When I first started using Abaqus, I encountered a common issue - my computer's disk space quickly filled up with Abaqus-generated files after running multiple jobs. It was a bit overwhelming, with many kinds of Abaqus-generated files cluttering my working directory. I even didn't know which files were essential and their purposes; I just built my models in Abaqus/CAE, and then I created a job and submitted it from the graphical interface. I felt the need to delve deeper into understanding Abaqus files, their roles, and which ones were crucial to save.
Now, I would like to share what I've learned about these essential Abaqus files and their respective responsibilities:
1. 📂 .CAE File:
The CAE file is a crucial component in the Abaqus pre-processing workflow. It contains all the information about your model, including geometry, mesh, materials, constraints, and boundary conditions. Abaqus always saves this file as an "advocacy" file, and you should definitely keep it. It serves as your project's blueprint and allows you to make changes to your model in the Abaqus GUI.
2. 📄 .inp File:
Abaqus CAE generates the .inp file in ASCII format when you right-click on a job and submit it within the Abaqus CAE GUI. This file is essential because it represents your simulation in a readable format. You can import the model from this input file in Abaqus CAE if your CAE file is not accessible. Additionally, you can manually edit the .inp file using a text editor to check for errors in input keywords or syntax. Running your model in Abaqus GUI is essentially equivalent to executing its corresponding input file. You can even run it directly from the command line, providing a faster, more cost-effective, and efficient solution.
3. 📊 .ODB File (Output Database File):
The ODB file is generated during post-processing and is used to visualize graphical results within the Abaqus/CAE visualization module. Furthermore, you can utilize Python scripts to probe the ODB file and extract specific results. This file is essential for analyzing and interpreting simulation results.
4. 🛠️ .dat File:
When there's an issue with your simulation and a job cannot be completed, the .dat file comes into play. It contains information about the model definition, history, error messages, and the step-by-step progress of processing input data. This file is indispensable for debugging your model and resolving any simulation-related problems.
5. 📖 .Jnl File (Journal File):
The journal file stores the commands typed during the last ABAQUS/Post session. It can be used to recover a corrupted.CAE file. Additionally, it contains commands that modify the saved model database, which can be useful for creating your Python scripts and automating tasks.
6. 📈 .sta File (Status File):
ABAQUS writes increment summaries to the status file (.sta), which provides information about the progress of an analysis. During a running simulation, you may want to monitor the status to check what's happening. The status file essentially echoes the same information as the simulation progresses.
The final category of files consists of less essential ones, including the log file, command file, IPM file, PART file, message file, Rec file, etc. While they do contain information about various aspects of the simulation, they are typically not crucial for most users and are mainly relevant for programmatic or troubleshooting purposes. Abaqus generates these additional files to offer a comprehensive insight into the simulation process.
In summary, understanding the significance of these Abaqus files and their roles can help you streamline your workflow, reduce memory usage, and efficiently troubleshoot any issues that may arise during your simulations.
🖋️ Written by: Theingi Nwe
