When you click the tool in the Visualization module toolbox, Abaqus/CAE enters probe mode and displays information in the Probe Values dialog box as you move the cursor over the model in the current viewport. You can also enter probe mode using the tool in the Query toolbar. Probing a model plot displays model data and analysis results; probing an X–Y plot displays X–Y curve data; and probing a model from the current model database displays the model data and the values of attributes such as loads and predefined fields. You can write this information to a file. The data table in the bottom portion of the Probe Values dialog box contains two dynamic display rows (the row immediately above the row headings and the bold data row that appears first in the table) and a series of additional storage rows. Abaqus/CAE updates the dynamic rows continuously to show the probe values as you move the cursor over the model in the current viewport, and you can change the value displayed in the top display row by clicking a column heading. Abaqus/CAE updates the table with additional rows only when you select values of interest by clicking in the viewport, specifying a node or element label, or selecting the nodes or elements in a particular display group. Values accumulate in the bottom portion of the dialog box until you delete them, clear the table, or cancel probe mode. You can also add selected values to a new display group, and you can annotate individual nodes or elements with field output values at that location. Probes of models or model plotsIf the current viewport contains a model plot (an undeformed, deformed, contour, symbol, or material orientation plot) or a model from the current model database,, Abaqus/CAE allows you to probe results from the selected model or output database. The Probe Values dialog box identifies the step, frame, and field output variable for which Abaqus/CAE will obtain values. To learn how to change the step, frame, or field output variable, see Selecting the results step and frame, and Selecting the primary field output variable. When you probe a model plot of a three-dimensional shell or a composite solid, the results that Abaqus/CAE returns depend on your choice of active location in the Section Points dialog box. Abaqus/CAE returns results from the Top Location section point when Top is the active location and returns results from the Bottom Location section point when the active location is set to Bottom or Top and bottom. For more information about section points, see Selecting section point data. For model plots you can choose to obtain node-based or element-based data and results, as follows:
X–Y plot probesIf the current viewport contains an X–Y plot, Abaqus/CAE displays as probe values the X–Y curve legend text, the sequence identification of each point within the curve, and the X- and Y-coordinates of curve points. You can choose to display only the curve points that comprise an X–Y data object or to interpolate to display arbitrary points along the curve. |