Abaqus/Standard
and
Abaqus/Explicit
are capable of solving a wide variety of problems. The characteristics of
implicit and explicit procedures determine which method is appropriate for a
given problem.
For those problems that can be solved with either method, the
efficiency with which the problem can be solved can determine which product to
use. Understanding the characteristics of implicit and explicit procedures will
help you answer this question.
Comparison of implicit and explicit procedures
lists the key differences between the analysis products, which are discussed in
detail in the relevant chapters in this guide.
Table 1. Key differences between
Abaqus/Standard
and
Abaqus/Explicit.
Quantity
Abaqus/Standard
Abaqus/Explicit
Element library
Offers an extensive element library.
Offers an extensive library of elements well suited
for explicit analyses. The elements available are a subset of those available
in
Abaqus/Standard.
Analysis procedures
General and linear perturbation procedures are
available.
General procedures are available.
Material models
Offers a wide range of material models.
Similar to those available in
Abaqus/Standard;
a notable difference is that failure material models are allowed.
Contact formulation
Has a robust capability for solving contact
problems.
Has a robust contact functionality that readily
solves even the most complex contact simulations.
Solution technique
Uses a stiffness-based solution technique that is
unconditionally stable.
Uses an explicit integration solution technique that
is conditionally stable.
Disk space and memory
Due to the large numbers of iterations possible in
an increment, disk space and memory usage can be large.
Disk space and memory usage is typically much
smaller than that for
Abaqus/Standard.