ABAQUS

Owing to a cooperation with CYFRONET - The Academic Computer Centre in Cracow, since many years, the Foundry Research Institute has been testing the mechanical resistance of cast elements using for this purpose an ABAQUS system.

The ABAQUS software is a suite of computer programs using finite element method. It helps in solving nearly all complex problems of the linear and non-linear analyses, and as such is widely used in those branches of the industry where quick answer to questions posed by the users is a must of today’s engineering practice.

The system includes two basic computation modules and one graphic package:

ABAQUS Standard – is mainly used for the statistical analysis of stress- and strain-related phenomena. The module also allows for the effect of heat transfer, soil mechanics, vibroacoustic analyses and numerous other multidisciplinary problems.

ABAQUS Explicit – is used for analysis of the dynamic phenomena that occur under the effect of extreme mechanical and/or thermal loads. It also enables detailed analysis of contact effects.

ABAQUS CAE – graphic packet replacing individual pre- and postprocessor modules, used for project development and visualisation of the simulation results.

The main advantage of the ABAQUS software is its modular structure. Due to this structure it is possible to combine together different analyses and to use different finite elements and materials – all within one single system. The software enables using FEM and a library of materials available in the system, including not only the generally used metallic materials, but also composites, concrete, rubber, etc. Very important in modern approach to designing is the option of creating own material libraries, using data from the experiments, individual analysis schemes and loading sequences.