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).
AnalysisCheck 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.