Importing modules to extend the object model

To access the objects referred to by the Model object, such as Part and Section objects, Abaqus/CAE extends or augments the object model by importing additional modules. For example, to create or access a Part object, Abaqus/CAE needs to import the part module. Abaqus/CAE imports all the modules when you start a session. As a result the entire object model is available to your scripts.

However, in some cases, your script may need to import a module; for example, to access a module constant, type, or function. In addition, it is useful for you to know which module Abaqus/CAE imported to augment the object model with a particular object. You have already seen the syntax to import a module: 

import part
import section

In general, you should use the following approach to importing Abaqus modules: 

import modulename

The description of an object in the Abaqus Scripting Reference Guide includes an Access section that describes which module Abaqus/CAE imported to make the object available and how you can access the object from a command. After Abaqus/CAE imports a module, all the objects associated with the module become available to you. In addition, all the methods and members associated with each object are also available.

The following table describes the relationship between some of the modules in the Abaqus Scripting Interface and the functionality of the modules and toolsets found in Abaqus/CAE:

Module Abaqus/CAE functionality
assembly The Assembly module
datum The Datum toolset
interaction The Interaction module
job The Job module
load The Load module
material Materials in the Property module
mesh The Mesh module
part The Part module
partition The Partition toolset
section Sections in the Property module
sketch The Sketch module
step The Step module
visualization The Visualization module
xyPlot The X–Y toolset