After you save the model database and continue to work on your model, ABAQUS/CAE saves a model database recovery file (model_database_name.rec) containing ABAQUS Scripting Interface commands that will recreate the version of the model database in memory. The model database recovery file contains only the commands that changed the model database since you last saved it. The model database recovery file is similar to the model database journal file in that it contains only the commands that change the contents of the model database.

You usually use the recovery file to recreate a model database that was lost due to a catastrophic interruption of your ABAQUS/CAE session; for example, as a result of a loss of power to your computer. If you have not yet saved the current model database, ABAQUS/CAE creates a model database recovery file called abaqus.rec. When you restart ABAQUS/CAE, it detects the presence of a model database recovery file called abaqus.rec and asks if you want to recreate the model database before continuing.

The recovery behavior is similar after you save the model database. When you perform the save operation, ABAQUS/CAE copies the model database recovery file to a new model database journal file and deletes the recovery file. As you continue to work on your model, ABAQUS/CAE creates a new model database recovery file called model_database_name.rec. If you restart ABAQUS/CAE after a catastrophic interruption of your session, ABAQUS/CAE does not detect the presence of the model database recovery file until you open the model database called model_database_name.cae. ABAQUS/CAE then asks if you wish to restore the model database before continuing.