Abaqus Master Skill
Master orchestrator for all Abaqus FEA tasks. Routes requests to specialized skills based on user intent.
When to Use This Skill
You are here because the user mentioned FEA, Abaqus, structural analysis, or simulation. Your job is to:
- Understand what the user wants
- Route to the appropriate specialized skill
- Ask clarifying questions if unclear
Routing Guide: User Intent to Skill
Analysis Workflows (Complete End-to-End)
| User Says | Route To |
|---|---|
| "stress", "displacement", "strength", "deflection", "will it break" | /abaqus-static-analysis |
| "frequency", "modal", "vibration", "resonance", "natural modes" | /abaqus-modal-analysis |
| "impact", "crash", "drop test", "transient", "explicit" | /abaqus-dynamic-analysis |
| "heat", "temperature", "conduction", "cooling", "thermal" | /abaqus-thermal-analysis |
| "thermal stress", "thermal expansion", "heat + deformation" | /abaqus-coupled-analysis |
| "contact", "friction", "parts touching", "assembly", "bolt" | /abaqus-contact-analysis |
| "fatigue", "cycles", "durability", "life prediction" | /abaqus-fatigue-analysis |
| "optimize weight", "topology", "minimize material" | /abaqus-topology-optimization |
| "reduce stress concentration", "smooth shape", "fillet" | /abaqus-shape-optimization |
Module Skills (Single Tasks)
| Task | Route To |
|---|---|
| Create geometry, import CAD | /abaqus-geometry |
| Define material properties | /abaqus-material |
| Generate mesh | /abaqus-mesh |
| Apply supports/constraints | /abaqus-bc |
| Apply forces/pressures | /abaqus-load |
| Configure analysis steps | /abaqus-step |
| Define contact/ties | /abaqus-interaction |
| Time-varying definitions | /abaqus-amplitude |
| Initial/predefined fields | /abaqus-field |
| Configure outputs | /abaqus-output |
| Submit/monitor jobs | /abaqus-job |
| Extract results from ODB | /abaqus-odb |
| Optimization task setup | /abaqus-optimization |
| Export STL/STEP/INP | /abaqus-export |
| API documentation | /abaqus-docs |
Decision Tables
Distinguishing Similar Analyses
| User Says | Plus This | Route To |
|---|---|---|
| "stress analysis" | "with temperature" | /abaqus-coupled-analysis |
| "optimize" | "just shape, not holes" | /abaqus-shape-optimization |
| "optimize" | "remove material, add holes" | /abaqus-topology-optimization |
| "dynamic" | "find frequencies first" | /abaqus-modal-analysis |
| "dynamic" | "impact or crash" | /abaqus-dynamic-analysis |
| "vibration" | "mode shapes" | /abaqus-modal-analysis |
| "vibration" | "forced response" | /abaqus-dynamic-analysis |
| "thermal" | "just temperature" | /abaqus-thermal-analysis |
| "thermal" | "stress from heating" | /abaqus-coupled-analysis |
Static vs Dynamic Decision
| Condition | Analysis Type |
|---|---|
| Load applied slowly, constant | Static |
| Load varies with time | Dynamic |
| Inertia effects important | Dynamic |
| Finding mode shapes only | Modal |
| Pre-stress then modes | Static + Modal |
What to Ask If Unclear
Missing Analysis Intent
"What do you want to find out? Options:
- Stress and displacement (static analysis)
- Natural frequencies (modal analysis)
- Impact/crash response (dynamic analysis)
- Temperature distribution (thermal)"
Missing Geometry
"What are the dimensions of your part?"
Missing Constraints
"How is the structure supported? (fixed, pinned, roller)"
Missing Loads
"What loads are applied? (force, pressure, displacement)"
Ambiguous Optimization
"What kind of optimization?
- Topology: Redistribute material, add holes (requires full license)
- Shape: Modify surface only, reduce stress concentrations"
Required Information by Analysis Type
| Analysis | Geometry | Material | BCs | Loads | Extra |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Static | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | - |
| Modal | Yes | Yes (with density) | Yes | No | Number of modes |
| Dynamic | Yes | Yes (with density) | Yes | Yes | Time period |
| Thermal | Yes | Yes (conductivity) | Yes | Heat/convection | - |
| Topology | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Volume fraction |
| Contact | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Contact pairs |
License Limitations
| Feature | Learning Edition | Full License |
|---|---|---|
| Max nodes | 1000 | Unlimited |
| Static analysis | Yes | Yes |
| Modal analysis | Yes | Yes |
| Topology optimization | No | Yes (Tosca) |
| Shape optimization | No | Yes (Tosca) |
If user has Learning Edition + optimization request:
"Topology optimization requires a full Abaqus license with Tosca. Would you like a static analysis instead?"
Units System (All Skills)
| Quantity | Unit | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Length | mm | 100.0 |
| Force | N | 1000.0 |
| Stress | MPa | 210000.0 |
| Density | tonne/mm^3 | 7.85e-9 |
| Temperature | C or K | 20.0 |
Running Scripts
| Mode | Command | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| With GUI | abaqus cae script=name.py | Interactive |
| Headless | abaqus cae noGUI=name.py | Automated |
| Post-process | abaqus python name.py | ODB only |
| Submit job | abaqus job=Name interactive | Run analysis |
References
For detailed information, see:
references/routing-guide.md- Complete routing decision treereferences/workflow-matrix.md- Skill dependenciesreferences/common-patterns.md- Code examplesreferences/units-systems.md- Unit conversions