1.1. Installation#

To get started to use Abaqus-SwiftComp GUI on your local machine, you just need to unzip the distribution package into a folder of your own choice. For convenience, we will refer to this folder as SC_ABQ_GUI_HOME=<your_path_to>/msg-abaqus-toolkit in the following.

The starting file SwiftCompGUI (both script and shortcut) is located in the {SC_ABQ_GUI_HOME}/scripts folder, with two versions for Python 2 and Python 3. Choose the one compatible with your Abaqus version. According to Abaqus documentation,

  • Abaqus 2024 and later uses Python 3.

    • {SC_ABQ_GUI_HOME}/scripts/py3

    • This version is tested based on Abaqus 2025.

  • Abaqus 2023 and earlier uses Python 2.

    • {SC_ABQ_GUI_HOME}/scripts/py2

    • This version is tested based on Abaqus 2016 (6.16).

1.1.1. Start the GUI#

There are three ways to trigger this command:

1. Shortcut#

In {SC_ABQ_GUI_HOME}/scripts/{py2|py3}, double click the shortcut Abaqus-SwiftComp GUI to launch it.

2. Command line#

Open a command line window, navigate to {SC_ABQ_GUI_HOME}/scripts/{py2|py3}, and run the command

abaqus cae -custom SwiftCompGUI

3. Full integration#

In this way, user can start the GUI and work anywhere. Several steps are needed:

  1. Let Abaqus locate the package.

    • For Abaqus 2020 and later:

      • Add the path {SC_ABQ_GUI_HOME}/scripts/{py2|py3} to the variable plugin_central_dir in abaqus_v6.env, e.g.,

        plugin_central_dir = "{SC_ABQ_GUI_HOME}/scripts/{py2|py3};<other_directories>"

    • For Abaqus 2019 and earlier:

      • Add the path {SC_ABQ_GUI_HOME}/scripts/py2 to the PYTHONPATH in abaqus.aev of Abaqus. This file is usually located at :<your_abaqus_home_directory>\SMA\site. Insert the full path just before :$PYTHONPATH at the end. Pay attention to the direction of the slash.

  2. Add a custom command to Abaqus. Open file abaqus.app in a text editor, which is usually located at <your_abaqus_home_directory>\SMA\site. Append

    swiftcomp cae –custom SwiftCompGUI

    at the end of the command list.

  3. To start the GUI, type abaqus swiftcomp in the command prompt.

Once the GUI is launched, you should see the SwiftComp toolbar in the main window.

../_images/toolbar.png

Figure 1.1.1.1 SwiftComp toolbar.#

Note

If the toolbar does not show up, please go to the menu View > Toolbars > SwiftComp to activate it.