Introduction:

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a quantitative technique for predicting how buildings and materials react to external forces such as mechanical stresses, heat, and vibration. FEA breaks a complex mechanical structure into smaller, simpler parts known as finite elements. These elements link vertically to produce a framework approximating the overall structure. FEA provides extensive information about the overall system’s behavior by solving the equations that govern each aspect.

ABAQUS, designed by Dassault Systèmes under the SIMULIA brand, is a powerful finite element analysis (FEA) software used widely in engineering and research to simulate the behavior of materials and structures under different conditions. 

ANSYS is a popular engineering simulation program built by ANSYS, Inc. that is utilized extensively across industries for finite element analysis (FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), electrical field modeling, and other purposes. 

 

Different Between ABAQUS and ANSYS Software:

 

1. Target Audience:

Here are the types of people who commonly use ABAQUS and ANSYS software:

Abaqus:

• Automotive, Mechanical, Civil, Aerospace, and other engineering Professionals use Abaqus Software to analyze how components and structures perform under different loads and situations.
• Research scholar, Mtech Students use Abaqus software to analyze difficult engineering problems for their dissertation work. 
• Abaqus is widely used for design consultancy to offer FEA Services for multiple industries like Automotive, Manufacturing, Aerospace, Energy, and other engineering Disciplines.

ANSYS:

• Design and simulation engineers use the ANSYS software to analyze and optimize designs for the strength of structures and Parts.
• Many academic colleges and universities have introduced ANSYS software to provide knowledge of ANSYS software to students with useful modeling skills.
• CAE – Computer-Aided Engineering Analytics also uses the Ansys software for different products to analyze the product performance. 
• Researchers use the software to explore innovative design concepts and materials. 

 

2. Complexity:

ABAQUS: 

ABAQUS is the flexible and more powerful tool, ABAQUS is the more difficult and may have a higher learning curve. People who require complex nonlinear analysis and modification features will find it perfect. 

ANSYS: 

On the other hand, ANSYS is simpler to use and become a master of it, especially for beginners. It is a good option for beginners because of its integrated environment, workflow-based methodology, and extensive collection of training materials. 

 

3. Industry Application supports:

ABAQUS:

Industries that need highly accurate and in-depth simulations of intricate systems and materials commonly use ABAQUS. Many engineers and industries, including aerospace, automotive, civil engineering, biomedical, energy, manufacturing, materials science, and electronics, use it as an important tool.

ANSYS:

ANSYS is an industry-spanning tool that is both powerful and flexible. It is utilized by various industries, including academia, manufacturing, consumer goods, automotive, aerospace, energy, electronics, healthcare, and construction.

 

4. Multiphysics Capabilities:

ABAQUS:

ABAQUS is the multiphysics Capabilities software, It is proficient in performing connected multiphysics simulations, including interactions between fluid and structure, electrical systems, and thermodynamics.

ANSYS:

With the help of ANSYS’s multiphysics capabilities, engineers can simulate complex interactions between various physical phenomena in great detail and precision using tools like Thermal Coupling, Fluid-Structure Interaction, Heat Transfer, Electromagnetic, etc.

 

5. Material Library:

ABAQUS:

ABAQUS provide a large material liberaty. Include various material models that accurately represent the behavior of diverse materials under different conditions like Elastic materials, Thermal Materials, Fluid Materials, etc.

ANSYS:

For reliable modeling in a variety of industries, ANSYS software provides a large range of materials and material models. To define and analyze material behavior under various conditions, ANSYS offers the tools and resources required, regardless of whether you are working with metals, plastics, composite materials, pottery, elastomers, biological materials, concrete, geomaterials, or fluids.

6. Customization:

ABAQUS:

• Python: Python is the main language used by ABAQUS for customization. Automating monotonous processes, like model setup, analysis, and post-processing, can be done with Python scripts. By building code in Python to communicate with the ABAQUS/CAE, users can adjust and enhance the capabilities of ABAQUS. Analyzing jobs, tracking their progression, and getting results can all be done with Python scripts.
• Fortran: Fortran language is commonly used for user-defined subroutines. Fortran modules UMAT (for implicit analysis) and VUMAT (for explicit analysis) can be used to build custom materials models. The UEL method can be used to build user-defined elements. ABAQUS’s functionality can be expanded by using several other subroutines, such as USDFLD for user-defined field variables and UHYPER for hyperelastic materials.

ANSYS:

• ANSYS APDL: APDL – ANSYS Parametric Design Language. Users may automate and personalize their ANSYS models with APDL, a powerful programming language. It is used in the definition of model geometry, loads, solution possibilities, and result post-processing.
• Python: The ANSYS Workbench environment uses Python programming to automate processes and personalize workflows. An API for Python programming is offered by ANSYS, allowing users to manage several components of the simulation process.
• ANSYS Customization Toolkit: ANSYS Mechanical and ANSYS Workbench environments can be customized by ACT using Python. Users can design unique user experiences, process automation tools, and modules with it.

 

Also Read: Ansys Simulation Software: Detailed Guide 

 

7. Licensing and Expense:

ABAQUS:

• Cost: The cost to purchase ABAQUS software is cost ranges from $20,000 to $50,000 per seat. The low cost of ABAQUS software starts from a few thousand dollars.

License: 

• One-time purchase cost with the option of a yearly maintenance fee (usually 20% of the license cost) for support and updates.
• An annual cost per seat could range from $10,000 to $20,000 per seat. Token-Based Licensing: This type of flexible licensing allows customers to buy tokens that they can use to access various modules and features as needed.

ANSYS:

• Cost: The cost of ANSYS Software depends on various tools, but the average range of ANSYS software costs is range from $20,000 to $60,000 per seat.

 License: 

• One-time payments- Same as ABAQUS software you can purchase ANSYS software on a one-time purchase with a yearly maintainable fee of around 20% of the license cost. 
• An Annual Subscription- There are also annual subscription options that range from $10,000 to $30,000 per seat. 
• Short-term License- ANSYS software gives you the option to purchase software quarterly or yearly. 
• Token-Based License- Similar to ABAQUS, ANSYS also has a based license option where you can buy a token that they can use to access various modules.

 

Also Read: Simuia Abaqus Software: A Detailed Guide

 

9. Community and Support:

Users can benefit from the variety of customer support and training materials offered by ANSYS and ABAQUS (SimuliA by Dassault Systèmes) to ensure proper software utilization. Here is some support:

• Customer Support: In ABAQUS, Dassault Systèmes provides worldwide customer service. Users can send support tickets, read documentation, receive assistance with technical issues, and also provide additional support to specific regions and industries. ANSYS, offers specialized support teams to help with technical problems, setting up software, and testing.
• Training and Certificate: Classes and online courses covering a variety of courses like Abaqus Training and Ansys Training, for various skill ranges. ANSYS offers certification examinations to identify and certify users’ performance in a variety of ANSYS products, whereas Dassault Systèmes offers certification programs in ABAQUS to verify users’ abilities and knowledge.

 

Which software is the right choice?

Abaqus is the right choice for:

• If you are working in Material behavior, contact analysis, and nonlinear structural mechanics 
• More complex modeling and simulations you want to perform with efficiency and accuracy are important. 
• For complex circumstances, you must utilize procedures to give the user flexibility and control. 

Ansys is the right choice for:

• You require a tool that is flexible for modeling a wide range of physical reactions other than structural mechanics. 
• Having a lot of customization choices is important for your method.
• Attention should be given to user-friendliness, particularly for beginners.
• The primary focus is on multiphysics simulations.

Do You Need Help selecting the right software for your FEA Training?

You can get expert guidance from the PIGSO LEARNING industry and academic professionals and educators. PIGSO LEARNING offers live professional certification training programs, online courses, and project assistance training for research projects on ABAQUS and ANSYS Software for specific engineering fields like Structural, Geotechnical, Aerospace, Automotive, etc. 

Conclusion:

The above blog post content helps you to select which FEA Software is better depending on the needs of your projects and your level of software expertise. You can contact us for any kind of help to get more information about the softwares also.