Python scripting in Visual Studio Code. Integrating third-party Python packages into Abaqus has long been a challenge, especially for engineers who want to use tools like pandas, scipy, or matplotlib in postprocessing or automation scripts. With the release of SIMULIA Abaqus/CAE 2024.HF2, that limitation has been significantly reduced through the introduction of a new tool: abqPip.  This blog explains how abqPip allows you to install and manage Python packages directly in the

Drill DOF tuning improves torsional stiffness in composite shell models. When simulating wind turbine blades under torsional loads, shell models are often preferred over solid models for efficiency. But standard shell formulations can significantly underestimate torsional stiffness, especially when offsets and layered orthotropic materials are involved.  A joint study by Ghent University and 4RealSim, published in Composite Structures, Volume 280 (2022) , demonstrates that tu

Generate a QA report in Microsoft Word in an instant with the 4RealSim QA report generator. Generate Structured Model Reports Directly From Abaqus/CAE  At 4RealSim, we understand the complexities of simulation traceability, especially in industries like aerospace, where accuracy and compliance are non-negotiable. Reviewing Abaqus/CAE models for completeness, consistency, and potential errors is often time-consuming and prone to oversight, particularly when deadlines are tight

License server architecture for Abaqus using FlexNet with lmgrd and vendor daemon components. Downloading the Abaqus FlexNet Installation Files for Linux (Part_SIMULIA_FlexNet – SIMULIA Abaqus 20xx FP.CFA .2xxx – Linux64) and installing them often works as expected. However, when trying to start the FlexNet License daemon lmgrd on the Linux server, the process might abort and return the following error:  lmgrd: No such file or directory  Although the FlexNet installer runs sm

Login screen for accessing cloud-based SIMULIA documentation through Dassault Systèmes User Assistance. Efficient Access to Your Technical Reference, no Installation Required When using SIMULIA products like Abaqus, Isight, Tosca, or fe-safe, accessing accurate and up-to-date documentation is essential for your workflow. Since the 2016 release, Dassault Systèmes has transitioned to a cloud-based documentation system, eliminating the need for local installations. This modern p

Overview of the FLEXnet licensing architecture in Abaqus To run Abaqus successfully, a valid license must be retrieved from a functioning license server. While setting up a license server is generally straightforward, engineers often encounter configuration or connectivity issues that block the checkout process. This guide outlines the most common FLEXnet licensing problems and how to resolve them efficiently.  Understanding FLEXnet Architecture and Port Usage  In a typical A

SIMULIA user assistance portal for accessing Hot Fix downloads Resolve Bugs and Critical Issues With the Latest SIMULIA Product Updates Dassault Systèmes regularly releases Hot Fixes for its SIMULIA products (Abaqus, Isight, Tosca, fe-safe, SIMPACK) to address critical bugs, performance issues, and unexpected behavior. These updates are essential for maintaining the reliability, stability, and compatibility of your simulation tools.  Follow these steps to easily access and do

Cross-section of the explosive casing expansion tool Addressing Zonal Isolation in Aging Wells  As oil and gas reservoirs approach the end of their productive life, there is a growing requirement for robust plug and abandonment (P&A) strategies. A critical component in these strategies is long-term zonal isolation, the prevention of fluid migration along the wellbore. Inadequate isolation risks contamination of groundwater, environmental leakage, and failure of the well’s str

Abaqus command line example for launching and managing simulation jobs on Windows. When you receive an input file from a third party or need to run your Abaqus job on a cluster, you can launch the input file in batch mode using the command line (Windows) or shell (Linux). Here’s how to get started:  Start a Batch Job   Use the following command to start a batch job:  abaqus job=inputfile  For interactive logging, use:  abaqus job=inputfile interactive  Run on Multiple Cores o

Full 3D failure visualization in Abaqus without predefined cracks Failure analysis plays a critical role in modern engineering, where predicting material and structural breakdown can directly influence product safety, certification, and design longevity. Abaqus offers a powerful suite of tools to simulate fracture behavior without needing assumptions about crack paths or predefined damage zones. This enables engineers to make smarter decisions based on physics-driven outcomes

DEM simulation of a spud can penetrating a seabed with dynamic rock fill Simulating Granular Particle Behavior With Abaqus/Explicit Granular materials, such as rock fill, shot peening media, or pharmaceutical granules, don’t  behave like typical solids. Their bulk response isn’t governed by internal deformation, but by frictional contact and motion between rigid particles. For these cases, the Discrete Element Method (DEM) in Abaqus/Explicit offers a purpose-built approach to

Left: Scalars computed before averaging. Right: Scalars computed after averaging in Abaqus Optimizing Simulation Results: Which Averaging Method to Choose  When running simulations in Abaqus, interpreting results accurately is crucial for understanding material behavior and performance under load. This post explains the difference between two Abaqus/Viewer options: "Compute scalars before averaging" and "Compute scalars after averaging," and how each choice affects your resul

Simulated deformation of fluid-filled containers using Abaqus fluid–structure interaction (FSI) tools. Many engineering systems are influenced by more than one physical phenomenon. Whether it’s thermal expansion, fluid flow, or electromagnetic forces, accurately predicting product behavior requires more than just structural simulation. Abaqus provides a unified platform where multiple physics interact seamlessly, helping you simulate complex real-world conditions with confide

Visualizing contact between twisted cylindrical parts in Abaqus. Contact interactions are central to many engineering simulations, whether you're modeling brakes, gears, crash events, or manufacturing processes. Misrepresenting contact behavior can lead to inaccurate results and product failure. Abaqus provides a powerful and efficient approach to simulate these interactions with high reliability. Benefit 2: Contact Modeling In complex assemblies, components rarely operate in

Nonlinear deformation and stress visualization in a bolted joint using Abaqus Capturing real-world product behavior requires more than basic linear assumptions. Most engineering scenarios involve complexity, including large deformations, material yielding, and evolving contact conditions. That is why Abaqus was built as a nonlinear solver from the very beginning. This post highlights how Abaqus manages nonlinearity and why that matters for accurate simulation results. Benefit

Detailed Abaqus mesh of a shaft assembly using efficient substructures. Complex simulations don’t always require detailed analysis across the entire structure. In many engineering workflows, only a specific region needs fine resolution, while the rest of the model can remain simplified. Abaqus offers tools to help you balance accuracy and performance by focusing computational effort where it truly matters. Benefit 3: Efficient Substructures  Large finite element models often

Clear visualization of simulation results is key to understanding and communicating insights. In Abaqus, the legend is a vital part of the postprocessing display, showing stress or other field quantities. Precise legend scaling isn’t just cosmetic—it helps maintain numerical clarity during postprocessing. Default stress legend in Abaqus displaying von Mises stress values in Pascals. The Challenge: Customizing Legend Values in Abaqus By default, Abaqus displays stress values i

Automating the Abaqus installation using command line. Installing Abaqus manually on multiple systems is time-consuming and inconsistent. Whether you're setting up lab environments, refreshing engineering workstations, or managing HPC clusters, silent installation allows you to automate the process with zero user interaction, ensuring repeatability and control.  Download the Correct Release and Hot Fix Before you begin, make sure you’re using the exact version of Abaqus that

Adjusting license configuration files is essential when updating Abaqus license servers or switching license types. In the dynamic landscape of software licensing, companies occasionally transition their Abaqus license servers or migrate from FlexNet to DSLS. These changes require users to update their local license configuration files to ensure Abaqus continues to operate correctly. This post provides a clear overview of where to find and edit the license settings based on y

Structural adhesives are widely used in aerospace, automotive, electronics, and life science applications due to their corrosion resistance, lightweight design, and clean bonding characteristics. However, the curing process, where a liquid adhesive transforms into a solid, introduces complex thermal and chemical effects. These effects can generate residual stresses that compromise the strength and durability of bonded assemblies if not properly accounted for.  In this blog, w