Creating and Modifying Data File Output Requests

Data output is the output of variables that are written to the data (.dat) file. By default, the data file includes printed output from the input file processor and selected output for each analysis procedure type; you cannot edit the default data output request. You cannot request data output for an Explicit Dynamics step.

You can use the tool to create new data file output requests; and you can use the data file output editor to modify new or existing data file output requests either in the step in which they were created or a step to which they were propagated. If you modify a propagated data file output request, you can modify only the output variables and the output frequency. Your data file output requests write additional information to the file; they do not affect the default data.

Data file output requests are contained in a Data Output Request object under the Data Output Requests objects set for the step.

To create or modify a data file output request:

  1. To create a new data file output request, click .

    To edit an existing data file output request, double-click on the Data Output Request object under the Data Output Requests objects set for the analysis step.

    The Data File Output Request dialog box is displayed.

  2. If you edit the output request in the step in which it was created, you can change the name of the output request.

  3. If you edit the output request in the step in which it was created, you can change the region for which variables will be output.

    • To request that Abaqus write data to the data file for the entire model, toggle on Whole model from the Support section at the top of the dialog box.

    • To select a smaller region, toggle off Whole model and select a new model region from the viewport or from the specification tree. You can also select groups (point, line, surface, and body).

  4. In the Output Variables section of the editor, choose one or more of the following:

    Node

    Nodal output variables.

    Element

    Element output variables (integration point, section, or whole element variables).

    Contact

    Contact output variables (surface variables).

    Note:  Contact element variables must be listed under the Element type.

    Energy

    Abaqus writes a summary of the total model energy to the data file. No variables are associated with the Energy data file output request.

  5. List the output variable identifiers to be written to the data file for each variable type.

    For a complete list of the output variable identifiers, see Output variables in the Abaqus Output Guide.

    Note:  The output variable identifiers are not validated until you run the analysis.

  6. Click More to edit the frequency of data file output or to view the propagation and activation status for the output request.

  7. Specify the desired output frequency.

    You can specify the output frequency in increments, or you can request output for the last increment of the step. If you specify the frequency in increments, Abaqus also writes output for the last increment of the step. For more information, see Output to the output database in the Abaqus Output Guide.

  8. The propagation and activation status are provided for information only; you cannot edit them from the Data File Output Request dialog box. You can edit the activation status from the specification tree.

    See Status Terms for information on the terms used to describe the propagation and activation status and for instructions on changing the activation status.

  9. When you have finished defining the output request, click OK to save your changes.