Define initial conditions and predefined fields. Use when user mentions initial temperature, pre-stress, residual stress, or import from previous analysis.
This skill defines initial conditions and predefined fields in Abaqus. Use it to set starting states or import results from previous analyses.
Route here when user mentions:
Route elsewhere:
/abaqus-bc/abaqus-load/abaqus-amplitude| User Need | Field Type | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Starting temperature | Temperature | Thermal stress from uniform T |
| Residual stress | Stress | Pre-stressed members |
| Impact velocity | Velocity | Explicit dynamics |
| From other analysis | Predefined Temperature | Sequential thermal-structural |
| Custom variable | Predefined Field | User-defined behaviors |
| Type | When to Use |
|---|---|
| UNIFORM | Same value everywhere |
| FROM_FILE | Import from ODB or FIL |
| ANALYTICAL_FIELD | Expression-based (X, Y, Z) |
| USER_DEFINED | Via user subroutine |
If information is missing, ask:
Match user request to field type:
Determine where the field applies:
For uniform fields: specify single magnitude or component values. For imported fields: ODB path, step name, increment number.
Initial conditions use createStepName='Initial'.
Predefined fields in analysis steps use the step name.
| Parameter | Notes |
|---|---|
createStepName | 'Initial' for initial conditions, step name for predefined |
distributionType | UNIFORM, FROM_FILE, ANALYTICAL_FIELD |
fileName | ODB path for FROM_FILE distribution |
beginStep/endStep | Frame selection for ODB import |
| Problem | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Field not applied | Wrong region or step | Verify region covers elements |
| Cannot read from ODB | ODB locked or wrong path | Close other sessions, check path |
| Temperature mismatch | Mesh incompatibility | Use mapping tolerance options |
| Stress equilibrium error | Stress not self-equilibrating | Review stress field consistency |
For API syntax and code examples, see references/ folder.