An ABAQUS simulation can include any number of steps.

Implicit and explicit steps are not allowed in the same analysis job.

An analysis step is a period of “time” during which the response of the model to a specified set of loads and boundary conditions is calculated. The character of this response is determined by the particular analysis procedure used during the step.

The response of a structure in a general analysis step may be either linear or nonlinear.

The starting condition for each general step is the ending condition of the previous general step. Thus, the model's response evolves during a sequence of general steps in a simulation.

Linear perturbation steps (available only in ABAQUS/Standard) calculate the linear response of the structure to a perturbation load. The response is reported relative to the base state defined by the condition of the model at the end of the last general step.

Analyses can be restarted as long as a restart file is saved. Restart files can be used to continue an interrupted analysis or to add additional load history to the simulation.