As per traditions and timeline, here we are to introduce the new functionalities and fixes in the 2026x release of the 3DExperience platform. This series has three blogs: Structural model creation, Scenarios & Results and Fluids. We begin with the structural model creation.
Analytical Expressions for loads and BC’s: This feature has been a missing piece of puzzle for long especially for users transitioned from Abaqus CAE to the 3DX platform. It’s there and users can now define an analytical expression in a global or local coordinate system, both cartesian and cylindrical, to apply spatially varying pressure loads. The spatially varying load can also be visualized in its 3D perspective in the viewport. A few common applications are the wind pressure loads and hydrostatic pressure loads. 2025xFD01
CEL Adaptive Mesh Refinement: The CEL was introduced in 2024x FD03 release of 3DX with some baseline functionalities. This is the first feature upgrade in CEL and it’s a standard feature of Abaqus CEL. The adaptive mesh refinement generates a finer mesh at the boundary of Eulerian and Lagrangian domain for higher fidelity and better surface visualization of transient fluidic behavior. Its defined in the advanced section of the Eulerian property definition.
Eulerian Mesh Motion: Generally, Eulerian mesh does not deform with the fluid. The fluid moves through the mesh. However, if fluid domain is very large and actual fluid size is smaller, then the compute time can be reduced. This is done by defining a smaller fluid domain and allowing it to move with the fluid. 2025x FD04
FEM Level Element Type: The element types, both global and local can now be defined at FEM level in the structural model creation app. That saves time in situations where multiple scenario cases use the same FEM. Please note to deactivate the automatic creation of global element types in the common scenario section of App preferences.
Partition HEX Mesh Functionality: This one is trivial. The hex meshing algorithm has been optimized to include more complex geometries for full hex meshing. That does not obviate the need for partitioning. However, partitioning has been made easier to achieve a full hex mesh. 2025xFD01
Initial Imperfections: Geometric imperfections have always been tough to introduce because traditionally they are applied to the geometry which makes meshing a challenge as such geometric features do not scale well with the dimensions of overall model. Now the geometric imperfections can be applied at the model scenario level instead of geometry. The process involves two simulation objects: one in which imperfection exists as results and the other in which imperfection is defined as initial condition using the previous results. An example is utilization of weld line results in plastic injection molding simulation as an initial imperfection in subsequent structural analysis simulation. These two simulations can be defined as two cases in a single simulation object or they may be two separate simulation objects. 2025xFD02
Iterative Solver: The direct sparse solver is the default for Abaqus. However, very large models with direct solver are memory intensive and may not be suitable in case of storage crunch. Iterative solver is now supported in 3DX as an alternative. 2025x FD02
Results while solving: There are two modes of job launch. First is Local interactive in which job progress can be monitored but UI is locked so neither results can be viewed nor user can work on another model. Second is local non interactive in which job progress cannot by tracked but UI is unlocked. In this release, results can be visualized in local interactive mode so user can make a judgement about the feasibility of the model in real time instead of waiting for analysis to be completed. However, modification to the model itself cannot be saved while its solving. That makes sense. 2025xFD03
Field Expression Manager: Like analytical expressions in the loads and BC’s, field expressions can be used to create a custom field output using expressions that are defined using arithmetic operations on different result frames. For example, a situation in which a forming step is followed by a spring back step. Relative deformation of spring back can be computed by an analytical expression that subtracts frame of forming displacement from frame of total displacement. 2025xFD01
Integrated Section Output: It’s a feature to get forces transmitted through a section. Reaction forces are available as default output but only at the supports. This update allows users to get forces through any arbitrary cross section through solids, shells or beams. An integrated output section definition is required followed by an integrated output which is a type of history output. 2025xFD02
Neutral Fiber: Some good news for beam modeling users. The solids created through revolve features can now be easily approximated with beams. The neutral fiber can be defined for such solids which is ideally a spline passing through the centerline and it can be used as support for beam modeling. 2026xGA
Connector Traceability: This feature is a strong debugging tool. In the solving phase, the solver creates many node-based or element-based sets and surfaces with arbitrary names and print solver messages related to these entities. Any additional entities generated during solving related to connectors will now have the connector name in it so the user can comprehend the solver debugging messages with ease. 2026x GA
Combined Loads: This has been a much awaited primarily by Abaqus CAE users now on the 3DX platform. In earlier releases, the X, Y and Z directions of loads and BC’s each required a separate definition. Now, all the three directional values can be defined simultaneously in a single form. 2026x GA
That’s all for the structural model creation. However, there is lot more on other apps: structural scenario & results, fluid dynamics engineer and plastics injection engineer. Stay tuned for more.
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