How to Model Rigid Bodies in Abaqus CAE | Reference Point & Contact Tutorial
In this full-length Abaqus CAE tutorial, I explain how to model rigid bodies in Abaqus and how to control them using reference points, with a complete indentation test example.
This video covers both theory and hands-on implementation, making it ideal for students, researchers, and practicing FEA engineers.
🔹 Part 1 – Theory
What is a rigid body in Abaqus?
Difference between rigid and deformable bodies
Why reference points are required
How loads, boundary conditions, and rotations are controlled via a reference point
🔹 Part 2 – Abaqus CAE Modeling
Creating rigid bodies in Abaqus
Assigning reference points
Defining rigid body constraints
Setting up contact between rigid body and deformable substrate
🔹 Part 3 – Example: Indentation Test
Rigid indenter controlled by a reference point
Applying displacement/load at the RP
Running the simulation
Visualizing stress, deformation, and contact pressure
This tutorial is especially useful for:
Indentation simulations
Contact mechanics problems
Tool–workpiece interactions
Punch, roller, and rigid indenter modeling
📌 Topics Covered
Abaqus rigid body modeling
Reference points (RP)
Contact interaction
Indentation test simulation
Abaqus CAE step-by-step workflow
👍 If you find this video helpful, like, share, and subscribe for more tutorials on Abaqus, ANSYS, Solid Mechanics, and Finite Element Analysis.
💬 Comment below if you’d like tutorials on frictional contact, plasticity, or user subroutines (UMAT).