Finite element output files

Post-processing the finite element results from the steps of an analysis is possible by using standard post-processing software for the finite element program that is being used. This requires that the appropriate files are saved during the analysis.

In a crack growth analysis the user has the option of specifying the frequency at which these potentially large finite element files are saved, e.g. every 5th finite element analysis. The file types that can be saved in this way include .odb, .fil for Abaqus, .db for Ansys, .res for Finas, .t16, .t19 for MSC.Marc. Each file is saved with the f.e. step number appended to the filename e.g. turbinemodel005.t16 for mesh 5 of the analysis etc.

In this way the mesh can be assessed at each saved step. The usual array of post-processing plots can be generated and views can be saved for creating animations of crack growth.