If the current viewport contains a model plot (an undeformed, deformed, contour, symbol, or material orientation plot), ABAQUS/CAE allows you to probe results from the output database. The Probe Values dialog box identifies the step, frame, and field output variable for which ABAQUS/CAE will obtain values. If the field output variable includes complex numbers, the term “(Complex)” appears to the right of the variable name. To learn how to change the step, frame, or field output variable, see “Selecting the results step and frame,” Section 24.2, and “Selecting the primary field output variable,” Section 24.4.2.
For model plots you can choose to obtain node-based or element-based data and results, as follows:
Probing nodes
When you choose to probe nodes and position the cursor over a nodal location in the current viewport, ABAQUS/CAE highlights the node and displays its label in the Probe Values dialog box. In addition, you can choose to display any or all of the following:
the node's original coordinates,
the node's deformed coordinates (using the current deformed field output variable),
the elements sharing the node, and
the current field output variable.
You can display field output at the node whether the current primary variable was originally saved to the output database at nodal, centroidal, or integration point locations. ABAQUS/CAE calculates nodal values for centroidal and integration point data by extrapolating to the nodes and averaging according to options you select. If the node refers to unaveraged element data, all element data associated with the probed node will be displayed. For more information on averaging, see “Understanding result value averaging,” Section 24.5.2.
If the field output contains complex numbers, the value displayed and recorded is determined by the complex form specified in the Result Options dialog box. The current complex form is also recorded in parentheses next to each selected probe value. For more information on the complex form, see “Controlling the form of complex results,” Section 24.5.9.
Probing elements
When you choose to probe elements and position the cursor over an element in the current viewport, ABAQUS/CAE highlights the element and displays its label and type in the Probe Values dialog box. In addition, you can choose to display either or both of the following:
the element's connectivity, and
the current field output variable.
You can display field output at the element only if the current primary variable is an element-based variable, such as stress or strain. You can choose the output position at which field output results are calculated: integration point, centroid, element node, or element face. For each of these output positions, ABAQUS/CAE calculates probe results on an element-by-element basis with no averaging.
If the field output contains complex numbers, the value displayed and recorded is determined by the complex form specified in the Result Options dialog box. The current complex form is also recorded in parentheses next to each selected probe value. For more information on the complex form, see “Controlling the form of complex results,” Section 24.5.9.
Regardless of the render style in which the model is displayed, only visible elements can be probed. If necessary, you can create a display group to reveal otherwise unavailable interior elements.