abaqus-output

# Abaqus Output Skill Configure what results to save from Abaqus analyses. Controls field outputs (full-field data for contour plots) and history outputs (time series at specific points). ## When to Use This Skill **Route here when user mentions:** - "What results should I save?" / "Output variables" - "Track displacement over time" / "History output" - "ODB file too large" / "Reduce output" - "Monitor a specific node" **Route elsewhere:** - Extracting/reading results from ODB → `/abaqus-odb` - Running the analysis → `/abaqus-job` ## Key Decisions ### 1. Field vs History Output | Type | Use For | Data Scope | |------|---------|------------| | Field Output | Contour plots, full-field visualization | All nodes/elements | | History Output | Time series plots, monitoring | Specific points/regions | ### 2. Common Output Variables | Variable | Description | |----------|-------------| | S | Stress tensor (includes Mises) | | U | Displacement | | RF | Reaction forces | | E | Total strain | | PE, PEEQ | Plastic strain | | V, A | Velocity, acceleration (dynamic) | | NT, HFL | Temperature, heat flux (thermal) | | CSTRESS, CDISP | Contact stress/displacement | ### 3. Analysis-Specific Recommendations | Analysis Type | Essential Variables | |---------------|---------------------| | Static | S, U, RF | | Dynamic | S, U, V, A, RF, ENER | | Thermal | NT, HFL, RFL | | Contact | CSTRESS, CDISP, COPEN | | Plastic | S, PE, PEEQ | ### 4. Output Frequency | Scenario | Setting | Effect | |----------|---------|--------| | Full detail | frequency=1 | Every increment (large files) | | Balanced | frequency=5-10 | Every N increments | | Space-saving | numIntervals=20 | Fixed number of frames | ## What to Ask User If unclear, ask: 1. **What results do you need?** Stress, displacement, reaction forces? 2. **Track a specific point over time?** → Need history output 3. **Large model or long analysis?** → May need reduced frequency ## Workflow: Configuring Output ### Step 1: Identify Needed Variables Based on analysis type: Static needs S, U, RF minimum. Dynamic adds V, A, energy. ### Step 2: Create Field Output Request Required: Step name + variables tuple. Optional: frequency, region. ### Step 3: Create History Output (if needed) For time-series: Create node set at location, then HistoryOutputRequest with that region. Use component variables (U1, U2, U3). ### Step 4: Manage File Size (large models) Options: Reduce frequency, use numIntervals, limit variables, output to specific regions only. ## Validation Checklist - [ ] Field output covers essential variables (S, U, RF) - [ ] History output region/set exists before referencing - [ ] Frequency appropriate for analysis length - [ ] Contact analysis has contact-specific outputs ## Troubleshooting | Problem | Cause | Solution | |---------|-------|----------| | "Variable not available" | Wrong element/analysis type | Check compatibility | | ODB file too large | Too much output | Reduce frequency or variables | | No history data | Bad region spec | Verify set exists | ## Code Patterns For API syntax and code examples, see: - [API Quick Reference](references/api-quick-ref.md) - [Common Patterns](references/common-patterns.md)