Preprocessing—creating the model with Abaqus/CAE

In this section we discuss how to use Abaqus/CAE to create the entire model for this simulation. Abaqus provides scripts that replicate the complete analysis model for this problem. Run one of these scripts if you encounter difficulties following the instructions given below or if you wish to check your work. Scripts are available in the following locations:

  • A Python script for this example is provided in Cargo crane. Instructions of how to fetch the script and run it within Abaqus/CAE are given in Example Files.

  • A plug-in script for this example is available in the Abaqus/CAE Plug-in toolset. To run the script from Abaqus/CAE, select Plug-insAbaqusGetting Started, highlight Cargo crane, and click Run. For more information about the Getting Started plug-ins, see Running the Getting Started with Abaqus examples.


In this section:

Creating the parts
Defining beam section properties
Defining beam section orientations
Beam normals
Creating assembly-level sets
Creating a step definition and specifying output
Defining constraint equations
Modeling the pin joint between the cross bracing and the trusses
Defining loads and boundary conditions
Creating the mesh
Using the Keywords Editor and defining the job