Keywords and parameters are case independent and must use enough characters to make them unique. *NODE, NSET=PART1It is not essential to put nodes into sets, although it is convenient in many instances.

For example, the following statement indicates that all the nodes defined in this option block will be put into a set called PART1. For example, the following statement indicates that we are defining the connectivity of T2D2 elements (two-dimensional truss elements with two nodes): *ELEMENT, TYPE=T2D2Many parameters are optional and are defined only in certain circumstances. The parameter TYPE is required with the *ELEMENT option because the element type must always be given when defining elements. Keywords are often followed by parameters, some of which may be required. For example, *NODE is the keyword for specifying the nodal coordinates, and *ELEMENT is the keyword for specifying the element connectivity. Keywords (or options) always begin with a star or asterisk (*). A simulation is performed to determine the structure's deflection and the peak stress in its members when a 10 kN load is applied as shown in Figure 2–1. The frame is prevented from moving out of plane. The members can rotate freely at the joints. The hoist is a simple, pin-jointed truss model that is constrained at the left-hand end and mounted on rollers at the right-hand end. The example of an overhead hoist, shown in Figure 2–1, is used to illustrate the basic format of the Abaqus input file. Indeed, small analyses can be specified easily by typing the input file directly. The input file is a text file that has an intuitive, keyword-based format, so it is easy to modify using a text editor if necessary if a preprocessor such as Abaqus/CAE is used, modifications should be made using it. It contains a complete description of the numerical model.

The input file is the means of communication between the preprocessor, usually Abaqus/CAE, and the analysis product, Abaqus/Standard or Abaqus/Explicit.

Abaqus 6.14 documentation