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ABAQUS gives a .inp file (in pre-processing stage) where the information with regard to the preprocessed model is defined, information such as geometry, mesh type, number of elements, boundary conditions, etc. This file is in turn used for the processing part in a solver. I have a solver that takes in .inp files and I would like to know what are the alternatives for ABAQUS in obtaining a .inp file (I don't have access to ABAQUS). I know that Hypermesh gives .inp files too.

What are open-source/free software from which I ca get .inp files? and what are the commercial software such as ABAQUS and Hypermesh?

Edit

Some clarification:

I have a topology optimization solver that takes .inp files as input to do topology optimization calculation on them. But I don't have Abaqus to create my .inp files and feed them to my solver. So I am looking for a free tool that can create .inp files for me. I have access to CAD tools such as Catia and Solidworks to create geometries and loading (I assume I can define loading in Solidworks and Catia right?) I just need a free tool to generate .inp files from my CAD files.

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  • $\begingroup$ Could you elaborate why you need to create *.inp input-files, if you don't have access to ABAQUS? In the case of ABAQUS, the *.inp files are simply text files containing all the relevant information on a simulation case, written in a format that ABAQUS is able to process. So if you don't have ABAQUS, why the need for *.inp files? $\endgroup$
    – Dohn Joe
    Feb 17, 2020 at 13:25
  • $\begingroup$ Are you looking for a software that actually create volumetric mesh for you and export volumetric mesh + BCs + etc. as an .inp file? If yes, your best bet is using GMSH. $\endgroup$
    – Mithridates the Great
    Feb 17, 2020 at 18:59
  • $\begingroup$ @AloneProgrammer , No I have a topology optimization solver that take .inp files as input to do topology optimization calculation on them. But I don't have Abaqus to create my inp files and feed them to my solver. So I am looking for a free tool that can create inp files for me. I have access to CAD tools such as Catia and Solidworks I just need a free tool to generate inp files from my CAD files. $\endgroup$
    – Dude
    Feb 17, 2020 at 19:45
  • $\begingroup$ @Dude Yes, I know and that's the reason why I'm recommending GMSH. It's free and is what you want to convert CAD formats to .inp. $\endgroup$
    – Mithridates the Great
    Feb 17, 2020 at 19:50
  • $\begingroup$ @AloneProgrammer, Thanks I will try it. $\endgroup$
    – Dude
    Feb 17, 2020 at 19:57

2 Answers 2

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I also recommend using the meshio Python library to convert meshes among many formats: Abaqus, gmsh, Nastran, VTK, etc. With this library you don't necessarily need a meshing software that generates the Abaqus format.

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Sandia distributes a CAD/meshing tool called CUBIT that can generate ABAQUS outputs (among numerous other formats). It's free for government use. It's also been rebranded/cross-branded into a commercial tool called Trelis.

Links: CUBIT, Trelis

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  • $\begingroup$ Trelis gives a 30 days trial I think but I'm not sure it helps if OP wants to use it for long time and build on it. $\endgroup$
    – Mithridates the Great
    Feb 17, 2020 at 17:54
  • $\begingroup$ Also, for CUBIT, from "It's free for government use." you mean it should be used only by national labs' researchers or it needs some sort of proof for showing that you are US citizen? $\endgroup$
    – Mithridates the Great
    Feb 17, 2020 at 19:04
  • $\begingroup$ Basically, you need to provide some proof of a government contract that's supporting your work (stronger than citizenship, but still pretty wide latitude). $\endgroup$
    – rchilton1980
    Feb 17, 2020 at 19:14

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