Feature object

Abaqus/CAE is a feature-based modeling system, and features are stored in the Feature object. The user defines the parameters of the feature, and Abaqus/CAE modifies the model based on the value of the parameters. This evaluation of the parameters is called regeneration of the feature. Feature objects contain both the parameters and the resulting model modification.

This page discusses:

Access

import part
mdb.models[name].parts[name].features[name]
mdb.models[name].parts[name].featuresById[i]
import assembly
mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.features[name]
mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.featuresById[i]

AttachmentPoints(...)

This method creates an attachment points Feature. Attachment points may be created using datum points, vertices, reference points, attachment points, interesting points, orphan mesh nodes or coordinates. Optionally, the attachment points can be projected on geometric faces or element faces.

Path

mdb.models[name].parts[name].AttachmentPoints

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.AttachmentPoints

Required arguments

name

A String specifying a unique Feature name.

points

A tuple of points. Each point can be a Vertex, Datum point, Reference point, Attachment point, orphan mesh Node, Interesting point object, or a tuple of Floats representing the coordinates of a point.

Optional arguments

projectionMethod

A SymbolicConstant specifying the projection method. Possible values are PROJECT_BY_PROXIMITY and PROJECT_BY_DIRECTION. The default value is PROJECT_BY_PROXIMITY.

projectOnFaces

A sequence of Face objects specifying the geometry faces onto which the points are to be projected.

projectOnElementFaces

A sequence of MeshFace objects specifying the orphan mesh element faces onto which the points are to be projected.

projectionDirStartPt

A point specifying the start point of the projection direction. The point can be a Vertex, Datum point, Reference point, Attachment point, orphan mesh Node, Interesting point object, or a tuple of Floats representing the coordinates of a point.

projectionDirEndPt

A point specifying the end point of the projection direction. The point can be a Vertex, Datum point, Reference point, Attachment point, orphan mesh Node, Interesting point object, or a tuple of Floats representing the coordinates of a point.

setName

A String specifying a unique set name.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

None.

AttachmentPointsAlongDirection(...)

This method creates a Feature object by creating attachment points along a direction or between two points. A Datum point, a Vertex, a Reference point, an Attachment point, an Interesting point, or an orphan mesh Node can be specified as the start or end point. The direction can be specified using a straight edge or a datum axis.

Path

mdb.models[name].parts[name].AttachmentPointsAlongDirection

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.AttachmentPointsAlongDirection

Required arguments

name

A String specifying a unique Feature name.

startPoint

A point specifying the start point of the direction along which to create points. The point can be a Vertex, Datum point, Reference point, Attachment point, orphan mesh Node, Interesting point object, or a tuple of Floats representing the coordinates of a point.

pointCreationMethod

A SymbolicConstant specifying the point creation method. Possible values are AUTO_FIT, NUM_PTS_ALONG_DIR, and NUM_PTS_BETWEEN_PTS.

Optional arguments

endPoint

A point specifying the end point if creating points between two points. The point can be a Vertex, Datum point, Reference point, Attachment point, orphan mesh Node, Interesting point object, or a tuple of Floats representing the coordinates of a point.

direction

The direction can be specified by a straight edge or a datum axis.

spacing

A float specifying the spacing to be used between two points.

numPtsAlongDir

An integer specifying the number of points to be created along the specified direction.

numPtsBetweenPts

An integer specifying the number of points to be created between the start and end points.

createPtAtStartPt

A Boolean specifying whether to create an attachment point at the start point. The default value is True.

createPtAtEndPt

A Boolean specifying whether to create an attachment point at the end point. The default value is True.

projectionMethod

A SymbolicConstant specifying the projection method. Possible values are PROJECT_BY_PROXIMITY and PROJECT_BY_DIRECTION. The default value is PROJECT_BY_PROXIMITY.

projectOnFaces

A sequence of Face objects specifying the geometry faces onto which the points are to be projected.

projectOnElementFaces

A sequence of MeshFace objects specifying the orphan mesh element faces onto which the points are to be projected.

projectionDirStartPt

A point specifying the start point of the projection direction. The point can be a Vertex, Datum point, Reference point, Attachment point, orphan mesh Node, Interesting point object, or a tuple of Floats representing the coordinates of a point.

projectionDirEndPt

A point specifying the end point of the projection direction. The point can be a Vertex, Datum point, Reference point, Attachment point, orphan mesh Node, Interesting point object, or a tuple of Floats representing the coordinates of a point.

flipDirection

A Boolean specifying if the direction along which the attachment points are created should be reversed. This argument is valid only when pointCreationMethod=NUM_PTS_ALONG_DIR.

setName

A String specifying a unique set name.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

None.

AttachmentPointsOffsetFromEdges(...)

This method creates a Feature object by creating attachment points along or offset from one or more connected edges.

Path

mdb.models[name].parts[name].AttachmentPointsOffsetFromEdges

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.AttachmentPointsOffsetFromEdges

Required arguments

name

A String specifying a unique Feature name.

edges

A sequence of connected Edge objects specifying the geometry edges from which to offset the points.

Optional arguments

startPoint

A Vertex of the selected edges that specifies the point from which to create points. This point can be one of the two end vertices of the connected edges. In case of edges forming a closed loop and having multiple vertices, this point can be any one of the vertices on the edges.

flipDirection

This parameter is required to indicate the direction in which to create the points. This parameter is required only in case of edges forming a closed loop.

pointCreationMethod

A SymbolicConstant specifying the point creation method. Possible values are BY_NUMBER or BY_SPACING.

numberOfPoints

An integer specifying the number of points to be created along the selected edges.

spacingBetweenPoints

A float specifying the spacing to be used between two points while creating the points between the start and end points of the edges.

offsetFromStartPoint

A float specifying the distance by which to offset the first point from the start vertex of the edge chain. The default value is 0.0.

offsetFromEndPoint

A float specifying the distance by which to offset the last point from the end vertex of the edge chain. This parameter should be specified only if the point creation method is BY_NUMBER. The default value is 0.0.

spacingMethod

A SymbolicConstant specifying the spacing method. Possible values are AUTO_FIT_PTS or SPECIFY_NUM_PTS. The default value is AUTO_FIT_PTS.

patterningMethod

A SymbolicConstant specifying the method to pattern of points. Possible values are PATTERN_ORTHOGONALLY or PATTERN_ALONG_DIRECTION.

referenceFace

A geometry Face object adjacent to one of the edges from which to offset the points to create a pattern of points when the PATTERN_ORTHOGONALLY method is chosen for patterning. The face is used to identify the patterning direction. If the number of rows is one and the initial offset is zero, the reference face may not be specified.

startPointForPatternDirection

A point specifying the start point of the direction along which to create a pattern of points when the PATTERN_ALONG_DIRECTION method is chosen for patterning. The point can be a Vertex, Datum point, Reference point, Attachment point, orphan mesh Node, Interesting point object, or a tuple of Floats representing the coordinates of a point.

endPointForPatternDirection

A point specifying the end point of the direction along which to create a pattern of points when the PATTERN_ALONG_DIRECTION method is chosen for patterning. The point can be a Vertex, Datum point, Reference point, Attachment point, orphan mesh Node, Interesting point object, or a tuple of Floats representing the coordinates of a point.

offsetFromEdges

A float specifying the distance by which to offset the first row of points from the edges.

numberOfRows

An integer specifying the number of rows of points to be created for the pattern. The default value is 1.

spacingBetweenRows

A float specifying the spacing to be used between two rows while creating a pattern of points.

projectionMethod

A SymbolicConstant specifying the projection method. Possible values are PROJECT_BY_PROXIMITY and PROJECT_BY_DIRECTION. The default value is PROJECT_BY_PROXIMITY.

projectOnFaces

A sequence of Face objects specifying the geometry faces onto which the points are to be projected.

projectOnElementFaces

A sequence of MeshFace objects specifying the orphan mesh element faces onto which the points are to be projected.

projectionDirStartPt

A point specifying the start point of the projection direction. The point can be a Vertex, Datum point, Reference point, Attachment point, orphan mesh Node, Interesting point object, or a tuple of Floats representing the coordinates of a point.

projectionDirEndPt

A point specifying the end point of the projection direction. The point can be a Vertex, Datum point, Reference point, Attachment point, orphan mesh Node, Interesting point object, or a tuple of Floats representing the coordinates of a point.

setName

A String specifying a unique set name.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

None.

DatumAxisByCylFace(...)

This method creates a Feature object and a DatumAxis object along the axis of a cylinder or cone.

Path

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.DatumAxisByCylFace

mdb.models[name].parts[name].DatumAxisByCylFace

Required arguments

face

A cylindrical or conical Face object.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

DatumAxisByNormalToPlane(...)

This method creates a Feature object and a DatumAxis object normal to the specified plane and passing through the specified point.

Path

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.DatumAxisByNormalToPlane

mdb.models[name].parts[name].DatumAxisByNormalToPlane

Required arguments

plane

A planar Face, an ElementFace, or a Datum object representing a datum plane.

point

A Vertex, an InterestingPoint, a MeshNode, or a Datum object representing a datum point.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

DatumAxisByParToEdge(...)

This method creates a Feature object and a DatumAxis object parallel to the specified edge and passing through the specified point.

Path

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.DatumAxisByParToEdge

mdb.models[name].parts[name].DatumAxisByParToEdge

Required arguments

edge

A straight Edge, an ElementEdge, or a Datum object representing a datum axis.

point

A Vertex, an InterestingPoint, a MeshNode, or a Datum object representing a datum point.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

DatumAxisByPrincipalAxis(...)

This method creates a Feature object and a DatumAxis object along one of the three principal axes.

Path

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.DatumAxisByPrincipalAxis

mdb.models[name].parts[name].DatumAxisByPrincipalAxis

Required arguments

principalAxis

A SymbolicConstant specifying the principal axis. Possible values are XAXIS, YAXIS, and ZAXIS.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

DatumAxisByRotation(...)

This method creates a Feature object and a DatumAxis object in a three-dimensional model by rotating a line about the specified axis through the specified angle.

Path

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.DatumAxisByRotation

mdb.models[name].parts[name].DatumAxisByRotation

Required arguments

line

A straight Edge, a Datum object representing a datum axis, or an ElementEdge object specifying the line to rotate.

axis

A straight Edge, a Datum object representing a datum axis, or an ElementEdge object specifying the axis about which to rotate the line.

angle

A Float specifying the angle in degrees to rotate the line.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

DatumAxisByRotation(...)

This method creates a Feature object and a DatumAxis object in a two-dimensional model by rotating a line about the specified point through the specified angle.

Path

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.DatumAxisByRotation

mdb.models[name].parts[name].DatumAxisByRotation

Required arguments

line

A straight Edge, a Datum object representing a datum axis, or an ElementEdge object specifying the line to rotate.

point

A Vertex, an InterestingPoint, a MeshNode, or a Datum object representing a datum point specifying the point about which to rotate the line.

angle

A Float specifying the angle in degrees to rotate the line.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

DatumAxisByThreePoint(...)

This method creates a Feature object and a DatumAxis object normal to the circle described by three points and through its center.

Path

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.DatumAxisByThreePoint

mdb.models[name].parts[name].DatumAxisByThreePoint

Required arguments

point1

A Vertex, an InterestingPoint, a MeshNode, or a Datum object representing a datum point specifying the first point on the circle.

point2

A Vertex, an InterestingPoint, a MeshNode, or a Datum object representing a datum point specifying the second point on the circle.

point3

A Vertex, an InterestingPoint, a MeshNode, or a Datum object representing a datum point specifying the third point on the circle.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

DatumAxisByThruEdge(...)

This method creates a Feature object and a DatumAxis object along the specified edge.

Path

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.DatumAxisByThruEdge

mdb.models[name].parts[name].DatumAxisByThruEdge

Required arguments

edge

A straight Edge or an ElementEdge object.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

DatumAxisByTwoPlane(...)

This method creates a Feature object and a DatumAxis object at the intersection of two planes.

Path

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.DatumAxisByTwoPlane

mdb.models[name].parts[name].DatumAxisByTwoPlane

Required arguments

plane1

A planar Face, an ElementFace, or a Datum object representing a datum plane.

plane2

A planar Face, an ElementFace, or a Datum object representing a datum plane.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

DatumAxisByTwoPoint(...)

This method creates a Feature object and a DatumAxis object along the line joining two points.

Path

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.DatumAxisByTwoPoint

mdb.models[name].parts[name].DatumAxisByTwoPoint

Required arguments

point1

A Vertex, an InterestingPoint, a MeshNode, or a Datum object representing a datum point.

point2

A Vertex, an InterestingPoint, a MeshNode, or a Datum object representing a datum point.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

DatumCsysByDefault(...)

This method creates a Feature object and a DatumCsys object from the specified default coordinate system at the origin.

Path

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.DatumCsysByDefault

mdb.models[name].parts[name].DatumCsysByDefault

Required arguments

coordSysType

A SymbolicConstant specifying the default coordinate system to be used. Possible values are CARTESIAN, CYLINDRICAL, and SPHERICAL.

Optional arguments

name

A String specifying the name of the DatumCsys.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

DatumCsysByOffset(...)

This method creates a Feature object and a DatumCsys object by offsetting the origin of an existing datum coordinate system to a specified point.

Path

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.DatumCsysByOffset

mdb.models[name].parts[name].DatumCsysByOffset

Required arguments

coordSysType

A SymbolicConstant specifying the type of coordinate system. Possible values are CARTESIAN, CYLINDRICAL, and SPHERICAL.

datumCoordSys

A Datum object representing a datum coordinate system from which to offset.

vector

A sequence of three Floats specifying the X-, Y-, and Z-offsets from datumCoordSys. The arguments vector and point are mutually exclusive, and one of them must be specified.

point

A Vertex, InterestingPoint, DatumPoint object or a sequence of three Floats specifying the X-, Y-, and Z-coordinates of a point in space. The point represents the origin of the new datum coordinate system. The arguments vector and point are mutually exclusive, and one of them must be specified.

Optional arguments

name

A String specifying the name of the DatumCsys.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

DatumCsysByThreePoints(...)

This method creates a Feature object and a DatumCsys object from three points.

Path

mdb.models[name].parts[name].DatumCsysByThreePoints
mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.DatumCsysByThreePoints

Required arguments

coordSysType

A SymbolicConstant specifying the type of coordinate system. Possible values are CARTESIAN, CYLINDRICAL, and SPHERICAL.

origin

A Vertex, an InterestingPoint, a MeshNode, or a Datum object representing a datum point specifying the origin of the coordinate system.

point1

A Vertex, an InterestingPoint, a MeshNode, or a Datum object representing a datum point specifying a point on the X-axis or the r-axis. The point1 and line1 arguments are mutually exclusive. One of them must be specified.

point2

A Vertex, an InterestingPoint, a MeshNode, or a Datum object representing a datum point specifying a point in the X–Y plane or the r–θ plane. The point2 and line2 arguments are mutually exclusive. One of them must be specified.

line1

An Edge, an Element Edge, or a Datum object representing a datum axis specifying the X-axis or the r-axis. The point1 and line1 arguments are mutually exclusive. One of them must be specified.

line2

An Edge, an Element Edge, or a Datum object representing a datum axis specifying a vector in the X–Y plane or the r–θ plane. The point2 and line2 arguments are mutually exclusive. One of them must be specified.

Optional arguments

name

A String specifying the name of the DatumCsys.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

DatumCsysByTwoLines(...)

This method creates a Feature object and a DatumCsys object from two orthogonal lines. The origin of the new datum coordinate system is placed at the intersection of the two lines.

Path

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.DatumCsysByTwoLines

mdb.models[name].parts[name].DatumCsysByTwoLines

Required arguments

coordSysType

A SymbolicConstant specifying the type of coordinate system. Possible values are CARTESIAN, CYLINDRICAL, and SPHERICAL.

line1

A straight Edge, an ElementEdge, or a Datum object representing a datum axis specifying the X-axis or the r-axis.

line2

A straight Edge, an ElementEdge, or a Datum object representing a datum axis specifying a line in the X–Y plane or in the r–θ plane.

Optional arguments

name

A String specifying the name of the DatumCsys.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

DatumPlaneByPrincipalPlane(...)

This method creates a Feature object and a DatumPlane object through the origin along one of the three principal planes.

Path

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.DatumPlaneByPrincipalPlane

mdb.models[name].parts[name].DatumPlaneByPrincipalPlane

Required arguments

principalPlane

A SymbolicConstant specifying the principal plane. Possible values are XYPLANE, YZPLANE, and XZPLANE.

offset

A Float specifying the offset from the plane.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

DatumPlaneByOffset(...)

This method creates a Feature object and a DatumPlane object offset by a specified distance from an existing plane.

Path

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.DatumPlaneByOffset

mdb.models[name].parts[name].DatumPlaneByOffset

Required arguments

plane

A planar Face, an ElementFace, or a Datum object representing a datum plane.

flip

A SymbolicConstant specifying whether the normal should be flipped. Possible values are SIDE1 and SIDE2.

offset

A Float specifying the offset from the plane.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

DatumPlaneByOffset(...)

This method creates a Feature object and a DatumPlane object offset from an existing plane and passing through the specified point.

Path

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.DatumPlaneByOffset

mdb.models[name].parts[name].DatumPlaneByOffset

Required arguments

plane

A planar Face, an ElementFace, or a Datum object representing a datum plane.

point

A Vertex, an InterestingPoint, a MeshNode, or a Datum object representing a datum point.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

DatumPlaneByRotation(...)

This method creates a Feature object and a DatumPlane object by rotating a plane about the specified axis through the specified angle.

Path

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.DatumPlaneByRotation

mdb.models[name].parts[name].DatumPlaneByRotation

Required arguments

plane

A planar Face, an ElementFace, or a Datum object representing a datum plane.

axis

A straight Edge, an ElementEdge, or a Datum object representing a datum axis.

angle

A Float specifying the angle in degrees to rotate the plane.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

DatumPlaneByThreePoints(...)

This method creates a Feature object and a DatumPlane object defined by passing through three points.

Path

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.DatumPlaneByThreePoints

mdb.models[name].parts[name].DatumPlaneByThreePoints

Required arguments

point1

A Vertex, an InterestingPoint, a MeshNode, or a Datum object representing a datum point.

point2

A Vertex, an InterestingPoint, a MeshNode, or a Datum object representing a datum point.

point3

A Vertex, an InterestingPoint, a MeshNode, or a Datum object representing a datum point.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

DatumPlaneByLinePoint(...)

This method creates a Feature object and a DatumPlane object that pass through the specified line and through the specified point that does not lie on the line.

Path

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.DatumPlaneByLinePoint

mdb.models[name].parts[name].DatumPlaneByLinePoint

Required arguments

line

A straight Edge, an ElementEdge, or a Datum object representing a datum axis.

point

A Vertex, an InterestingPoint, a MeshNode, or a Datum object representing a datum point.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

DatumPlaneByPointNormal(...)

This method creates a Feature object and a DatumPlane object normal to the specified line and running through the specified point.

Path

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.DatumPlaneByPointNormal

mdb.models[name].parts[name].DatumPlaneByPointNormal

Required arguments

point

A Vertex, an InterestingPoint, a MeshNode, or a Datum object representing a datum point.

normal

A straight Edge, an ElementEdge, or a Datum object representing a datum axis.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

DatumPlaneByTwoPoint(...)

This method creates a Feature object and a DatumPlane object midway between two points and normal to the line connecting the points.

Path

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.DatumPlaneByTwoPoint

mdb.models[name].parts[name].DatumPlaneByTwoPoint

Required arguments

point1

A Vertex, an InterestingPoint, a MeshNode, or a Datum object representing a datum point.

point2

A Vertex, an InterestingPoint, a MeshNode, or a Datum object representing a datum point.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

DatumPointByCoordinate(...)

This method creates a Feature object and a DatumPoint object at the point defined by the specified coordinates.

Path

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.DatumPointByCoordinate

mdb.models[name].parts[name].DatumPointByCoordinate

Required arguments

coords

A sequence of three Floats specifying the X-, Y-, and Z-coordinates of the datum point.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

None.

DatumPointByOffset(...)

This method creates a Feature object and a DatumPoint object offset from an existing point by a vector.

Path

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.DatumPointByOffset

mdb.models[name].parts[name].DatumPointByOffset

Required arguments

point

A Vertex, an InterestingPoint, a MeshNode, or a Datum object representing a datum point.

vector

A sequence of three Floats specifying the X-, Y-, and Z-offsets from point.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

None.

DatumPointByMidPoint(...)

This method creates a Feature object and a DatumPoint object midway between two points.

Path

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.DatumPointByMidPoint

mdb.models[name].parts[name].DatumPointByMidPoint

Required arguments

point1

A Vertex, an InterestingPoint, a MeshNode, or a Datum object representing a datum point.

point2

A Vertex, an InterestingPoint, a MeshNode, or a Datum object representing a datum point.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

None.

DatumPointByOnFace(...)

This method creates a Feature object and a DatumPoint object on the specified face, offset from two edges.

Path

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.DatumPointByOnFace

mdb.models[name].parts[name].DatumPointByOnFace

Required arguments

face

A planar Face or a Datum object representing a datum plane.

edge1

A straight Edge or a Datum object representing a datum axis.

offset1

A Float specifying the offset from edge1.

edge2

A straight Edge or a Datum object representing a datum axis.

offset2

A Float specifying the offset from edge2.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

DatumPointByEdgeParam(...)

This method creates a Feature object and a DatumPoint object along an edge at a selected distance from one end of the edge.

Path

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.DatumPointByEdgeParam

mdb.models[name].parts[name].DatumPointByEdgeParam

Required arguments

edge

An Edge object.

parameter

A Float specifying the distance along edge to the DatumPoint object. Possible values are 0 < parameter < 1.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException and RangeError.

DatumPointByProjOnEdge(...)

This method creates a Feature object and a DatumPoint object along an edge by projecting an existing point along the normal to the edge.

Path

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.DatumPointByProjOnEdge

mdb.models[name].parts[name].DatumPointByProjOnEdge

Required arguments

point

A Vertex, an InterestingPoint, a MeshNode, or a Datum object representing a datum point.

edge

An Edge, an ElementEdge or a Datum object representing a datum axis.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

DatumPointByProjOnFace(...)

This method creates a Feature object and a DatumPoint object on a specified face by projecting an existing point onto the face.

Path

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.DatumPointByProjOnFace

mdb.models[name].parts[name].DatumPointByProjOnFace

Required arguments

point

A Vertex, an InterestingPoint, a MeshNode, or a Datum object representing a datum point.

face

A Face object or a Datum object representing a datum plane.

Note:

Any other types of planes are not supported.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

MakeSketchTransform(...)

This method creates a Transform object. A Transform object is a 4x3 matrix of Floats that represents the transformation from sketch coordinates to part coordinates.

Path

mdb.models[name].parts[name].MakeSketchTransform

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.MakeSketchTransform

Required arguments

sketchPlane

A Datum plane object or a planar Face object specifying the sketch plane.

Optional arguments

origin

A sequence of Floats specifying the X-, Y-, and Z-coordinates that will be used as the origin of the sketch. The default value is computed as the centroid of the face.

sketchOrientation

A SymbolicConstant specifying the orientation of sketchUpEdge on the sketch. Possible values are RIGHT, LEFT, TOP, and BOTTOM. The default value is RIGHT.

sketchPlaneSide

A SymbolicConstant specifying on which side of the sketchPlane the sketch is positioned. Possible values are SIDE1 and SIDE2. The default value is SIDE1.

sketchUpEdge

An Edge or DatumAxis object specifying the orientation of the sketch. If unspecified, the sketch is assumed to be oriented with the Y-direction pointing up.

Return value

A Transform object. A Transform is an object with one method that returns the transform matrix.

Exceptions

If the sketchUpEdge is parallel to the sketchPlane:

Up direction is parallel to plane normal

PartitionCellByDatumPlane(...)

This method partitions one or more cells using the given datum plane.

Path

mdb.models[name].parts[name].PartitionCellByDatumPlane

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.PartitionCellByDatumPlane

Required arguments

cells

A sequence of Cell objects specifying the cells to partition.

datumPlane

A DatumPlane object.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

PartitionCellByExtendFace(...)

This method partitions one or more cells by extending the underlying geometry of a given face to partition the target cells.

Path

mdb.models[name].parts[name].PartitionCellByExtendFace

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.PartitionCellByExtendFace

Required arguments

cells

A sequence of Cell objects specifying the cells to partition.

extendFace

A planar, cylindrical, conical, or spherical Face object.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

PartitionCellByExtrudeEdge(...)

This method partitions one or more cells by extruding selected edges in the given direction.

Path

mdb.models[name].parts[name].PartitionCellByExtrudeEdge

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.PartitionCellByExtrudeEdge

Required arguments

cells

A sequence of Cell objects specifying the cells to partition.

edges

The Edge objects to be extruded. The edges must be in the same plane. The edges must form a continuous chain, without branches. The edges must belong to the same PartInstance object.

line

A straight Edge or DatumAxis object specifying the extrude direction. line must be perpendicular to the plane formed by edges.

sense

A SymbolicConstant specifying the direction of the extrusion. Possible values are FORWARD and REVERSE. If sense=FORWARD, the extrusion is in the direction of line.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

PartitionCellByPatchNCorners(...)

This method partitions a cell using an N-sided cutting patch defined by the given corner points.

Path

mdb.models[name].parts[name].PartitionCellByPatchNCorners

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.PartitionCellByPatchNCorners

Required arguments

cell

A Cell object specifying the cell to partition.

cornerPoints

A sequence of Vertex, InterestingPoint, or DatumPoint objects. 3 ≤ len(cornerPoints) ≤ 5. The corner points must not coincide.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

PartitionCellByPatchNEdges(...)

This method partitions a cell using an N-sided cutting patch defined by the given edges.

Path

mdb.models[name].parts[name].PartitionCellByPatchNEdges

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.PartitionCellByPatchNEdges

Required arguments

cell

A Cell specifying the cell to partition.

edges

A sequence of Edge objects bounding the patch. The edges must form a closed loop. The Edge objects must belong to the same PartInstance object as cell.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

PartitionCellByPlaneNormalToEdge(...)

This method partitions one or more cells using a plane normal to an edge at the given edge point.

Path

mdb.models[name].parts[name].PartitionCellByPlaneNormalToEdge

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.PartitionCellByPlaneNormalToEdge

Required arguments

cells

A sequence of Cell objects specifying the cells to partition.

edge

An Edge object specifying the normal to the plane.

point

A Vertex, InterestingPoint, or DatumPoint object specifying a point on edge.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

PartitionCellByPlanePointNormal(...)

This method partitions one or more cells using a plane defined by a point and a normal direction.

Path

mdb.models[name].parts[name].PartitionCellByPlanePointNormal

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.PartitionCellByPlanePointNormal

Required arguments

cells

A sequence of Cell objects specifying the cells to partition.

point

A Vertex, InterestingPoint, or DatumPoint object specifying a point on the plane.

normal

A straight Edge or DatumAxis object specifying the normal to the plane.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

PartitionCellByPlaneThreePoints(...)

This method partitions one or more cells using a plane defined by three points.

Path

mdb.models[name].parts[name].PartitionCellByPlaneThreePoints

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.PartitionCellByPlaneThreePoints

Required arguments

cells

A sequence of Cell objects specifying the cells to partition.

point1

A Vertex, InterestingPoint, or DatumPoint object specifying a point on the plane.

point2

A Vertex, InterestingPoint, or DatumPoint object specifying a point on the plane.

point3

A Vertex, InterestingPoint, or DatumPoint object specifying a point on the plane.

Note:

point1, point2, and point3 must not be colinear and must not coincide.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

PartitionCellBySweepEdge(...)

This method partitions one or more cells by sweeping selected edges along the given sweep path.

Path

mdb.models[name].parts[name].PartitionCellBySweepEdge

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.PartitionCellBySweepEdge

Required arguments

cells

A sequence of Cell objects specifying the cells to partition.

edges

A sequence of Edge objects to be swept. The edges must be in the same plane. The edges must form a continuous chain without branches. The Edge objects must all belong to the same PartInstance object.

sweepPath

An Edge object specifying the sweep path. The start of sweepPath must be in the plane and perpendicular to the plane formed by edges. The sweep path must be planar.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

PartitionEdgeByDatumPlane(...)

This method partitions an edge where it intersects with a datum plane.

Path

mdb.models[name].parts[name].PartitionEdgeByDatumPlane

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.PartitionEdgeByDatumPlane

Required arguments

edges

A sequence of Edge objects specifying the edges to partition.

datumPlane

A DatumPlane object specifying the location of the partition.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

PartitionEdgeByParam(...)

This method partitions one or more edges at the given normalized edge parameter.

Path

mdb.models[name].parts[name].PartitionEdgeByParam

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.PartitionEdgeByParam

Required arguments

edges

A sequence of Edge objects specifying the edges to partition.

parameter

A Float specifying the normalized distance along edge at which to partition. Possible values are 0.0 < parameter < 1.0.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

PartitionEdgeByPoint(...)

This method partitions an edge at the given point.

Path

mdb.models[name].parts[name].PartitionEdgeByPoint

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.PartitionEdgeByPoint

Required arguments

edge

An Edge object specifying the edge to partition.

point

An InterestingPoint or DatumPoint object specifying a point on edge.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

PartitionFaceByAuto(...)

This method automatically partitions a target face into simple regions that can be meshed using a structured meshing technique.

Path

mdb.models[name].parts[name].PartitionFaceByAuto

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.PartitionFaceByAuto

Required arguments

face

A Face object specifying the face to partition.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

None.

PartitionFaceByCurvedPathEdgeParams(...)

This method partitions a face normal to two edges, using a curved path between the two given edge points defined by the normalized edge parameters.

Path

mdb.models[name].parts[name].PartitionFaceByCurvedPathEdgeParams

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.PartitionFaceByCurvedPathEdgeParams

Required arguments

face

A Face object specifying the face to partition.

edge1

An Edge object specifying the start of the partition. The edge must belong to face.

parameter1

A Float specifying the distance along edge1 at which to partition. Possible values are 0.0 ≤ distance1 ≤ 1.0.

edge2

An Edge object specifying the end of the partition. The edge must belong to face.

parameter2

A Float specifying the distance along edge2 at which to partition. Possible values are 0.0 ≤ distance2 ≤ 1.0.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

PartitionFaceByCurvedPathEdgePoints(...)

This method partitions a face normal to two edges, using a curved path between the two given edge points.

Path

mdb.models[name].parts[name].PartitionFaceByCurvedPathEdgePoints

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.PartitionFaceByCurvedPathEdgePoints

Required arguments

face

A Face object specifying the face to partition.

edge1

An Edge object specifying the start of the partition. The edge must belong to face.

point1

A Vertex, InterestingPoint, or DatumPoint object specifying a point on edge1.

edge2

An Edge object specifying the end of the partition. The edge must belong to face.

point2

A Vertex, InterestingPoint, or DatumPoint object specifying a point on edge2.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

PartitionFaceByDatumPlane(...)

This method partitions one or more faces using the given datum plane.

Path

mdb.models[name].parts[name].PartitionFaceByDatumPlane

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.PartitionFaceByDatumPlane

Required arguments

faces

A sequence of Face objects specifying the faces to partition.

datumPlane

A DatumPlane object specifying the location of the partition.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

None.

PartitionFaceByExtendFace(...)

This method partitions one or more faces by extending the underlying geometry of another given face to partition the target faces.

Path

mdb.models[name].parts[name].PartitionFaceByExtendFace

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.PartitionFaceByExtendFace

Required arguments

faces

A sequence of Face objects specifying the faces to partition.

extendFace

A Face object that is to be extended to create the partition. The face to extend can be a planar, cylindrical, conical, or spherical face.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

None.

PartitionFaceByIntersectFace(...)

This method partitions one or more faces using the given cutting faces to partition the target faces.

Path

mdb.models[name].parts[name].PartitionFaceByIntersectFace

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.PartitionFaceByIntersectFace

Required arguments

faces

A sequence of Face objects specifying the faces to partition.

cuttingFaces

A sequence of Face objects that specify the cutting faces.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

None.

PartitionFaceByProjectingEdges(...)

This method partitions one or more faces by projecting the given edges on the target faces.

Path

mdb.models[name].parts[name].PartitionFaceByProjectingEdges

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.PartitionFaceByProjectingEdges

Required arguments

faces

A sequence of Face objects specifying the faces to partition.

edges

A sequence of Edge objects specifying the edges that will be projected onto the target faces.

Optional arguments

extendEdges

A boolean specifying whether to extend the given edges at their free ends in the tangent direction before partitioning the target faces. The default value is False.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

None.

PartitionFaceByShortestPath(...)

This method partitions one or more faces using a minimum distance path between the two given points.

Path

mdb.models[name].parts[name].PartitionFaceByShortestPath

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.PartitionFaceByShortestPath

Required arguments

faces

A sequence of Face objects specifying the face to partition.

point1

A Vertex, InterestingPoint, or DatumPoint object.

point2

A Vertex, InterestingPoint, or DatumPoint object.

Note:

point1 and point2 must not coincide, and they must both lie on the underlying surface geometry of at least one of the target faces.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

PartitionFaceBySketch(...)

This method partitions one or more planar faces by sketching on them.

Path

mdb.models[name].parts[name].PartitionFaceBySketch

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.PartitionFaceBySketch

Required arguments

faces

A sequence of Face objects specifying the faces to partition.

sketch

A ConstrainedSketch object specifying the partition.

Optional arguments

sketchUpEdge

An Edge or DatumAxis object specifying the orientation of sketch. This edge or datum axis must not be orthogonal to the plane defined by faces. If unspecified, sketch is assumed to be oriented in with the Y direction pointing up.

sketchOrientation

A SymbolicConstant specifying the orientation of sketchUpEdge on the sketch. Possible values are RIGHT, LEFT, TOP, and BOTTOM. The default value is RIGHT.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

PartitionFaceBySketchDistance(...)

This method partitions one or more faces by sketching on a sketch plane and then projecting the sketch toward the target faces through the given distance.

Path

mdb.models[name].parts[name].PartitionFaceBySketchDistance

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.PartitionFaceBySketchDistance

Required arguments

faces

A sequence of Face objects specifying the faces to partition.

sketchPlane

A planar Face or DatumPlane object.

sketchPlaneSide

A SymbolicConstant specifying the side of the plane to be used for sketching. Possible values are SIDE1 and SIDE2.

sketchUpEdge

An Edge object specifying the orientation of sketch. This edge must not be orthogonal to sketchPlane.

sketch

A ConstrainedSketch object specifying the partition.

distance

A Float specifying the projection distance. Possible values are distance > 0.0.

Optional arguments

sketchOrientation

A SymbolicConstant specifying the orientation of sketchUpEdge on the sketch. Possible values are RIGHT, LEFT, TOP, and BOTTOM. The default value is RIGHT.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

PartitionFaceBySketchRefPoint(...)

This method partitions one or more faces by sketching on a sketch plane and then projecting the sketch toward the target faces through a distance governed by the reference point.

Path

mdb.models[name].parts[name].PartitionFaceBySketchRefPoint

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.PartitionFaceBySketchRefPoint

Required arguments

faces

A sequence of Face objects specifying the faces to partition.

sketchPlane

A planar Face or DatumPlane object.

sketchUpEdge

An Edge object or a DatumAxis object specifying the orientation of sketch. This edge or datum axis must not be orthogonal to sketchPlane.

sketch

A ConstrainedSketch object specifying the partition.

point

A Vertex, InterestingPoint, or DatumPoint object specifying the distance to project sketch. The point must not lie on sketchPlane.

Optional arguments

sketchOrientation

A SymbolicConstant specifying the orientation of sketchUpEdge on the sketch. Possible values are RIGHT, LEFT, TOP, and BOTTOM. The default value is RIGHT.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

PartitionFaceBySketchThruAll(...)

This method partitions one or more faces by sketching on a sketch plane and then projecting toward the target faces through an infinite distance.

Path

mdb.models[name].parts[name].PartitionFaceBySketchThruAll

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.PartitionFaceBySketchThruAll

Required arguments

faces

A sequence of Face objects specifying the faces to partition.

sketchPlane

A planar Face or DatumPlane object.

sketchPlaneSide

A SymbolicConstant specifying the extrude direction of the sketch. Possible values are SIDE1 and SIDE2.

sketchUpEdge

An Edge or a DatumAxis object specifying the orientation of sketch. This edge or datum axis must not be orthogonal to sketchPlane.

sketch

A ConstrainedSketch object specifying the partition.

Optional arguments

sketchOrientation

A SymbolicConstant specifying the orientation of sketchUpEdge on the sketch. Possible values are RIGHT, LEFT, TOP, and BOTTOM. The default value is RIGHT.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

ReferencePoint(...)

This method creates a Feature object and a ReferencePoint object at the specified location.

Path

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.ReferencePoint

mdb.models[name].parts[name].ReferencePoint

Required arguments

point

A Vertex, InterestingPoint, a MeshNode, or a Datum object specifying a reference point. point can also be a sequence of three Floats representing the X-, Y-, and Z-coordinates of the point.

Optional arguments

instanceName

Used internally by the input file writer.

Return value

A Feature Object.

Exceptions

None.

RemoveWireEdges(...)

This method removes wire edges.

Path

mdb.models[name].parts[name].RemoveWireEdges

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.RemoveWireEdges

Required arguments

wireEdgeList

A sequence of Edge objects specifying the edges to remove. Any specified edge that is not a wire edge will not be removed.

Optional arguments

None.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

None.

WirePolyLine(...)

This method creates an additional Feature object by creating a series of wires joining points in pairs. When such a feature is created at the Part level, then each point can be either a datum point, a vertex, a reference point, an interesting point, an orphan mesh node, or the coordinates of a point. When such a feature is created at the Assembly level, then each point can only be a vertex, a reference point, or an orphan mesh node.

Path

mdb.models[name].parts[name].WirePolyLine

mdb.models[name].rootAssembly.WirePolyLine

Required arguments

points

A tuple of point pairs, each pair being itself represented by a tuple. For part level features each point can be a Vertex, Datum point, Reference point, orphan mesh Node, or InterestingPoint object specifying the points through which the polyline wire will pass. Each point can also be a tuple of Floats representing the coordinates of a point. For assembly level features each point can only be a Vertex, Reference point, or orphan mesh Node specifying the points through which the polyline wire will pass (coordinates cannot be specified). In any of the pairs, the first or second point can be NONE. In that case, the point pair will create a zero-length wire, which is required for certain types of connectors. You must specify at least one pair.

Optional arguments

mergeType

A SymbolicConstant specifying the merge behavior of the wire with existing geometry. If mergeType is MERGE, Abaqus merges the wire into solid regions of the part if the wire passes through them. If mergeType is IMPRINT, Abaqus imprints the wire on existing geometry as edges. If mergeType is SEPARATE, Abaqus neither merges nor imprints the spline wire with existing geometry. It creates the wire separately. The default value is IMPRINT.

meshable

A Boolean specifying whether the wire should be available for selection for meshing operations. If meshable=OFF, the wire can be used for connector section assignment. The default value is ON.

Return value

A Feature object.

Exceptions

None.

isSuppressed()

This method queries the suppressed state of the feature.

Arguments

None.

Return value

A Boolean value of True if the feature is suppressed and False if it is not suppressed.

Exceptions

None.

restore()

This method restores the parameters of a feature to the value they had when the backup method was invoked on the part or assembly. Use the restore method after the backup method.

Arguments

None.

Return value

None.

Exceptions

None.

resume()

This method resumes suppressed features. Resuming a feature fully restores it to the part or assembly. You can resume the last feature you suppressed, all suppressed features, or just selected features. When you resume a child feature, Abaqus/CAE also resumes the parent features automatically.

Arguments

None.

Return value

None.

Exceptions

None.

setValues(...)

This method modifies the Feature object.

Required arguments

None.

Optional arguments

parameter

A Float specifying the normalized distance along edge at which to partition. Possible values are 0.0 < parameter < 1.0. You use this argument to modify a partition created with the created with the PartitionEdgeByParam method.

parameter1

A Float specifying the distance along edge1 at which to partition. Possible values are 0.0 ≤ parameter1 ≤ 1.0. You use this argument to modify a partition object created with the PartitionFaceByCurvedPathEdgeParam method.

parameter2

A Float specifying the distance along edge2 at which to partition. Possible values are 0.0 ≤ parameter2 ≤ 1.0. You use this argument to modify a partition object created with the PartitionFaceByCurvedPathEdgeParam method.

sketch

A ConstrainedSketch object specifying the partition. You use this argument to modify a partition object created with a sketch; for example, using the PartitionFaceBySketch method.

distance

A Float specifying the projection distance. Possible values are distance > 0.0. You use this argument to modify a partition object created with the PartitionFaceBySketchDistance method.

Return value

None.

Exceptions

AbaqusException.

suppress()

This method suppresses features. Suppressing a feature is equivalent to temporarily removing the feature from the part or assembly. Suppressed features remain suppressed when you regenerate a part or assembly. You cannot suppress the base feature. In addition, if you suppress a parent feature, all of its child features are also suppressed automatically. Suppressed features can be restored with the resume command.

Arguments

None.

Return value

None.

Exceptions

None.

Members

The Feature object has the following members:

name

A String specifying the repository key.

id

An Int specifying the ID of the feature.