Abaqus Job Skill

This skill creates, submits, and monitors Abaqus analysis jobs. Use it when the model is ready to run.

When to Use This Skill

Route here when user says:

• "Run the analysis", "Submit the job", "Execute the model"
• "Generate input file", "Create INP file"
• "Run in parallel", "Check job status"

Route elsewhere:

• Reading results after completion → /abaqus-odb
• Setting up the model → use other module skills

Prerequisites

Before job submission:

1. Model is complete (geometry, material, mesh, BCs, loads, step)
2. Model saved to .cae file
3. No validation errors

Workflow: Running an Analysis

Step 1: Save the Model

Always save before creating a job. The .cae file must exist.

Step 2: Create the Job

Specify job name and model name. They can differ.

Step 3: Choose Submission Mode

User Wants	Action
Run analysis and wait	Submit with waitForCompletion
Generate INP only (no run)	writeInput
Run in background	Submit without waiting
Run from command line	abaqus job=Name interactive

Step 4: Wait and Monitor

For interactive submission, monitor status until COMPLETED or ABORTED.

Step 5: Check Results

If COMPLETED, results are in .odb file. If ABORTED, check .msg file.

Key Decisions

Submit vs Write Input?

Goal	Method
Run analysis now	submit()
Only create INP file	writeInput()
Run later from CLI	writeInput, then abaqus job=Name

Parallel Processing

Scenario	Setting
Small model / Learning Edition	numCpus=1
Large model, multi-core	numCpus=N, numDomains=N
Single machine	mp_mode=THREADS
Cluster	mp_mode=MPI

What to Ask User

If unclear, ask:

• "Ready to run the analysis?"
• "How many CPUs for parallel?"
• "Just need the input file, or run the analysis?"

Output Files

Extension	Content
.odb	Results database (use /abaqus-odb to read)
.dat	Printed output (nodal values, summaries)
.msg	Solver messages - check this if job fails
.sta	Status file (increment progress)
.inp	Input file (model definition)
.lck	Lock file (exists while job runs)

Troubleshooting

Status/Error	Meaning	Solution
COMPLETED	Success	Proceed to /abaqus-odb
ABORTED	Failed	Check .msg file for error
License not available	No tokens	Wait or check license server
Memory error	Model too large	Increase memory or coarsen mesh
.lck file exists	Stale lock	Delete if job is not running

Validation Checklist

Before submitting:

• Model saved (.cae exists)
• Job name specified
• Model name matches saved model
• CPUs set appropriately

Code Patterns

For API syntax and code examples, see:

• API Quick Reference
• Common Patterns
• Troubleshooting Guide