW?

Appendix A: Whats new?

This manual is intended for use with the CATIA V5 Associative Interface plug-in that was built in October of2010. To check the build date for your plug-in, see Determining the build date of the CATIA V5 AssociativeInterface plug-in, Section 4.1. The following enhancements are available with this release of the plug-in:

Support for Abaqus/CAE 6.11The CATIA V5 Associative Interface plug-in is available for CATIA V5R20 and V5R19 and iscompatible with the CAD Connection toolset in Abaqus/CAE 6.10, 6.10-EF, and 6.11. For moreinformation, see Chapter 2, System requirements for the CATIA V5 Associative Interface.

Bidirectional update of parametersThe CATIA V5 Associative Interface now allows you to modify parameters that define CATIA V5featuressuch as a hole radius or an extrusion lengthfrom within Abaqus/CAE. The updatedparameters can be propagated to both the CATIA V5 model and the Abaqus/CAE model. Figure A1shows the use of geometry parameter updates in Abaqus/CAE to synchronize geometry changes in boththe CATIA V5 and Abaqus/CAE models.

A1


APPENDIX A: WHATS NEW?

Abaqus/CAECATIA V5

Figure A1 Parameter updates change the dimensions of geometry features in theCATIA V5 model and the Abaqus/CAE model.

The associative interface parameter update capability is available only in Abaqus/CAE 6.11.

A2


About SIMULIASIMULIA is the Dassault Systmes brand that delivers a scalable portfolio of Realistic Simulation solutions including the Abaqus product suite for Unified Finite Element Analysis; multiphysics solutions for insight into challenging engineering problems; and lifecycle management solutions for managing simulation data, processes, and intellectual property. By building on established technology, respected quality, and superior customer service, SIMULIA makes realistic simulation an integral business practice that improves product performance, reduces physical prototypes, and drives innovation. Headquartered in Providence, RI, USA, with R&D centers in Providence and in Vlizy, France, SIMULIA provides sales, services, and support through a global network of regional offices and distributors. For more information, visit www.simulia.com.

About Dassault SystmesAs a world leader in 3D and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, Dassault Systmes brings value to more than 100,000 customers in 80 countries. A pioneer in the 3D software market since 1981, Dassault Systmes develops and markets PLM application software and services that support industrial processes and provide a 3D vision of the entire lifecycle of products from conception to maintenance to recycling. The Dassault Systmes portfolio consists of CATIA for designing the virtual product, SolidWorks for 3D mechanical design, DELMIA for virtual production, SIMULIA for virtual testing, ENOVIA for global collaborative lifecycle management, and 3DVIA for online 3D lifelike experiences. Dassault Systmes shares are listed on Euronext Paris (#13065, DSY.PA), and Dassault Systmes ADRs may be traded on the US Over-The-Counter (OTC) market (DASTY). For more information, visit www.3ds.com.

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CATIA V5 Associative Interface User's GuideCATIA V5 Associative Interface User's GuideLegal Notices1. CATIA V5 Associative Interface: overview1.1 About this manual1.2 About the CATIA V5 Associative Interface1.3 What is associative import?1.4 Using the CATIA V5 Associative Interface1.5 Direct import

2. System requirements for the CATIA V5 Associative Interface3. Units4. Installing the CATIA V5 Associative Interface plug-in4.1 Determining the build date of the CATIA V5 Associative Interface plug-in

5. Using the CATIA V5 Associative Interface to import a part or assembly from CATIA V5 to Abaqus/CAE5.1 Using automatic associative import5.2 Using manual associative import5.3 Updating geometry parameters in an imported model5.4 Using direct import

6. Tips for using the CATIA V5 Associative Interface7. CATIA V5 Associative Interface scripting interfaces7.1 CATIA V5 Associative Interface automation interface7.2 CATIA V5 Associative Interface Python interface

Appendix A: What's new?

catiav5toabaqus_cai_bidirectional.pdf

Documents

manual associative import

abaqus software

abaqus release

direct import

qualified users

vabaqus id

service names

release notes