FEA features over 80 improvements

Oct. 24, 2002
FEA program Abaqus Version 6.3 features over 80 major enhancements including general contact and spot welds...

FEA program Abaqus Version 6.3 features over 80 major enhancements including general contact and spot welds, an efficient method for solving multiple load cases, and extended parallel processing for fast computing. A general-contact feature simplifies model preparation. The software includes additional capabilities for inertia relief, usability improvements such as direct CAD import, and a virtual-topology feature for idealizing finite-element models from complex geometry. And V6.3 cuts about 20% off previous solution times.

Increasingly large models simulate complex mechanical systems, so performance gains come from a new parallelization approach in Abaqus/Explicit, along with extended parallelization of the sparse and Lanczos solvers in Abaqus/Standard. One objective for V6.3 is to improve tools in Abaqus/Standard for advanced linear applications, such as those involving airframes and launch vehicles. The software solves multiple-discrete load cases quickly, in some cases in less than 10% of the time previously needed.

Other improvements include cylindrical elements and concrete damage models, material models to support high-temperature fatigue assessment, expanded submodeling, and support for underwater shock analyses. Inertia relief allows analyzing forces acting on a quasi-static body, such as an aircraft in flight. The Nastran-import capability is upgraded to provide support for Nastran-specific inertia relief setups.

The software directly imports native geometry from CAD systems such as Catia, I-DEAS, Pro/E, Unigraphics and others that export Parasolid-based models. Virtual topology tools eliminate insignificant details from complex CAD geometry by combining model faces and surfaces to provide an effective model for meshing.

Hibbitt, Karlsson & Sorensen Inc.
1080 Main St.
Pawtucket, RI 02860
(401) 727-4200
www.abaqus.com

About the Author

Paul Dvorak

Paul Dvorak - Senior Editor
21 years of service. BS Mechanical Engineering, BS Secondary Education, Cleveland State University. Work experience: Highschool mathematics and physics teacher; design engineer, Primary editor for CAD/CAM technology. He isno longer with Machine Design.

Email: [email protected]

"

Paul Dvorak - Senior Editor
21 years of service. BS Mechanical Engineering, BS Secondary Education, Cleveland State University. Work experience: Highschool mathematics and physics teacher; design engineer, U.S. Air Force. Primary editor for CAD/CAM technology. He isno longer with Machine Design.

Email:=

Sponsored Recommendations

Aug. 22, 2025
Discover how to meet growing customer demands for custom products without overextending your engineering team. Learn how scaling your automation strategy can help you win more...
Aug. 22, 2025
Join industry leaders to explore how cutting edge digital technologies are transforming factories. Learn how to boost throughput, enhance flexibility, and accelerate your digital...
Aug. 22, 2025
Explore the future of manufacturing. Learn how to leverage the latest digital technologies and strategies to build a more efficient, agile, and resilient digital factory.
Aug. 21, 2025
A look into the latest improvements in motion control through high-performance drives, AI enhancements, and faster communication protocols.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!