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How can we learn to write an Abaqus subroutine correctly?

Here below, I have listed some Abaqus basics – main subroutines that you may encounter when using Abaqus CAE at an advanced level as a graduate student or researcher. Good news for you! You can learn each subroutine you want by clicking on that (Abaqus tutorial).

Introduction to finite element method (FEM)

The finite element method (FEM) is a powerful tool used to analyze complex physical problems in engineering and science. Imagine you have a car engine – a very intricate system. FEM helps us understand how it behaves under different conditions.

Here’s the gist:

• Divide and conquer: FEM breaks down the entire system (engine) into smaller, simpler pieces called finite elements. These elements could be tiny triangles, squares, or other shapes, forming a mesh over the system.
• Math magic: Each element has mathematical equations describing its behavior. By applying these equations to all the elements and connecting them together, FEM builds a large set of equations for the entire system.
• Computer power: Since solving these equations directly can be overwhelming, FEM relies on computers. Powerful software crunches the numbers to find approximate solutions for the whole system.

FEM is particularly useful when complex shapes or material properties make it difficult to solve the governing equations analytically. It’s widely used in various fields like:

• Structural analysis: Predicting stress and strain in bridges, buildings, or airplane wings.
• Heat transfer: Analyzing heat flow in engines or electronic devices.
• Fluid flow: Simulating how fluids move around airplane wings or inside pipes.

FEM provides valuable insights for engineers and scientists, allowing them to design better, more efficient systems. While the inner workings involve complex math, the basic idea is that FEM tackles tough problems by breaking them into smaller, more manageable pieces.

1. What is Abaqus and Abaqus CAE?

Abaqus is a software suite specifically designed for finite element analysis (FEA). FEA is a powerful computer simulation technique used by engineers to predict how complex structures will behave under different conditions. Imagine a bridge design – this software can be used to simulate how the bridge will respond to wind loads, traffic, or even an earthquake. (Abaqus tutorial)

Abaqus CAE is an integral part of the Abaqus suite. It acts as the pre-processing and post-processing environment. This means that Abaqus CAE allows engineers to:

• Build models of the structures they want to analyze (like the bridge example).
• Define the material properties of the different parts of the model (e.g., steel, concrete).
• Set up the simulation conditions, such as the type of loading the structure will experience.
• Visualize the results of the simulation to understand how the structure will deform or stress under those conditions.

In simpler terms, Abaqus CAE is the user-friendly interface you use to work with Abaqus. It’s where you prepare your questions (building the model and defining conditions) and then analyze the answers (visualizing the results).

Read More: ANSYS vs ABAQUS

To get the Simulia software go to 3ds.com.

2. Which ABAQUS product is right for you?

This software is renowned for its exceptional performance, quality, and ability to solve an extensive range of basics to complex simulations. It is comprised of three primary products: Abaqus/Standard and Explicit, and Abaqus/CAE, each offering optional modules to cater to specialized capabilities that specific customers may require. Even if you are using the student edition, these three products are available to you, and we have provided our student tutorials to be compatible with any edition you may have. By clicking on Abaqus students edition you can find complete information about this topic.

Furthermore, this software offers interfaces such as the Abaqus Interface for Moldflow and the Abaqus Interface for MSC.ADAMS, which allows interfacing with Moldflow and ADAMS/Flex, respectively. This software also provides translators that can convert geometry from third-party CAD systems to models for Abaqus/CAE, convert entities from third-party preprocessors to input for analyses, and convert output from analyses to entities for third-party postprocessors.

3. Capabilities and Benefits

• Abaqus CAE: This is the pre-processing and post-processing environment for Abaqus. It allows users to create models, define material properties, set up simulations, and visualize the results.
• Abaqus/Standard and Explicit: These are the two main solver products within Abaqus. The Standard is for static and quasi-static simulations, while the Explicit is for transient dynamic simulations.
• Capabilities: Abaqus offers a wide range of capabilities, including:
  • Linear and non-linear analysis
  • Material models for various materials (metals, rubber, etc.)
  • Contact mechanics
  • Heat transfer analysis
  • Coupled multiphysics simulations (e.g., thermal-structural, acoustic-structural)
• Benefits: also can be used to:
  • Optimize designs
  • Reduce development costs
  • Efficiency: It allows for efficient design exploration and optimization by facilitating early-stage analysis through FEA.
  • Versatility: The software tackles a wide range of engineering problems, from routine to complex.
  • Integration: the software integrates with other CAD environments for seamless data exchange.

Abaqus CAE is regarded as the leader in finite element analysis (FEA) due to its exceptional capabilities and features. This software offers linear and nonlinear analysis capabilities, including geometric, material, and contact nonlinearities. It also provides material models for a broad range of materials, including metals, composites, human tissue, rubber, and thermoplastics, as well as material fracture and failure capabilities. This software also boasts robust contact capabilities and a convenient setup, making it an ideal solution for basics to complex simulations.

When you purchase this software, you gain access to several products, including Abaqus Standard, Explicit, fe-safe (for fatigue and durability analysis), Tosca (for shape and topology optimization), and Isight (for process automation and parametric optimization). Additionally, this software offers a vast range of multiphysics solver capabilities, including static stress/displacement with unstable collapse and post-buckling, linear elastic fatigue crack growth, and low-cycle fatigue, dynamic stress/displacement with implicit and explicit dynamic solvers, natural frequency extraction, and random response analysis, heat transfer and thermal stress analysis, electromagnetic with piezoelectric analysis, coupled thermal-electrical, or fully coupled thermal-electrical-structural analysis, mass diffusion and coupled pore fluid flow diffusion and stress analysis, acoustic, shock, and coupled acoustic-structural analysis, and fluid-structure interaction (FSI).

Abaqus software also provides open technology to couple with other codes, allowing for the performance of coupled multiphysics simulations between Abaqus and other codes. A comprehensive list of qualified partner products can be found on the Simulia website.

Abaqus CAE uses Python scripting, allowing for significant flexibility and customization. With scripts, you can automate repetitive tasks, such as creating a library of standard materials or generating remote queues for running analysis jobs. You can also perform parametric studies by incrementally modifying the geometry of a part and analyzing the resulting model. Additionally, the Scripting Interface provides an application programming interface (API) to create and modify model databases and models created interactively in Abaqus/CAE. You can also access data in an output database and perform your own postprocessing of analysis results.

The software comes with extensive documentation and well-written example problems that are easy to understand. New releases of the software include bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features, so it is recommended to install the latest version with an active lease or annual maintenance. Multiple versions of this software can be installed on the same machine, allowing testing of the latest version while continuing to use older versions. It is also recommended to test 3rd party tools for compatibility and upgrade them if needed.

Also, it can run on various hardware platforms, from a basic laptop to a multi-node HPC cluster. Computation times can be reduced significantly with parallel processing, using more CPU cores, GPU acceleration, or multiple machines in a network.

Moreover, this software is now available on the cloud, providing small or variable businesses with cost savings on hardware, utilities, IT staffing, etc. The SIMULIA cloud plans operate on a credits system to access hardware (CPU cores and solve time) and software.

Read more

What is our innovation in CAEassistant.com?
The CAE Assistant community is rapidly increasing its coding speed by using basic codes of the main and essential theories of solid mechanics and their video tutorials, leading to accelerated industrial and scientific development.

Abaqus tutorial | Basics to Advanced

It is a software program used for pre-processing (modeling and analyzing mechanical parts and assemblies) and viewing finite element analysis results. If you are new to the software, our “free tutorial” improves your basic knowledge of Abaqus. “The beginners” course is the best Abaqus basics training on the web. Here you can find some tutorial PDFs that include practical examples of software and useful description of how to model them. In the free video tutorial packages or student tutorials, just some parts of the training packages are presented. If you are interested, you can find complete packages on the CAE Assistant shop.

• Start with your education in the specific field of Mechanics/ physics you want to simulate.
• Engage in FEA basic courses such as the above tutorial videos.
• Study modeling techniques rather than merely learning software.
• Recognize how your mechanical problem behaves.
• Always strive to comprehend anything thoroughly.
• Begin with simple problems.
• Practice often and intensify your efforts.
• Attend FEA courses (For example, Abaqus trainings)
• Study your peers’ work.
• Be patient; becoming a specialist takes time.

Why Abaqus Training matters?

Abaqus Training is essential for engineers, analysts, and researchers who seek to enhance their skills in finite element analysis (FEA). Abaqus is a powerful software suite used to simulate the physical response of materials and structures under various conditions, including stress, heat, and fluid flow. Mastery of this tool through structured Abaqus Training is crucial as it enables professionals to conduct complex simulations accurately, leading to better product designs, improved safety, and optimized performance across industries such as automotive, aerospace, and civil engineering.

Engaging in Abaqus Training can be done through various methods, including online courses, in-person workshops, and certification programs offered by certified training centers or directly by Dassault Systèmes, the developer of Abaqus. To make the most of your training, it’s advisable to start with foundational courses that cover the basics of FEA and gradually progress to advanced modules that deal with specific applications relevant to your field. Additionally, hands-on practice through real-world projects and participation in user forums can significantly enhance your learning experience, making you proficient in using Abaqus for your professional needs.

Abaqus Training Online

How Can we help as CAE assistants?

1-Analysis Procedures, Solution, and Control:

• Static stress-displacement analysis, 
• Dynamic stress-displacement analysis,
• Steady-state transport analysis, 
• Heat transfer and thermal stress analysis, 
• Fluid dynamic analysis,
• Coupled pore fluid flow and stress analysis,
• Mass diffusion analysis,
• Acoustic and shock analysis,
• Aqua analysis,
• Electromagnetic analysis,
• Annealing,

2- Analysis Techniques

• Adaptivity Techniques
• Particle Methods
• Analysis Continuation Techniques
• Modeling Abstractions
• Special-Purpose Techniques
• Optimization Techniques
• Eulerian Analysis
• Sequentially Coupled Multiphysics Analyses
• Extending Analysis Functionality
• Co-simulation
• Design Sensitivity Analysis
• Parametric Studies

3- Materials

• “Elastic Mechanical Properties”
• “Inelastic Mechanical Properties”
• “Progressive Damage and Failure”
• “Hydrodynamic Properties”

In the above topics, we have some Abaqus tutorial packages, and you can get them from the CAEassistant shop.

Embarking on the journey to master Abaqus, the premier finite element method (FEM) software, requires a strategic approach distinct from conventional software like Microsoft Office. Unlike more user-friendly tools, Abaqus necessitates structured education, making Abaqus tutorials, courses, and training crucial for engineers aiming to harness its powerful simulation capabilities.

This section serves as your launchpad into the world of Abaqus. Our introductory  tutorial will provide a foundational understanding of the software’s core functionalities. You’ll learn how to:

• Navigate the user interface and access essential tools.
• Create and manage basic models.
• Define material properties and apply loads.
• Run simple simulations and visualize results.

This tutorial lays the groundwork for your exploration of more advanced capabilities.

Abaqus Software Tutorial

Taking you a step further, our Abaqus software tutorial delves deeper into specific features and functionalities. This section offers focused tutorials on:

• Mesh generation techniques for accurate simulations.
• Defining complex material behavior, including plasticity and damage.
• Advanced analysis types like heat transfer and dynamic analysis.
• Post-processing techniques to extract valuable insights from simulation results.

By following these in-depth tutorials, you’ll gain a strong grasp of Abaqus’ potent capabilities and unlock its potential for tackling intricate engineering problems.

Abaqus Tutorials

Our extensive library of Abaqus tutorials caters to a wide range of engineering disciplines. Explore tutorials specific to:

• Structural Analysis: Simulate the behavior of structures under various loading conditions.
• Thermal Analysis: Analyze heat transfer through materials and components.
• Fluid Analysis: Understand fluid flow and interaction with solid objects.
• Contact Mechanics: Model the interaction between contacting surfaces, including friction and wear.

With this diverse collection, you’ll find the perfect tutorial to enhance your expertise in your chosen engineering field.

Abaqus Beginner Tutorial

Feeling overwhelmed by the vastness of Abaqus? Fear not! We offer a dedicated Abaqus beginner tutorial designed specifically for those new to FEA. This tutorial provides a gentle introduction to:

• The fundamental concepts of finite element analysis.
• The basic building blocks of creating an Abaqus model.
• Running a simple simulation and interpreting the results.

This beginner-friendly tutorial will equip you with the essential knowledge to confidently navigate your initial steps in the world of Abaqus.

Abaqus CAE Tutorial

Abaqus CAE, the graphical user interface (GUI) of Abaqus, simplifies model creation and analysis setup. Our tutorial will guide you through:

• Utilizing the CAE interface for efficient model creation and editing.
• Assigning material properties and boundary conditions through the GUI.
• Setting up analysis steps and managing simulation jobs.

By mastering Abaqus CAE, you’ll streamline your workflow and maximize your productivity while performing FEA tasks.

The importance of proper education

Positioned at the forefront of engineering simulation, Abaqus caters to a broad spectrum of complex problems. A foundational understanding of its principles, workflows, and applications is essential for engineers to unlock its full potential. Proper education ensures that engineers not only navigate the software effectively but also leverage its capabilities for intricate analyses and simulations.

Choosing the right Abaqus tutorials is the initial step toward mastery. To cater to the diverse needs and applications of engineers, specialized tutorials are essential. Reputable platforms and educational institutions offer tutorials tailored to specific domains such as structural analysis, thermal simulations, and more. This strategic selection of tutorials aids engineers in building practical skills and confidence as they navigate the complexities of Abaqus.

Read More: Introduction to Finite Element Method | Finite Element Analysis

Read More: The Best Guide to Abaqus Mesh

Read More: Abaqus Terminate Job | Pause Abaqus Job | Abaqus Job Command

Read More: What is Abaqus Load Torque (Moment) and How to Apply it in Abaqus?

Read More: Applying Abaqus Velocity | Angular Velocity VS Linear Velocity

Read More: What is Hard Contact Abaqus? | Defining Abaqus Normal Behavior

AI in Mechanical Engineering: This blog explores the applications of AI in mechanical engineering, including CAD, CFD, FEA, and emerging technologies like digital twins and quantum computing.

Comsol Multiphysics: This blog provides a detailed overview of Comsol Multiphysics, its features, and its comparison to other simulation software like ANSYS and Abaqus.

Explore advanced composite damage and fatigue analysis techniques with our insightful articles. Learn about Composite Damage, their damage mechanisms, and failure criteria, as well as how to simulate these damages in Abaqus. Dive into the fatigue analysis of  composite fatigue analysis, understanding fatigue damage, behavior, and simulation using the UMAT subroutine. Enhance your knowledge and simulation accuracy with these comprehensive guides.

Hashin Failure Criteria: This blog explains the Hashin Failure Criteria, a tool for predicting failure modes in composite materials.

Tsai-Hill Failure Criterion: This blog discusses the Tsai-Hill failure criterion, another tool for predicting failure in composite structures.

Composite Curing Process: This blog explores the composite curing process, including different curing methods and simulation techniques using Abaqus.

Abaqus Element Deletion: This blog explains how to use element deletion in Abaqus to simulate material failure in various applications.

Fatigue Analysis: This blog discusses fatigue analysis, a method for predicting the lifespan of materials under cyclic loading.

Composite Pressure Vessels: This blog explores the design and applications of composite pressure vessels.

Buckling Analysis: This blog discusses buckling analysis, a method for predicting the stability of structures under compressive loads.

Types of Structure Building: This blog explains the different types of structures used in civil engineering.

Types of Supports in Building: This blog discusses the different types of supports used in structural engineering.

Plane Stress vs. Plane Strain: This blog explains the concepts of plane stress and plane strain, two common states of stress and strain in engineering applications.

Cohesive Elements in Abaqus: This blog discusses cohesive elements in Abaqus, a tool for modeling the failure of interfaces between materials.

Energy Concepts in Abaqus: This blog explains the concept of energy in Abaqus simulations, including specific internal energy and dissipated inelastic specific energy.

A full Abaqus environment, Abaqus/CAE offers a straightforward, consistent user interface for creating, submitting, tracking, and assessing the results of Standard and Explicit simulations. Each module defines a logical step in the modeling process, such as specifying the geometry, defining the properties of the materials, and creating a mesh. Building the model used by Abaqus/CAE to produce the input file you give to the Standard or Explicit analysis product happens as you progress through the modules. The analysis tool performs the analysis, provides data to Abaqus/CAE so you can keep track of the job’s development, and creates an output database. Here, in the below training videos, you can get enough information about the modules and start simulating in this software.

Users ask these questions

When you search for the Abaqus tutorial, you encounter questions that users ask; some are common questions such as “What is the Abaqus unit system?” and some are specific. So, we decided to help the users and answered a few of them which you can see them below:

I. Substituting a 3D FEA problem to axisymmetric model

Q: Hello, everyone. How can an axisymmetric analysis of the identical problem replace a three-dimensional FE analysis of a threaded screw (inserted into a material with an insertion torque)? If you have any good references, please share them with us. Best wishes.

A: Hello,

It’s impossible to substitute a 3D threaded screw with an axisymmetric model. Because its geometry won’t allow us. I mean, the threads of the screw are not symmetric.

Best regards. 

II. Friction

Q: Should I put friction in any contact in my analysis? When can I use the “Frictionless” option in my analysis? How much value the friction coefficient should have?

A: In general, do not define any friction in contacts unless necessary. However, in a few cases, a simulation with high friction value will converge better. The ABAQUS/Standard will automatically use the asymmetric matrix storage if any friction value becomes greater than 0.2.

III. Saving node coordinates in a file

Q: when I query some coordinate points in Abaqus (through Tools -> Query), they normally appear in the message area. It is not saved in Abaqus’.rpy or.jnl files. Is there a way to record the coordinate points and then automate the process later with scripting? Based on a nonlinear tool path for AM, I want to define and activate a set of elements for thermal analysis. Query is currently the only way to obtain the coordinates. I’m searching for ways to automate it with scripting, but the query choices in Abaqus aren’t saved in.rpy or.jnl files.

A: Hello,

To save the coordinates of the nodes, you simply should select a variable named “COORD” from the Field Output (see figure 1). Then, you can get a report from it in the Visualization module after you run the job, and the coordinates will be saved in a file with extension “.rpt” (see figures 2 and 3).

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

IV. Meshing and analyzing a model

Q: I’m creating a model of a structure built of stone arrangements. Because the number of instances is so large, meshing and analyzing the assembly as a 3D deformable body fails due to my computer’s physical memory limit of 64 GB. Is there a way to test the stability of these blocks without having to mesh them?

A: Hi,

It’s not possible to do this without meshing. However, I recommend using the Submodeling technique. Analyze your model with less mesh and larger meshes. Find the critical sections, then use the Submodeling technique.

Also, I have some recommendations to speed up your simulation:

• Use mass scaling if you are using the “Dynamic, Explicit” step.
• If your model is quasi-static, increase the mass artificially.
• You can change the time period and the size of the meshes as well.

You can refer to the links below to acquire more information. It’s worth a look.

Speeding up quasi static analysis in Abaqus | Increasing load rate

Differences between ABAQUS Standard & Explicit

Abaqus Tutorial for Beginners ( Tutorial for Civil Engineering)

Best wishes.