Abaqus Connector Types

Supported Abaqus connector types and property scripts.

Connector Types

Abaqus Fastener

Creates a CONN3D2 element.

This realization uses the prop_fastener.tcl⁵ property script.

CFG abaqus 3 fastener
*filter spot
*head
*body 0
rod 13 3
*post prop_fastener.tcl

Abaqus acm (equivalenced-(T1+T2)/2)

Creates hexa element with DCOUP3D elements projecting and connecting to the surrounding shell elements. This realization uses the shell thickness to calculate the hexa offset from the shell elements. In the case where the model is a 3T connection, the acm (equivalenced-(T1+T2)/2) realization will join the hexa elements.

This realization uses the prop_abaqus_acm.tcl⁴ property script.

CFG abaqus 4 acm (equivalenced-(T1+T2)/2)
*filter spot
*style acm 1
*head
rbe3 1 0
*body 0
hex8 1 1
*post prop_abaqus_acm.tcl	
cfg_abaqus_4_acm

Abaqus sealing

Creates DCOUP3D elements for the head and element for the body. The head elements project and connect to the nodes of the adjoining shell elements.

CFG abaqus 5 sealing
*filter spot
*head
rbe3 1 0
*body 0
rod 13 1

Abaqus bush

Creates KINCOUP elements for the head and element for the body. The head elements project and connect to the nodes of the adjoining shell elements.

CFG abaqus 6 bush
*filter spot
*head
rigidlink 1 1
*body 0
rod 13 1

Abaqus bolt (b31)

Creates KINCOUP elements for the head and B31 element for the body. The head elements project and connect to the nodes of the adjoining shell elements that form the hole, and also to the second row of nodes to form the washer layer. The connector location can be on the edge of the hole, center of the hole, midpoint in between the two, holes or on the second row of nodes which form the washer layer.

This connector also uses the script prop_abaqus_b31.tcl³.

CFG abaqus 7 bolt (b31)
*filter bolt
*style bolt 0
*head
rigidlink 1 12
*body 0
bar2 9 1
*post prop_abaqus_b31.tcl	
cfg_abaqus_7_bolt

Abaqus hinge (b31)

Creates KINCOUP elements for the head and B31 element for the body. The rot x degree of freedom is constrained. The head elements project and connect to the nodes of the adjoining shell elements that form the hole, and also to the second row of nodes to form the washer layer. The connector location can be on the edge of the hole, center of the hole, midpoint in between the two holes, or on the second row of nodes which form the washer layer.

This connector also uses the script prop_abaqus_b31.tcl³.

CFG abaqus 8 hinge (b31)
*filter bolt
*style bolt 0
*head
rigidlink 1 12
*body 0
bar2 9 1 dofs=4
*post prop_abaqus_b31.tcl

Abaqus Adhesives

Creates a row of hexa/penta elements for the body and numerous DCOUP3D/KINCOUP elements for the head. The head elements project and connect to the nodes of the adjoining shell elements. If there is a direct normal projection then a KINCOUP element will be used, if there are only non-normal projections then DCOUP3D elements will be created. The size (thickness) for the hexa and/or penta elements depends on the chosen option: shell gap, (T1+T2)/2, mid thickness, const. thickness, maintain gap.

Note: The exact hexa position is also influenced by the option consider shell thickness and offset for hexa positioning. See hexa positioning for hexa adhesives and ACMs for details.

This realization uses the prop_abaqus_acm.tcl⁴ property script.

CFG abaqus 9 adhesives
*filter area
*style adhesive 1
*head
rbe3 1 0
rigid 1 0
*body 1
hex8 1 1
penta6 1 1
*post prop_abaqus_acm.tcl	
cfg_abaqus_9_adhesive

Abaqus rbe3 (load transfer)

Creates DCOUP3D elements for the body. The degrees of freedom are constrained in the x, y, and z axes for the dependant nodes.

CFG abaqus 31 rbe3 (load transfer)
*filter spot
*style mpc 1
*head
*body 0
rbe3 1 1 dofs=123	
cfg_abaqus_31_rbe3

Abaqus clip

Creates a KINCOUP element. The element projects and connects to the nodes of the adjoining shell elements that form the hole, and also the nodes that form the washer layer. The connector location can either be on the edge of the hole, center of the hole, midpoint in between the two holes, or on the second row of nodes which form the washer layer.

CFG abaqus 50 clip
*filter bolt
*style bolt 1
*head
*body 0
rigidlink 1 2

Abaqus bolt (washer 1) cbar

Creates KINCOUP elements for the head and B31 element for the body. The head elements project and connect to the nodes of the adjoining elements, forming the hole and also the second row of nodes which form the washer layer. The connector location can either be on the edge of the hole, center of the hole, midpoint in between the two holes, or on the second row of nodes which form the washer layer.

CFG abaqus 51 bolt (washer 1) cbar
*filter bolt
*style bolt 0
*head
rigidlink 1 12
*body 0
bar2 9 1

Abaqus bolt (spider)

Creates a KINCOUP element, which projects and connect to the nodes of the adjoining elements which form the hole. The connector location can either be on the edge of the hole, center of the hole, midpoint in between the two holes, or on the second row of nodes which form the washer layer.

CFG abaqus 54 bolt (spider)
*filter bolt
*style bolt 1
*head
*body 0
rigidlink 1 1

Abaqus bolt (washer 2)

Creates KINCOUP elements for the head and the body. There are two individual KINCOUP elements at the head of the connection, one to connect to the inner row of nodes, and a second to connect to the washer layer nodes. The connector location can either be on the edge of the hole, center of the hole, midpoint in between the two holes, or on the second row of nodes which form the washer layer.

CFG abaqus 55 bolt (washer 2)
*filter bolt
*style bolt 0
*head
rigidlink 1 1
rigidlink 1 2
*body 0
rigid 1 1	
cfg_abaqus_55_bolt_washer2

Abaqus bolt (washer 2 alt)

Creates KINCOUP elements for the head and the body. There are two individual KINCOUP elements at the head of the connection, one to connect to the inner row of nodes, and a second to connect to the washer layer nodes. The KINCOUP head element that connects to the washer layer nodes only connects to every other node on the washer layer. The connector location can either be on the edge of the hole, center of the hole, midpoint in between the two holes, or on the second row of nodes which form the washer layer.

CFG abaqus 56 bolt (washer 2 alt)
*filter bolt
*style bolt 0
*head
rigidlink 1 1
rigidlink 1 3
*body 0
rigid 1 1

Abaqus bolt (washer 1)

Creates KINCOUP elements for the head and body. The head elements project and connect to the nodes of the adjoining elements, forming the hole and also the second row of nodes which form the washer layer. The connector location can either be on the edge of the hole, center of the hole, midpoint in between the two holes, or on the second row of nodes which form the washer layer.

CFG abaqus 57 bolt (washer 1)
*filter bolt
*style bolt 0
*head
rigidlink 1 12
*body 0
rigid 1 1	
cfg_abaqus_57_bolt_washer1

Abaqus bolt (washer 1 alt)

Creates KINCOUP elements for the head and body. The head elements project and connect to the nodes of the adjoining elements, forming the hole and also the second row of nodes which form the washer layer. The head only connects to every other node on the washer layer. The connector location can either be on the edge of the hole, center of the hole, midpoint in between the two holes, or on the second row of nodes which form the washer layer.

CFG abaqus 58 bolt (washer 1 alt)
*filter bolt
*style bolt 0
*head
rigidlink 1 13
*body 0
rigid 1 1

Abaqus bolt (cylinder bolt)

Creates a KINCOUP element for the body as well as for the head elements.

This realization uses the prop_cylinder.tcl⁶ property script.

CFG abaqus 60 bolt (cylinder rigid)
*filter bolt
*style bolt 4
*head
rigidlink 1 1
*body 0
rigid 1 1
*post prop_cylinder.tcl	
cfg_abaqus_60_cylinderbolt

Abaqus bolt (cylinder bar)

Creates a B31 element for the body and KINCOUP elements for the head elements.

This realization uses the prop_cylinder.tcl⁶ property script.

CFG abaqus 61 bolt (cylinder bar)
*filter bolt
*style bolt 4
*head
rigidlink 1 1
*body 0
bar2 9 1
*post prop_cylinder.tcl	
cfg_abaqus_61_bolt_clinderbar

Abaqus acm (detached-(T1+T2)/2)

Creates a hexa element with DCOUP3D elements projecting and connecting to the surrounding shell elements. This realization uses the shell thickness to calculate the hexa offset from the shell elements. In the case where the model is a 3T connection, the acm (detached-(T1+T2)/2) realization will not join the hexa elements.

This realization uses the prop_abaqus_acm.tcl⁴ property script.

CFG abaqus 70 acm (detached-(T1+T2)/2)
*filter spot
*style acm 2
*head
rbe3 1 0
*body 1
hex8 1 1
*post prop_abaqus_acm.tcl	
cfg_abaqus_70_acm

Abaqus acm (shell gap)

Creates a hexa element with DCOUP3D elements projecting and connecting to the surrounding shell elements. This realization does not use the shell thickness to calculate the hexa offset, therefore the hexa will project and be touching the shell elements.

This realization uses the prop_abaqus_acm.tcl⁴ property script.

CFG abaqus 71 acm (shell gap)
*filter spot
*style acm 3
*head
rbe3 1 0
*body 0
hex8 1 1
*post prop_abaqus_acm.tcl
cfg_abaqus_71_acm

Abaqus acm (shell gap + coating)

Creates one hexa cluster per connector and realizes a node to node connection to the linked shell meshes by adjusting it (shell coating). Different patterns are available. This is driven by the number of hexas. The appearance can be influenced via the diameter and the washer layer activation.

CFG abaqus 72 acm (shell gap + coating)
*filter spot
*style acm 4
*body 0
hex8 1 1	
acm_shellgap_coating_2

Abaqus acm (general)

Consolidates several ACM definitions into one general, flexible ACM definition. Besides mid thickness, constant thickness, and maintain gaps, the definition of several coats with different hexa patterns is available.

This realization uses the prop_abaqus_acm.tcl⁴ property script.

CFG abaqus 73 acm (general
*filter spot
*style acm 3
*head
rbe3 1 0 dofs=123
*body 0
hex8 1 1
*post prop_abaqus_acm.tcl	
cfg_abaqus_73_acm_general

Abaqus seam-quad (angled+capped+L)

Creates a quad row with tria caps at the seam ends. In addition, a certain pure quad element pattern is created around the seam elements, shown here in red. These elements normally get imprinted into the shell links. The exact geometry of the seam can be influenced by certain attributes in the Seam panel.

This realization is mainly intended to be used for lap welds.

Note: You can revert the direction of quad seam connectors during the next realization by activating the reverse direction checkbox in the Seam panel.

CFG abaqus 101 seam-quad (angled+capped+L)
*filter seam
*style quad 4
*head
*body 0
quad4 1 1

Abaqus seam-quad (angled+capped+T)

This realization is mainly intended to be used for lap welds.

Note: You can revert the direction of quad seam connectors during the next realization by activating the reverse direction checkbox in the Seam panel.

CFG abaqus 102 seam-quad (angled+capped+T)
*filter seam
*style quad 5
*head
*body 0
quad4 1 1

Abaqus seam-quad (vertical+angled)

Description: Creates two quad rows-the first one perpendicular to the opposite shell link, and the second one with a certain angle to the first one. In addition, a certain pure quad element pattern is created around the seam elements, shown here in red. These elements normally get imprinted into the shell links. The exact geometry of the seam can be influenced by the angle value.

This realization is can be used for both lap- and T-welds.

Note: You can revert the direction of quad seam connectors during the next realization by activating the reverse direction checkbox in the Seam panel.

CFG abaqus 103 seam-quad (vertical+angled)
*filter seam
*style quad 1
*head
*body 0
quad4 1 1

Abaqus seam-quad (angled)

Creates one quad row under a certain angle. The angle is measured between the quad row and the perpendicular projection from the free edge to the opposite shell link. In addition, a certain pure quad element pattern is created around the seam elements, shown here in red. These elements normally get imprinted into the shell links. The exact geometry of the seam can be influenced by the angle value.

This realization is can be used for both, lap- and T-welds.

Note: You can revert the direction of quad seam connectors during the next realization by activating the reverse direction checkbox in the Seam panel.

CFG abaqus 104 seam-quad (angled)
*filter seam
*style quad 2
*head
*body 0
quad4 1 1

Abaqus Mastic

Creates SPRING elements for the body, and projects and connects to the adjoining shell/solid elements with DCOUP3D elements.

The realization uses the prop_mastic.tcl² property script.

CFG abaqus 105 Mastic  
*filter spot
*head
rbe3 1 0
*body 0
spring 1 1
spring 1 1
spring 1 1
*post prop_mastic.tcl

Abaqus hexa (adhesive)

Creates a row of hexa elements for the body, and numerous DCOUP3D elements for the head. The head elements project and connect to the nodes of the adjoining shell/solid elements. The hexa elements are projected so that they touch the shell/solid elements of the connecting components.

This realization also uses the prop_abaqus_acm.tcl⁴ property script.

CFG abaqus 106 hexa (adhesive)
*filter seam
*style continuous 3
*head
rbe3 1 0
rigid 1 0
*body 0
hex8 1 1
*post prop_abaqus_acm.tcl	
cfg_abaqus_106_hexa_adhesive

Abaqus seam (vectors)

Creates perpendicular and parallel vectors to the surface along a line/nodelist. On exporting the connector file, a vector file (.asc format) containing the vector information is also exported for this realization.

CFG abaqus 107 seam (vectors)
*filter seam
*style continuous_vec 1
*head
*body 0
quad4 1 1

Abaqus hexa (tapered T)

Intended to be used for t-cases. The size and exact position can be defined thickness dependent, or the exact dimension and position parameters can be given.

CFG abaqus 108 hexa (tapered T)
*filter seam
*style continuous 6
*head
rbe3 1 0
rigid 1 0
*body 0
hex8 1 1	
hexa_tapered_t

Abaqus fastener-nodes

Creates a Node Set that contains the nodes that are selected to create the connector element, and creates an empty Element Set. Connector elements are not created for this realization type. Abaqus creates the required connector elements on its own.

This realization uses the prop_fastener_nodes.tcl¹ property script.

CFG abaqus 110 fastener-nodes
*filter spot
*head
*body 0
mass 99 2
*post prop_fastener_nodes.tcl	
cfg_abaqus_110_fastener_nodes

Abaqus bolt (step hole)

This realization creates a B31 element for the bolt shaft and connects to the solids' nodes with numerous KINCOUP rigid elements based on the given bolt/hole parameters. It connects two solids through holes, or it connects one solid through a hole with a solid blind hole.

CFG abaqus 114 bolt (step hole)
*filter bolt
*style bolt 6
*head
rigidlink 1 1
*body 0
bar2 9 1

Abaqus bolt (threaded step hole)

Connects two solids through holes, or connects one solid through a hole with a solid blind hole. A thread length can be defined to define the dimensions of the rigid elements connecting the bolt shaft models as a bar.

CFG abaqus 115 bolt (threaded step hole)
*filter bolt
*style bolt 7
*head
rigidlink 1 1
*body 0
bar2 9 1

Abaqus hexa (spot tie)

Creates hexa (C3D8) elements between shell and/or solid elements in order to connect them using a tie contact definition. The hexa element nodes will project and touch the shell and/or solid element faces. During the realization, a default tie contact and referencing main and secondary surfaces are created; unless defined differently, the hexas are assigned a default property and material, and are organized into a component with the same name base as the property.

The default tie contact and material parameters can be changed in the files below this path: ..\Altair\2022.1\hm\scripts\connectors\Hexa_Tie\abaqus\.

Note: IDs, names, and card type cannot be changed.

CFG abaqus 152 hexa (spot tie)
*filter spot
*style spot_tie 1
*head
*body 0
hex8 1 1

Abaqus rod (spot tie)

Creates rod (CONM3D2) elements between shell and/or solid elements in order to connect them using a tie contact definition. The rod element nodes will project and touch the shell and/or solid element faces. During the realization, a default tie contact and referencing main and secondary surfaces are created; unless defined differently, each rod is assigned a property, which references a default material (CONNECTOR BEHAVIOR) and an individual coordinate system. By default, the property is directly assigned to the element so that all rods can be hosted in one component.

The default tie contact and material parameters can be changed in the files below this path: ..\Altair\2022.1\hm\scripts\connectors\Rod_Tie\abaqus\.

Note: IDs, names, and card type cannot be changed.

CFG abaqus 153 rod (spot tie)
*filter spot
*style spot_tie 3
*head
*body 0
rod 13 1

Abaqus hexa (seam tie)

The default tie contact and material parameters can be changed in the files below this path: ..\Altair\2022.1\hm\scripts\connectors\Hexa_Tie\abaqus\.

Note: IDs, names, and card type cannot be changed.

CFG abaqus 154 hexa (seam tie)
*filter seam
*style seam_tie 1
*head
*body 0
hex8 1 1	
os_hexa_seam_tie

Abaqus hexa (area tie)

The default tie contact and material parameters can be changed in the files below this path: ..\Altair\2022.1\hm\scripts\connectors\Hexa_Tie\abaqus\.

Note: IDs, names, and card type cannot be changed.

CFG abaqus 155 hexa (area tie)
*filter area
*style area_tie 1
*head
*body 0
hex8 1 1

Property Scripts

prop_fastener_nodes.tcl
Used while creating Abaqus Fasteners-Nodes in the Spot panel. It performs the following tasks:
- Organizes the realized weld elements into their respective components, based upon the link they are connected to. Thus, if a weld is created between comp_1(1) and comp_2(2), the script creates a component collector with the name HM_HMCONN_<id> and organizes all the welds (Dummy element) created as links between these two components into this collector. This collector is later referenced as the element set while creating Groups (Interfaces).
- Creates groups with the card image *FASTENER, and assigns them the name HM_FastenerInteraction_<id>. The fastener connects two component collectors and refers to the fastener property card. The Automatic_Surface_from_components option is used to show the elements to which the weld elements are linked to.
- Creates the following properties/material collectors:
  
  HM_ConnectorBehavior<id>
  
  This material collector is created with the *CONNECTOR BEHAVIOR card assigned to it.
  
  HM_FastenerProperty_r_<radius in property>
  
  This property collector is created with the *FASTENER PROPERTY card assigned to it.
  
  HM_ConnectionSection_<id>
  
  This property collector is created once per model (card image *CONNECTOR SECTION). The property is assigned to each HM_CONN3D2 component collector and carries the material HM_ConnectorBehavior.
- Creates the following sets:
  
  HM_FastenerNodes_Node_Set1
  
  Contains the selected nodes for the Fastener.
  
  HM_HMCONN_<id>
  
  This is the dummy elset. The connector element is created and collected based on the nodeset HM_FastenerNodes_Node_Set1 assigned to this elset. You can refer the elset to outputblock.
prop_mastic.tcl
Performs the following tasks:
- Organizes the SPRING elements into components with the names SPRING_X, SPRING_Y and SPRING_Z.
- Organizes the DCOUP3D elements into the component DCOUP_3D_no_prop.
- Creates properties with the SPRING card image, and names the properties spring_prop_K1_ElemId-##, spring_prop_K2_ElemId-##, and spring_prop_K3_ElemId-## (where ## is the element ID of the SPRING element).
  Note: New components will only be created if their are not any components with the same names that already exist; otherwise the existing components are used.
prop_abaqus_b31.tcl
Updates the direction nodes of a group of bar elements created during realization to use the y axis. The *bardirectionupdate command is called to update the orientation node of bar element along Y-axis.
prop_abaqus_acm.tcl
Used while creating acm (equivalenced-(T1+T2)/2) / (detached-(T1+T2)/2) /shell gap in the Spot panel and adhesives in the Area panel. It performs the following tasks.
- Organizes the realized weld elements [acm Equivalence-(T1+T2/2)] into the respective components based upon the *HEAD and the *BODY information of the weld. During realization of this configuration type a solid hexa element [C3D8] is connected to the shell elements by the rbe3 elements [DCOUP3D].
  - A collector with the name C3D8_comp_<id> is created with the SOLIDSECTION card image associated with it. This component contains all of the solid C3D8 elements which are created during realization.
  - A collector with the name DCOUP3D_comp_<id> is created, containing all of the DCOUP3D elements created as the heads to the weld element.
- If this script is called during the realization of adhesives in the Area panel, this script creates the above two components by different names:
  
  hexa_comp_<id>
  
  For the Hexa elements
  
  rbe2_comp_<id>
  
  For the rbe elements
- The script also creates a property collector named prop_<id>, with the SOLIDSECTION card image associated to it. This property collector is referenced to the component containing the Hexa elements created during realization process (i.e. C3D8_comp_<id> in the case of spots, or hexa_comp_<id> in the case of adhesives).
prop_fastener.tcl
Used while creating Abaqus Fasteners in the Spot panel. It performs the following tasks.
- Organizes the realized weld elements into their respective components, based upon the link they are connected to. Thus, if a weld is created between comp_1(1) and comp_2(2), the script creates a component collector with the name HM_CONN3D2<id> and organizes all the welds created as links between these two components into this collector. This collector is later referenced as the element set while creating the Groups (Interfaces).
- Creates the following properties/materials collectors:
  
  HM_ConnectorBehavior<id>
  
  This material collector is created with the *CONNECTOR BEHAVIOR card associated with it.
  
  HM_ConnectionSection_<id>
  
  This property collector is created once per model (card image CONNECTOR SECTION). The property is assigned to each HM_CONN3D2 component collector and carries the material HM_ConnectorBehavior.
  
  HM_FastenerProperty_r_<radius in property>
  
  This property collector is created with the *FASTENER PROPERTY card associated with it. It defines the RADIUS and the degree of freedom definition of the fastener.
- Creates Groups (HM Interfaces) with the name HM_FastenerInteraction<id> and with the *FASTENER card associated with it. The fastener connects two component collectors and refers to the fastener property card mentioned above. It can also show the link elements to which the weld elements are linked via the Automatic_Surface_from_components option.
  - If any system option (Single System ,1- System per layer or 2- Systems per layer) is used in the Spot panel during realization, this script creates ORIENTATION systems in the current collector with the name HM_ORI<weld_id>_n<node_id>. A property HM_ConnectorSection_<CONN3D2 element id> is created and assigned per element. Depending on whether one or two systems per layer are created the property points to one or both systems.
prop_cylinder.tcl
Used while creating bolt (cylinder rigid) and bolt (cylinder bar) in the Bolt panel (Abaqus, Nastran, OptiStruct). It organizes the realized bolt elements into the respective components based upon the*HEAD and the *BODYinformation of the bolt:
- A collector with the name Rigid_M<diameter> is created. This component contains all of the rigid head elements and the rigid body elements, if available.
- A collector with the name Beam_M<diameter> is created. This component contains all of the bar2 head elements, if available. This component then gets a property Beam_M assigned (*BEAMSECTION or PBEAM).