Nonlinear Simulation Without Limits

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 1: Nonlinear Performance 

When Abaqus was introduced in 1978, it was built from the ground up as a nonlinear solver. Its core formulation used fully nonlinear equations from the very beginning, allowing it to simulate complex real-world physical behaviors with high accuracy. This foundation still sets Abaqus apart today. 

Unlike other solvers that began with linear assumptions, Abaqus never had to backtrack to introduce nonlinear capabilities later. Thanks to ongoing computing advancements, nonlinear simulations are now accessible even on standard hardware, making realism the expectation, not the exception. 

Abaqus offers key advantages when dealing with nonlinear models: 

• Robust Nonlinear Convergence: Designed for large deformations, complex contact, and  material nonlinearity. 

• Speed and Stability: Abaqus often outperforms traditional solvers by reaching  realistic  results faster with fewer convergence issues. 

• Versatile Use Cases: Applicable across industries requiring accurate simulation of real-world, nonlinear physics. 

Understanding Nonlinearity in Simulation

Nonlinearity in finite element analysis typically falls into three main categories. Abaqus was designed to handle all three seamlessly, individually or in combination, which is often the case in practice: 

1. Geometric Nonlinearity 

This occurs when large deformations or rotations cause significant changes in the geometry of the structure. Think of a metal sheet undergoing buckling, or a rubber seal stretching into a new shape. As the structure deforms, the stiffness changes, and  this needs to be captured to simulate the true response. 

Abaqus handles this via updated or total Lagrangian formulations, ensuring accurate results even for extreme distortions. 

2. Material Nonlinearity 

Not all materials respond linearly to loading. Plasticity, hyperelasticity, creep, damage, and viscoelastic behavior are all nonlinear material responses. Whether you're modeling soft tissue, rubber, or metals beyond yield, Abaqus offers a rich library of material models that  capture these complex behaviors in detail. 

3. Boundary Condition/Contact Nonlinearity 

In many real-world problems, interactions between components are not fixed or predictable. Contact problems, where surfaces come into and out of contact, with friction or sliding, introduce strong nonlinearity. Abaqus excels in simulating complex, evolving contact interactions, from  bolted joints to crash simulations to biomechanics. 

Nonlinearity is Rarely Isolated

In real-world applications, these types of nonlinearity rarely appear alone. A crash simulation, for example, involves geometric nonlinearity (large deformations), material nonlinearity (plasticity and damage), and contact nonlinearity (parts interacting  and  separating), all  simultaneously. Abaqus is uniquely equipped to handle this complexity with robustness and  efficiency. 

By choosing Abaqus, you're not only accounting for one type of nonlinearity, you’re prepared  for all of them, together, as they naturally occur in your product’s lifecycle. 

Abaqus Nonlinear Simulation: 8 Key Benefits 

Benefit 1: Nonlinear Performance 

Benefit 2: Contact Modeling 

Benefit 3: Efficient Substructures 

Benefit 4: Multiphysics 

Benefit 5: Large Deformation 

Benefit 6: Fracture and Failure 

Benefit 7: Development and Support 

Benefit 8: Abaqus Pricing

Need Help with Nonlinear Modeling

Whether you are simulating soft materials, crash scenarios, or large deformations, our team helps you get the most out of Abaqus nonlinear capabilities. We guide you through setup, interpretation, and optimization. Reach out through our contact form or email us at sales@4realsim.com for assistance with nonlinear analysis in Abaqus.