FEM_INPUT Files

This section describes the different kinds of input files.

This page discusses:

LIFE_FILE

Is used to define input files for the durability solver (life_solver). See Shape Optimization Based on a Durability Analysis.

TEMPERATURE_FILE

This parameter allows Abaqus users to specify an Abaqus input file for a sequential temperature analysis. First, a temperature calculation is carried out, of which the results are used as boundary conditions for the following finite element calculation.

The input file, which is used for the temperature calculation, can be specified using the TEMPERATURE_FILE command. All model changes due to the optimization are also changed to the temperature model.

ADD_FILE

In certain circumstances, it is useful to define additional nodes and elements in the optimization model that are not required in the FE analysis. In this case, it is practical to write the additional nodes and elements in a separate file. This file can be read using the item the FEM_INPUT definition in Tosca Structure.gui.

For example, these additionally loaded elements can be used to define restriction areas of any form. To simplify the selection of the elements in the parameter file, it is recommended to assign these elements with specific element properties, which can be used as selection criteria.

Remarks

  1. The item ADD_FILE can be repeated several times. All nodes and elements stored in the file referenced with this item are not available for the optimization. This item can be used for the specification of neighboring elements for the definition of manufacturing constraints.
  2. SIMULIA Tosca Structure cannot manage double numbers. The user should be aware of this and be sure that there is no conflict of numbers during file loading (for example, elements with identical numbers in the different files in the MODEL_LINK or FEM_INPUT command).

COPY_FILE

The COPY_FILE command is the easiest way to copy a file into the working directory of Tosca Structure. This could be an extra configuration file for your FE-solver or another file that has no direct influence on Tosca Structure.

The item might be repeated several times.

Example:

If the file my_copy_file should be present in the working directory, for example, because it is required by the user’s solver or for use in a script call, it could be copied as follows:

FEM_INPUT
  ID_NAME        = optimization_model
  FILE           = holeplate.inp
  COPY_FILE      = my_copy_file
END_

Special FEM_INPUT Commands

The special extra commands: FILE_SOLVER_EXE, FILE_CMDLINE, FILE_ADD_CALL, LIFE_FILE_SOLVER_EXE, LIFE_FILE_CMDLINE, LIFE_FILE_ADD_CALL are all related to the last FILE or LIFE_FILE command. These are only be used in very advanced setups and should normally be avoided.