26.3 Producing a deformed shape plot

A deformed plot displays the shape of your model at a specified step and frame of the analysis results, according to the values of the deformed field variable. For more information on selecting a step and frame, see Selecting a specific results step and frame, Section 24.2.1. For more information on selecting a deformed field variable, see Selecting the deformed field output variable, Section 24.3.3. To learn how to display the minimum and maximum values associated with your deformed plot, see Customizing the legend, Section 38.1.

To produce a deformed shape plot:

  1. Use the File menu to open the output database containing your analysis results.

  2. Use the Result menu to select the following:

    1. The step and frame at which ABAQUS obtains values.

    2. The deformed field variable for which ABAQUS obtains values. The variables that have been saved during the analysis are available.

    3. The numeric form in which ABAQUS displays complex number results.

  3. Select the plot mode-independent and deformed plot customization options that you want.

  4. From the main menu bar, select PlotDeformed Shape.

    Tip:  You can also produce a deformed plot using the tool in the toolbox.

    The current viewport displays a customized deformed plot of the specified deformation field variable at the specified step and frame of the output database. The state block, if active, changes to show the name of the variable displayed. ABAQUS/CAE is now in the deformed plot mode.

    In this mode ABAQUS automatically refreshes your deformed plot each time you click Apply in the results, plot mode-independent, or deformed plot options dialog boxes. The current viewport will remain in the deformed plot mode until you produce a plot in some other (e.g., undeformed, contour) mode.