A contour plot displays the values of an analysis variable at a specified step and frame. ABAQUS/CAE represents the values as customized colored lines, colored bands, or colored faces on your model or as colored tick marks on lines drawn normal to your model. For more information on selecting an analysis variable, see “Selecting the primary field output variable,” Section 24.4.2. For more information on selecting a specific step and frame, see “Selecting a specific results step and frame,” Section 24.2.1. To learn how to display the minimum and maximum values associated with your contour plot, see “Customizing the legend,” Section 37.1.
To produce a contour plot:
Use the File menu to open the output database containing your analysis results.
Use the Result menu to select the following:
The step and frame to display.
The primary field output variable to display.
The deformed field output variable to display (for contours on the deformed shape only).
The quantity to plot and averaging options.
Select the plot state–independent and contour plot customization options that you want.
If your chosen field output variable includes complex numbers, select the Complex Form tab in the Result Options dialog box to control the numeric form to display.
From the main menu bar, select Plot
Contours and choose whether to plot the contours on the undeformed shape, the deformed shape, or both.
Tip:
You can also produce a contour plot using the deformed 
, undeformed 
, or superimposed 
contour tools in the toolbox.
The current viewport displays a customized contour plot of the specified field output variable at the specified step and frame of the current output database.
ABAQUS automatically refreshes your contour plot each time you click Apply in the step and frame selector, field output options, plot state–independent options, superimpose plot options (if applicable), or contour plot options dialog boxes.
