The ABAQUS input file contains a complete description of the analysis model. It is the means of communication between the preprocessor (ABAQUS/CAE) and the analysis product (ABAQUS/Standard).

The input file contains two sections: the model data defining the structure being analyzed and the history data defining what happens to the structure.

Each section of the input file comprises a number of option blocks, each consisting of a keyword line, which may be followed by data lines.

You can perform a datacheck analysis once you have created the input file. Error and warning messages are printed to the data file. After a successful datacheck analysis, estimates of the computer resources required for the simulation are printed to the data file.

Use ABAQUS/Viewer to verify the model geometry and boundary conditions graphically, using the output database file generated during the datacheck phase.

It is often easiest to check for mistakes in material properties in the data (.dat) file; geometry, loads, and boundary conditions are more easily checked with a graphical postprocessor such as ABAQUS/Viewer.

To run the analysis after a successful datacheck analysis without repeating the datacheck phase, use the following command: abaqus job=<jobname> continue.

Tables of results are printed in the data file. The output database file contains results for graphical postprocessing with ABAQUS/Viewer.

Always check that the results satisfy basic engineering principles, such as equilibrium.

ABAQUS/Viewer allows you to visualize analysis results graphically in a variety of ways.