Assigning an Element Number to the Element
Each individual element must have a numeric label called the element number, which is assigned when the element is defined. The element number must be a positive integer, and the maximum element number allowed is 999999999 (for information on integer input, see Input Syntax Rules). The elements do not need to be numbered continuously.
An Abaqus model can be defined in terms of an assembly of part instances (see Assembly Definition). In such a model almost all elements must belong to a part or part instance. The only exceptions are mass, rotary inertia, capacitance, connector, spring, and dashpot elements, which can belong to a part or to the assembly. Element numbers must be unique within a part, part instance, or the assembly; but they can be repeated in different parts or part instances.