FEA Model Import and Export Functionality

Third-party Finite Element Analysis (FEA) models can be opened using the Open command and changing the Files of Type: drop-down box to the proper third-party FEA file type.

Autodesk Simulation models can be exported to any of the third-party FEA formats using the ExportThird-party FEA command in the user interface pull-down menus.

Note: The current model needs sufficient input to make the model complete. Complete means that the model is ready to be checked (AnalysisAnalysisCheck Model) or analyzed (AnalysisAnalysisRun Simulation). Then, either of these steps needs to be used to create the database files that are translated to the other FEA format. If the model is not checked, the Third-party FEA command will not be available (grayed out).

Autodesk Simulation has the ability to import and export the following types of text-based models:

File Type Import Export
ABAQUS INP Files, Version 5.3 Yes Yes
ANSYS ANS Files, Version 5.4 Yes Yes
ANSYS CDB Files, Version 5.5 Yes Yes
Autodesk Inventor Simulation Yes No
FEMAP Neutral Files (NEU), Version 6.0 Yes Yes
NASTRAN NAS, BDF and DAT Files, Version 2001 Yes Yes
NASTRAN OP2 files, Version 2001 Yes Yes 1
PATRAN 2.5 Neutral Files (PAT) Yes Yes
SDRC I-DEAS Universal Files (UNV) Yes Yes
Stereolithography Files (STL) Yes No

1 From the Results environment, use the ExportAll Results command and set the Save as type.