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
• Common Patterns