Introduction
An Abstraction Shape on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform is a simulation-only, dependent copy (a representation) of the original CAD geometry that you can modify for meshing or analysis without changing the design (master) CAD. It lets you create simplified/sized/modified geometry for simulation (defeaturing, shrinkwrap, axisymmetric simplifications, cutting away regions, adding simulation-only partitions) while preserving the original part in the product structure and CAD history. This is a native capability of the Simulation Model Preparation / Abstraction Shape workflow in 3DEXPERIENCE.
Why that matters:
Design geometry stays intact (no destructive edits), multiple abstraction shapes can be created from a single design part for different analysis types (e.g., one for static, one for CFD, one for axisymmetric). Tutorials and short demos on the platform demonstrate creating abstraction shapes and using them for axisymmetric / simplified meshing.
How Abaqus/CAE approaches “abstraction shape”
Abaqus does not have an identical “abstraction shape” object; instead, standard workflows include:
- Defeaturing / geometry cleanup inside Abaqus/CAE (remove tiny fillets, holes, text, etc.) or in the CAD system prior to import.
- Creation of simplified geometry or partitions (cuts, removed features, repair) directly on the model in CAE using geometry edit tools and partitions.
- For specialized needs (e.g., axisymmetric modeling), you generally must adjust the geometry (or build a separate axisymmetric representation) because Abaqus’ mesh/analysis geometry is directly tied to the model you import/edit.
Typical use cases & advantages
3DEXPERIENCE Abstraction Shapes
- Create multiple simulation representations from one CAD part (different levels of detail for different studies).
- Defeaturing / shrinkwrap for meshing while preserving the original design links/junctions.
- Build axisymmetric or lower-dimensional representations without editing the source CAD.
- Direct geometry repair and defeaturing in the CAE if you only have one simulation representation to manage. Good control of partitions for hex meshing and boundary conditions.
When exporting from CAD to Abaqus, defeature in CAD or in CAE depending on workflow needs (Abaqus manual discusses recommended defeaturing before export).
Best practices & tips
- When to use abstraction shape (3DEXPERIENCE): you want non-destructive simulation edits, multiple representations, or to preserve product structure and CAD links. Great for large assemblies where you only change the representation used for simulation.
- When to defeature in CAD vs CAE (ABAQUS): defeature in CAD when possible (cleaner canonical geometry). Use CAE tools for small fixes or when you lack CAD access. Abaqus docs encourage planning what you want as the end product before export.
- Use shrinkwrap / bounding box for heavy simplification (3DEXPERIENCE supports shrinkwrap-like defeaturing; academic work on shrinkwrap shows big mesh/time savings).
- Axisymmetric workflows: 3DEXPERIENCE can map an abstraction shape to axisymmetric or symmetric cases without altering master CAD — handy for bolt/nut, fastener problems. In ABAQUS you’ll generally need an axisymmetric geometry (or manually create it).
- Keep a traceable process: name abstraction shapes clearly (e.g., PartA_Abstr_Static, PartA_Abstr_CFD) so simulation cases remain reproducible.
