---
type: concept
title: "Abaqus Loads and Predefined Fields"
complexity: intermediate
domain: computational-mechanics
created: 2026-06-01
updated: 2026-06-01
address: c-000119
aliases:
  - Abaqus loads
  - Abaqus predefined fields
  - Abaqus pretension loads
tags:
  - concept
  - finite-element-method
  - abaqus
  - loads
  - predefined-fields
status: current
related:
  - "[[Abaqus-Analysis-User-s-Guide-Volume-V|Abaqus Analysis User's Guide Volume V]]"
  - "[[Abaqus Prescribed Conditions and Amplitudes]]"
  - "[[Finite Element Load Vector Assembly]]"
  - "[[Abaqus Surface and Assembly Modeling]]"
  - "[[Abaqus Multiphysics Coupling and Co-simulation]]"
  - "[[Abaqus Connector Elements and Behaviors]]"
sources:
  - "[[Abaqus-Analysis-User-s-Guide-Volume-V|Abaqus Analysis User's Guide Volume V]]"
---

# Abaqus Loads and Predefined Fields

## Definition

Abaqus loads and predefined fields are prescribed external actions and non-solution-dependent spatial fields applied to an analysis model.

## How They Work

The load library includes concentrated loads, distributed loads, thermal loads, electromagnetic loads, acoustic and shock loads, pore-fluid flow, substructure loads, added mass, base motion, current density, electric charge, film conditions, fluxes, pressure, and other procedure-dependent loading types.

Predefined fields supply spatially and temporally varying quantities that are not solved as primary unknowns in the current procedure. Temperature is the most common predefined field, especially for sequential thermal-stress workflows.

Prescribed assembly loads include pretension sections for bolts or other fasteners in Abaqus/Standard. Connector elements can also receive prescribed loads or motions to represent actuated mechanisms.

## Why It Matters

Loads and fields are the right-hand side and environment of the finite element problem. They must be compatible with the active procedure, degrees of freedom, element families, and intended time history.

## Connections

- [[Finite Element Load Vector Assembly]] gives the finite element interpretation of concentrated and distributed loading.
- [[Abaqus Surface and Assembly Modeling]] supplies surfaces, assemblies, and pretension-related regions.
- [[Abaqus Multiphysics Coupling and Co-simulation]] uses predefined fields for sequentially coupled analyses.
- [[Abaqus Connector Elements and Behaviors]] covers connector loads and motions.

## Sources

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