Choosing the path locations at which to obtain data

Abaqus/CAE obtains results along a path in the form of X–Y data pairs. The data pair X-values define the model locations at which to obtain data; the Y-values are analysis results at those locations. Abaqus considers only the entities in the current display group when calculating the data pairs.

See Also
Understanding results along a path
Creating a path through your model
Controlling data pair X-values
Controlling data pair Y-values
X–Y plotting

Context:

Abaqus calculates the data pair X-values based on the points you have specified for the path. You can choose to form X-values based only on the points you have specified or to additionally include all locations at which the path intersects the model. (An intersection occurs where the path crosses an element face, element edge, surface face, or surface edge.)

You can also choose whether Abaqus interprets the points that make up the path as locations on the undeformed or the deformed model shape. For node list paths, the node labels that constitute the path are equally applicable to undeformed and deformed model shapes. However, point list path coordinates remain fixed in space and are independent of your model. For example, coordinates that coincide with a nodal location on the undeformed shape may not coincide with any location on the deformed shape. Values obtained using point list path coordinates and the deformed model are affected by the deformation scale factor. Abaqus does not form data pairs for coordinate locations that do not coincide with your model.

  1. Locate the XY Data from Path options.

    From the main menu bar, select ToolsXY DataCreate. From the dialog box that appears, select Path; then click Continue. The XY Data from Path dialog box appears.

  2. Click the Path arrow to select the path for which to obtain data.

    The model plot in the current viewport changes to highlight the path you have selected.

  3. Click the Undeformed or Deformed to choose whether Abaqus interprets the points that make up the path as locations on the undeformed or the deformed model shape, respectively.
  4. Select Project onto mesh and specify a tolerance to obtain data from point locations that do not lie on or inside the mesh.
    Path points or interpolated locations that lie between path points are projected onto an element face in the mesh. If the projected distance is less than the specified tolerance, data are extracted from the projected location. This option has no effect on one-dimensional elements (such as beams) and surface variables (such as CPRESS).
  5. From the Point Locations options, choose either of the following:

    • Select Path points to obtain data only at the points that make up the path. You can obtain X–Y data at locations where the path intersects the model as well as at the points that make up the path by toggling on Include intersections.

    • Select Uniform spacing to obtain data at regular, interpolated intervals along the path, but not necessarily at the points that comprise the path definition. You can change the value specified in the Number of intervals field to increase or decrease the number of locations for which interpolated data are obtained along the path.

  6. To evaluate and display the data, click Plot.

    An X–Y plot appears in the current viewport. The plot represents the data you have configured in the dialog box, which Abaqus considers temporary data whether or not you have clicked Save As to save it.

  7. To save the data you have configured, click Save As.

    Note:

    To plot your saved X–Y data object, select ToolsXY DataPlot from the main menu bar and choose the X–Y data object from the pull-right menu.

  8. When you have finished, click Cancel to close the dialog box.