abaqus
Master skill for Abaqus FEA scripting. Use for any finite element analysis, topology optimization, or Abaqus Python scripting task. Routes to appropriate specialized skills.
Best use case
abaqus is best used when you need a repeatable AI agent workflow instead of a one-off prompt.
Master skill for Abaqus FEA scripting. Use for any finite element analysis, topology optimization, or Abaqus Python scripting task. Routes to appropriate specialized skills.
Teams using abaqus should expect a more consistent output, faster repeated execution, less prompt rewriting.
When to use this skill
- You want a reusable workflow that can be run more than once with consistent structure.
When not to use this skill
- You only need a quick one-off answer and do not need a reusable workflow.
- You cannot install or maintain the underlying files, dependencies, or repository context.
Installation
Claude Code / Cursor / Codex
Manual Installation
- Download SKILL.md from GitHub
- Place it in
.claude/skills/abaqus/SKILL.mdinside your project - Restart your AI agent — it will auto-discover the skill
How abaqus Compares
| Feature / Agent | abaqus | Standard Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Support | Not specified | Limited / Varies |
| Context Awareness | High | Baseline |
| Installation Complexity | Unknown | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this skill do?
Master skill for Abaqus FEA scripting. Use for any finite element analysis, topology optimization, or Abaqus Python scripting task. Routes to appropriate specialized skills.
Where can I find the source code?
You can find the source code on GitHub using the link provided at the top of the page.
SKILL.md Source
# 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: 1. Understand what the user wants 2. Route to the appropriate specialized skill 3. 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 tree - `references/workflow-matrix.md` - Skill dependencies - `references/common-patterns.md` - Code examples - `references/units-systems.md` - Unit conversions
Related Skills
abaqus-step
Define analysis steps and procedures. Use when user mentions static analysis, dynamic step, frequency analysis, heat transfer step, or asks about analysis type, time increments, or nlgeom.
abaqus-static-analysis
Complete workflow for static structural analysis. Use when analyzing stress, displacement, or reaction forces under constant loads. For strength and stiffness evaluation.
abaqus-shape-optimization
Optimize fillet/notch geometry. Use when user mentions stress concentration, fillet optimization, reshaping surfaces, or reducing peak stress. Moves surfaces only.
abaqus-output
Configure output requests - field outputs, history outputs. Use when user asks what results to save, output variables, reduce output file size, or history output.
abaqus-odb
Read analysis results. Use when user asks about maximum stress, extracting displacements, reaction forces, or exporting results. Post-processes ODB files.
abaqus-mesh
Generate finite element meshes. Use when user mentions mesh, elements, nodes, refine mesh, mesh size, or asks about element types like C3D8R, C3D10, S4R.
abaqus-load
Apply forces and pressures to structures. Use when user asks to apply a force, add pressure, put a load on, or mentions gravity, point loads, or distributed forces.
abaqus-interaction
Define contact and interactions - contact pairs, tie constraints, connectors. Use when user mentions contact, friction, tie, parts touching, or bonded surfaces.
abaqus-field
Define initial conditions and predefined fields. Use when user mentions initial temperature, pre-stress, residual stress, or import from previous analysis.
abaqus-export
Export Abaqus geometry and results. Use when user mentions exporting to STL, STEP, CSV, or generating input files for external use.
abaqus-coupled-analysis
Complete workflow for coupled thermomechanical analysis. Use when user mentions thermal stress, thermal expansion, or temperature causing deformation.
abaqus-contact-analysis
Analyze multi-body contact. Use when user mentions parts touching, friction between surfaces, bolt-plate contact, press fit, or assembly with contact.