A complete ABAQUS/Explicit analysis usually consists of three distinct stages: preprocessing, simulation, and postprocessing. These three stages are linked together by files as shown below:
Preprocessing (ABAQUS/CAE)
In this stage you define the model of the physical problem and create an ABAQUS input file. The model is usually created graphically using ABAQUS/CAE or another preprocessor, although the ABAQUS input file for a simple analysis can be created directly using a text editor.
Simulation (ABAQUS/Explicit)
The simulation, which normally is run as a background process, is the stage in which ABAQUS/Explicit solves the numerical problem defined in the input file. Examples of output from a stress analysis include displacements and stresses that are stored in files ready for postprocessing. Depending on the complexity of the simulation and the power of the computer, solution time may range from seconds to days.
Postprocessing (ABAQUS/Viewer)
When the simulation has completed or while it is running, you can evaluate the results interactively using ABAQUS/Viewer or another postprocessor. ABAQUS/Viewer provides a variety of options for displaying the results, including color contour plots, animations, deformed shape plots, and X–Y plots.