Context:
If your model includes beam elements, some additional steps can be required for proper contour display. See Producing a contour plot of linear beam section stresses.
If you are plotting data from a model database, specify only the primary field variable.
Use the menu to open the model database or output database containing your model data or analysis results.
If you are plotting data from a model database, switch to the Visualization module, expand the Model Database container of the Results Tree, and select the model you want to use.
Use the menu to select the following:
- The step and frame to display (or just the step, if a model database is selected).
- The primary field output variable to display.
- The deformed field output variable to display (for contours on the deformed shape only).
- The quantity to plot and averaging options (for output databases only).
Select the plot state–independent and contour plot customization options that you want.
If your chosen field output variable includes complex numbers, select the Complex Form tab in the Result Options dialog box to control the numeric form to display. Complex form options apply only to output databases.
From the main menu bar, select and choose whether to plot the contours on the undeformed shape, the deformed shape, or both.
The current viewport displays a customized contour plot of the specified field output variable at the specified step and frame of the current output database or at the specified step of the selected model in the current model database.
Abaqus automatically refreshes your contour plot each time you click Apply in the step and frame selector, field output options, plot state–independent options, superimpose plot options (if applicable), or contour plot options dialog boxes.