---
type: concept
title: "Abaqus Restart and Results Transfer"
complexity: advanced
domain: computational-mechanics
created: 2026-05-29
updated: 2026-05-29
address: c-000082
aliases:
  - Abaqus restart analysis
  - Abaqus import analysis
  - Abaqus results transfer
tags:
  - concept
  - finite-element-method
  - abaqus
  - restart
  - continuation
status: current
related:
  - "[[Abaqus-Analysis-User-s-Guide-Volume-II|Abaqus Analysis User's Guide Volume II]]"
  - "[[Abaqus Job Execution Workflow]]"
  - "[[Abaqus Output Database and Results Files]]"
  - "[[Abaqus General and Linear Perturbation Steps]]"
  - "[[Static Equilibrium Equation Solvers]]"
sources:
  - "[[Abaqus-Analysis-User-s-Guide-Volume-II|Abaqus Analysis User's Guide Volume II]]"
source_refs:
  - source: "[[Abaqus-Analysis-User-s-Guide-Volume-II|Abaqus Analysis User's Guide Volume II]]"
    raw_path: ".raw/AbaqusAnalysisUserGuide2/"
    raw_files:
      - "AbaqusAnalysisUserGuide2_065.md"
      - "AbaqusAnalysisUserGuide2_066.md"
      - "AbaqusAnalysisUserGuide2_084.md"
      - "AbaqusAnalysisUserGuide2_069.md"
    md_indices:
      - 65
      - 66
      - 84
      - 69
    match: "heuristic-heading-keyword"
    confidence: high
---

# Abaqus Restart and Results Transfer

## Definition

Abaqus restart and results transfer techniques continue an analysis from saved model-state data or import results from a previous Abaqus analysis into a new analysis.

## How It Works

Restart output writes the model definition and current state to restart-related files. It supports continuing an interrupted job, appending additional steps after reviewing results, or restarting from an intermediate point with a changed load history.

Results transfer imports a deformed mesh and associated material state between Abaqus/Standard and Abaqus/Explicit, from Standard to Standard, or from Explicit to Explicit. Manufacturing workflows use this to chain preload, forming, and springback analyses. Assembly workflows can transfer a local component state into a later larger model.

When a dynamic state is imported into a static Abaqus/Standard step, the imported configuration is not initially in static equilibrium. Abaqus can remove out-of-balance forces gradually in the first static step so the model settles into a residual stress state compatible with static equilibrium.

## Why It Matters

Restart and import workflows let a finite element analysis become a sequence of staged simulations rather than one monolithic run. They also make file output policy part of the analysis design: if restart data were not written, many continuation paths are unavailable.

## Connections

- [[Abaqus Output Database and Results Files]] explains the output and restart files involved.
- [[Abaqus Job Execution Workflow]] covers command-level continuation and recovery.
- [[Abaqus General and Linear Perturbation Steps]] determines which steps advance model state and which do not write restart information.

## Sources

- [[Abaqus-Analysis-User-s-Guide-Volume-II|Abaqus Analysis User's Guide Volume II]]