For line- and banded-type contour plots, element results are extrapolated and conditionally averaged from the element centroids or integration points to the nodes to create the plots. You can use the Result Options dialog box to control how ABAQUS/CAE applies averaging to a model. One option allows you to compute invariants (scalars) and extract components after averaging the results at each node; when you choose to compute the results in this order, ABAQUS/CAE also averages the vector or tensor orientations at the nodes. Under the Other tab of the Contour Plot Options dialog box, toggle Show nodal-averaged vector/tensor orientations when computing scalars after averaging to display or suppress the averaged orientations on the contour plot. When this option is enabled, ABAQUS/CAE draws a triad at each node indicating the nodal-averaged orientation for the plotted vector or tensor. By default, the 1-axis appears in teal, the 2-axis appears in yellow, and the 3-axis appears in red. You can use the same procedures described in “Customizing material orientation plot triads,” Section 28.4.1, to customize the appearance of these triads.

If you choose to compute scalars prior to averaging the results at the nodes, orientations are not averaged and do not appear in your contour plot.