The Abaqus input file contains a complete description of the analysis model. It is the means of communication between the preprocessor (Abaqus/CAE, for example) and the analysis product (Abaqus/Standard or Abaqus/Explicit).

The input file contains two sections: the model data defining the structure being analyzed and the history data defining what happens to the structure.

Each section of the input file comprises a number of option blocks, each consisting of a keyword line, which may be followed by data lines.

You can perform a datacheck analysis once you have created the input file. Error and warning messages are printed to the data file. After a successful datacheck analysis, estimates of the computer resources required for the simulation are printed to the data file.

Use Abaqus/Viewer to verify the model geometry and boundary conditions graphically, using the output database file generated during the datacheck phase.

It is often easiest to check for mistakes in material properties in the data (.dat) file; geometry, loads, and boundary conditions are more easily checked with a graphical postprocessor such as Abaqus/Viewer.

Always check that the results satisfy basic engineering principles, such as equilibrium.

Abaqus/Viewer allows you to visualize analysis results graphically in a variety of ways and also allows you to write tabular data reports.

The choice between using implicit or explicit methods depends largely on the nature of the problem.