Introduction to Abaqus CAE

Overview

• This tutorial introduces Abaqus CAE for Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
• Example used: Loading of a barbell stand with a barbell.
• Objective: Ensure the stand's strength to support the barbell.

Simulation Setup

• Model Description: Two stems holding up a barbell, each bearing an equal share of the weight.
• Units Used: SI units (length in meters).
• Material: Steel with density 7.8 g/cm³, Young’s modulus 200 GPa, Poisson's ratio 0.3.

Simplification in Simulation

• Only one barbell stand modeled to save resources.
• Barbell is replaced by a force representing its weight.

Abaqus CAE Interface

• Creating a New Model:
  • Go to File > New Model Database > Choose Standard/Explicit Model.
  • Static analysis requires a standard model.
• Model Database: Consists of models and modules (parts, materials, sections).

Naming and Parts Module

• Renaming Models: Right-click Model 1 > Rename.
• Parts Module: Create 3D geometry similar to CAD.
  • Part Creation: Name "barbell stand," use 3D, deformable, solid, and extrusion.
  • Approximate Size: Set to 5 (based on dimensions).

Sketching and Dimensioning

• Create a rough sketch and dimension parts accurately.
• Constraints: Use horizontal, vertical, and equal length constraints.
• Dimensions: Height set to 1.5m, thickness 0.1m.

Editing Features and Rounding

• Use tools like create fillet between two curves.
• Regenerate features after editing.

Material Properties

• Material Definition: Name "steel," set density and elasticity (Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio).

Sections and Assignments

• Creating Sections: Define solid homogeneous sections.
• Assign Sections: Back to parts, assign sections to selected regions.

Assembly

• Creating Assembly: Import parts into assembly.
• Instances: Create dependent instances for meshing.

Simulation Steps

• Initial step for boundary conditions, additional steps for loading.
• Field and History Output Requests: Define what outputs to store during simulation.

Loads and Boundary Conditions

• Load Definition: Apply load in loading step, use pressure for uniform distribution.
• Boundary Conditions: Fix base using encastre to prevent movement.

Meshing

• Meshing Process: Define element types, seed parts, and generate mesh.

Job Creation and Running Analysis

• Creating Job: Name job, ensure full analysis is selected.
• Running Simulation: Submit job, check for completion.

Results and Analysis

• Viewing Results: Plot deformed shapes and stress contours.
• Output Visualization: View stress distribution and deformation.

Conclusion

• The tutorial covers basic simulation setup in Abaqus.
• Understanding the process is crucial for successful simulation.
• Future tutorials will delve into specific aspects like loads and boundary conditions.