| name | abaqus-output |
| description | Configure output requests - field outputs, history outputs. Use when user asks what results to save, output variables, reduce output file size, or history output. |
| allowed-tools | ["Read","Write","Edit","Glob","Grep","Bash(abaqus:*)"] |
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:
- What results do you need? Stress, displacement, reaction forces?
- Track a specific point over time? → Need history output
- 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
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:
