| name | abaqus-geometry |
| description | Create and manipulate Abaqus geometry - parts, sketches, extrusions, CAD import. Use for any geometry creation task including box, cylinder, or STEP/IGES import. |
| allowed-tools | ["Read","Write","Edit","Glob","Grep","Bash(abaqus:*)"] |
Abaqus Geometry Skill
Create parts, assemblies, and import CAD files for finite element analysis.
When to Use This Skill
Route here when user mentions:
- "create a box/beam/plate/bracket"
- "draw geometry", "make a cylinder/tube"
- "import STEP/IGES file"
- "extrude", "revolve", "create assembly"
- "position the parts", "build a component"
Route elsewhere:
- Meshing the geometry ->
/abaqus-mesh
- Defining materials/sections ->
/abaqus-material
- Applying loads or BCs ->
/abaqus-load, /abaqus-bc
- Full analysis workflow ->
/abaqus-static-analysis
Key Decisions
1. How to Create Geometry?
| Shape | Approach |
|---|
| Box, plate, beam | Sketch rectangle + extrude |
| Cylinder, tube | Sketch circle + extrude |
| Pipe, disc, shaft | Sketch profile + revolve |
| Complex/existing | Import STEP/IGES |
| Quick prototype | Primitives |
Decision guidance:
- Simple prismatic shape? -> Sketch + extrude
- Axisymmetric part? -> Sketch + revolve
- Existing CAD model? -> Import STEP file
2. Where to Place Origin?
| Origin Location | When to Use |
|---|
| Corner (0,0,0) | Asymmetric parts, easier coordinate math |
| Center (0,0,0) | Symmetric parts, rotation about center |
3. Part vs Instance Coordinates
| Context | Use |
|---|
| Geometry creation, section assignment | Part coordinates |
| BCs, loads, sets, finding faces | Instance/assembly coordinates |
Important: After creating an instance, use instance.faces.findAt() not part.faces.findAt().
What to Ask User
If unclear, ask:
- Shape type? Box, cylinder, imported CAD?
- Dimensions? Length, width, height in mm
- Origin location? Corner or center?
- Import file available? Path to STEP/IGES?
- Features needed? Holes, fillets, chamfers?
Workflow
Step 1: Create Model and Part
Create the model container, then a 3D deformable part.
Step 2: Define Geometry
Choose approach based on shape:
- Sketch + Extrude: Draw 2D profile, extrude to 3D
- Sketch + Revolve: Draw profile, revolve around axis (360 degrees for full solid)
- CAD Import: Open STEP/IGES, create part from geometry file
Step 3: Add Features (Optional)
Add secondary features if needed:
- Cut holes using cut extrude
- Round edges with fillet
- Partition cells for BC/load regions
Step 4: Create Assembly Instance
Create root assembly with Cartesian datum, then create instance from part.
Step 5: Create Sets and Surfaces
Create named sets/surfaces on instance (not part) for:
- BC regions
- Load application surfaces
- Design regions (for optimization)
Finding Entities
Two methods to locate faces/edges:
- findAt() - Exact coordinates (point must be ON the entity)
- getByBoundingBox() - Tolerant box search (better for automation)
Combine multiple entities with + operator.
Common Pitfalls
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|
| "Sketch is not closed" | Gap in sketch entities | Ensure lines connect to form closed loop |
| "Cannot find face at coordinates" | Point not exactly on face | Use bounding box or verify coordinates |
| "Part has no cells" | Sketch not extruded | Call BaseSolidExtrude or similar |
| "Instance already exists" | Duplicate name | Use unique name or delete existing |
Validation Checklist
Before proceeding to mesh/analysis:
Units
All dimensions use consistent units (mm-tonne-s-N-MPa):
- Length: mm
- Coordinates: mm
Code Patterns
For API syntax and code examples, see:
