Modelling in Abaqus Implicit

Hi All,

I need help with a simulation and I will try my best to explain it clearly.

I am modelling a 3D enclosed cylinder under uniform inflation, the cylinder has been modelled by three different parts (the hollow cylinder and 2 separate caps) which have been joined using communal nodes to make it into one complete instance.

This cylinder is then inflated using a uniform pressure. Cap one is fixed using y-plane rotational boundary conditions. Here is where the problem lies..................

I want to bend the cylinder half way by an angle of 45 degrees, allowing the 'free' ended cap to move to a new location. In order to do this I have inflated the cylinder and by using python I have managed to export the new nodal coordinates of the cylinder with the free end.

I have calculated using simple arithmetic the new coordinates of the nodes after a 45 degree angle bend from the middle of the cylinder and now I wish to move the free end of the cylinder to these new coordinates. By moving cap2 to the new coordinates I want to observe the deformation on the cylinder in the middle.

The question I have is, how do I import the new coordinates back into abaqus and model the cylinder deforming to these new coordinates?

PS I have attached a picture of the cylinder and a rough sketch of what I am looking for in my model.
Rough+Sketch017.pdf

THANKS ALL FOR YOUR TIME AND PATIENCE :) much appreciated

If you need any more information, you can e-mail me directly on manpreet.puri@strath.ac.uk