Abaqus2Matlab: A suitable tool for finite element post-processing. (March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Papazafeiropoulos, George; Muñiz-Calvente, Miguel; Martínez-Pañeda, Emilio
• Is Part Of: Advances in engineering software. Volume 105(2017)
• Page Start: 9
• Page End: 16
• Publication Date: 2017-03
• Subjects: Abaqus2Matlab -- Post-processing -- Finite Element Method -- Weibull stress model -- Inverse analysis; Computer-aided engineering -- Periodicals; Engineering -- Computer programs -- Periodicals; Engineering -- Software -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 620.0028553
• DOI: 10.1016/j.advengsoft.2017.01.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0965-9978

Abstract

Highlights: For the first time, a program is proposed to connect Abaqus and Matlab. The toolbox is made freely available; source code, documentation and tutorials can be downloaded fromwww.abaqus2matlab.com . The software architecture and usage are appropriately described and two problems of particular interest are addressed to demonstrate its capabilities. A new method is proposed to assess cleavage fracture through a 3-parameter Weibull approach without any a priori assumptions. A novel inverse optimization methodology is presented to estimate cohesive zone parameters. Abstract: A suitable piece of software is presented to connect Abaqus, a sophisticated finite element package, with Matlab, the most comprehensive program for mathematical analysis. This interface between these well-known codes not only benefits from the image processing and the integrated graph-plotting features of Matlab but also opens up new opportunities in results post-processing, statistical analysis and mathematical optimization, among many other possibilities. The software architecture and usage are appropriately described and two problems of particular engineering significance are addressed to demonstrate its capabilities. Firstly, the software is employed to assess cleavage fracture through a novel 3-parameter Weibull probabilistic framework. Then, its potential to create and train neural networks is used to identify damage parameters through a hybrid experimental–numerical scheme, and model crack propagation in structural materials by means of a cohesive zone approach. The source code, detailed documentation and a large number of tutorials can be freely downloaded fromwww.abaqus2matlab.com .