Export to Abaqus formats
ExportGeo-Abaqus
The ExportGeo-Abaqus module serves as the interface between GeoDict and Abaqus. The module permits the export of structural models generated in or imported into GeoDict in conjunction with the requisite computational settings for the finite element method (FEM) solver software Abaqus.
ExportGeo-Abaqus is of interest to those who use Abaqus but may find the preprocessing of computed tomography scans unnecessarily laborious, or who wish to use GeoDict's intricate geometrical material models within Abaqus.
Both volume elements (for any 3D scan or GeoDict model) and beam elements (for fibrous materials and open cell foams) can be exported.
It is also noteworthy that the boundary nodes and boundary conditions are included in the workflow, thus eliminating the necessity for manual labor on the part of the user.
Examples of applications of ExportGeo-Abaqus
- Incorporation of GeoDict's powerful and robust geometry generation capabilities into an existing Abaqus workflow, expanding the range of possible FEM simulations.
- ExportGeo-Abaqus facilitates the export of a GeoDict-generated microstructure model as a *.msh file, coupled with the generation of a pre-defined Abaqus input file (INP).
- Highly efficient way to extract the material microstructure from a CT scan, with the help of GeoDict, and use it in FEM calculations with Abaqus.
In our experience, GeoDict with FiberFind-AI is the most powerful software for generating precise FE models for Abaqus from µCT scans.Transferring nonwoven data into highly accurate fibre models for deformation simulations is a matter of minutes, not hours or days!
Dr.-Ing. Dipl.-Math. techn. Gunnar Possart, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
Step 1: Import and segmentation
Image processing of the CT-scans of a fibrous material:
- Import and process CT-scan
- Cropping
- Image alignment
- Image filters
- Segment image with segmentation tools in GeoDict.
Step 2: Fiber identification
- FiberFind-AI is used to analyze the digital 3D-model and obtain relevant quantitative information about the fibers.
- FiberFind-AI identifies single fibers, creates an analytical representation of each single fiber and determines statistical parameters such as:
- Fiber diameter
- Fiber orientation
- Fiber curliness
Step 3: Export to Abaqus (creation of .inp file)
- .inp file created from FiberFind-AI results for export to Abaqus.
- Fibers exported into Abaqus as beam elements. Segment lengths are defined and fiber contacts are exported.
Step 4: Import into Abaqus
- Import .inp file of microstructure into Abaqus.
- Conduct calculations in Abaqus, as usual.
- Expand current workflow in Abaqus by simulating on new structures, either directly from CT-scans or GeoDict-generated using its robust and powerful microstructure generators.
ExportGeo-Abaqus features
The ExportGeo-Abaqus module converts voxelized data to two formats needed for elasticity computations with Abaqus. The Abaqus input files (*.inp) are saved as ASCII files and are so easily opened and edited with a text editor if changes are required.
From voxel structures, ExportGeo-Abaqus also generates an unstructured volume mesh (*.msh file), as needed for Abaqus. These steps are required:
- Import 3D-image data (µCT, FIB-SEM..) or create a 3D-material model fitting user’s specifications with one of the GeoDict modules for Digital Material Design.
- Export fiber geometries as beam elements.
- Export stiffness simulations: Define the solver settings needed in Abaqus, and save to *.inp files with ExportGeo-Abaqus.
- Execute *.inp files in Abaqus.
Following Modules are often used in combination with ExportGeo-Abaqus:
| Image Processing & Image Analysis | ImportGeo-Vol | ||
| Material Analysis | FiberFind-AI | GrainFind-AI | PoroDict & MatDict |
| Modeling & Design | FiberGeo | GrainGeo | |
| Simulation & Prediction |
Suitable modules depend on the concrete application.