Dear all,
I need to have normal directions of solid elements in my 3D simulation with Abaqus. I know that in Visualization Module, Options tab> common or superimposed, there is the possibility to plot the normal of elements. Does anyone know how can I save the information of these normal unit vectors? Alternatively, is there any other way to extract normal direction of solid elements in Abaqus?
Thanks in advance,
With best regards.
Hi Mina Karami,
Probably this problem is for python scripting. However, more particular problem - to find normals to the element faces that coinside with the boundary of deformed part - can be solved in CAE. For this purpose I suggest to use output variable TRNOR - normal component (component along face normal) of traction load on element faces. If to apply uniformly distributed general traction with magnitude 1 in x (or y, or z) direction, ± TRNOR will be equal to x (or y, or z) component of normal unit vector respectively. Be careful with sign. TRNOR can be quering with Query tool in Visualization Module and saved to the file.
P.S. Deformed part can be imported using File>Import>Part... It is desirable to make material much more stiffer to minimize deformation (Young's Modulus=1E+16).
Hi Victor J. Аdlucky
Thanks for your answer. Your creative way is interesting. Requesting TRNOR in field-output prepares TRNOR1, TRNOR2, TRNOR3 (which are the components of TRNOR vector) and TRNOR-Magnitude. As you said, TRNOR-Magnitudes for different unite General Traction loads along x, y and z are respectively the magnitude of element facet normal vector components along x, y and z Axes. Using TRNOR1, TRNOR2 and TRNOR3, it is possible to find the direction of TRNOR –Resultant.
I have tested this method in a simple 3D geometry. Direction of resultant TRNOR in different elements were along or opposite the outward element normal vector. Therefore, it would be somehow confusing to implement this method in a program for finding the normal vectors of a complicated geometry. Could you please advise me if you have any idea for determining the direction of final outward element normal vector?
With best regards.
Hi Mina Karami,
Unfortunately I can’t figure out how to distinguish between outward and inward normals without considering element geometry. I tend to think that alternative way is to use information about nodes and elements from inp file for imported deformed part and calculate normals to element faces via any convenient programming language.
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