Abaqus output database and results files are the persistent files through which Abaqus reports computed fields, histories, diagnostics, status information, restart data, and selected analysis results.
How It Works
Common output files include the data file (.dat), output database (.odb), SIM database (.sim), selected results file (.fil), message file (.msg), status file (.sta), and restart files. Different Abaqus products and procedures may create different combinations of files.
The output database stores field output, history output, and diagnostic information. Field output is usually spatially broad and written less frequently, such as stress or displacement fields over model regions. History output is written more frequently at selected points or regions, such as a reaction force, displacement, energy, or contact quantity over time.
The selected results file is a lower-level record stream intended for external or custom postprocessing. It uses record keys and attributes, references internal node and element numbers, and can be accessed by utility routines such as INITPF, DBRNU, DBFILE, POSFIL, and DBFILW.
Why It Matters
Output control is part of the analysis model. Too little output hides modeling or convergence problems; too much output increases runtime and file size. The distinction between field output, history output, diagnostics, and selected results files determines how an analyst validates, debugs, and postprocesses an analysis.
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