Abaqus (Dassault SIMULIA)
French finite element analysis suite from Dassault Systèmes SIMULIA, known for nonlinear implicit and explicit simulation
Quick Overview
| Company | Dassault Systèmes SE (SIMULIA) |
|---|---|
| Category | Engineering Simulation (CAE/FEA) |
| Headquarters | Vélizy-Villacoublay, France |
| Founded | Not stated |
| EU Presence | Yes - France (EU) |
| Data Location | Installed on your hardware, or via 3DEXPERIENCE cloud simulation |
| Open Source | No |
| GDPR Compliant | Yes |
| Self-Hosting | Yes - installed software |
| Main Features | Implicit and explicit FEA, nonlinear contact, large deformation, material failure, thermal analysis, automatic time stepping, 3DEXPERIENCE integration |
| Pricing | Pricing on request |
| Best For | Large manufacturers with demanding nonlinear structural simulation |
| Replaces | Ansys Mechanical, Ansys LS-DYNA |
Detailed Review
Abaqus is a general finite element solver that SIMULIA positions around nonlinear problems: large deformation, contact between parts, rubbers and plastics, impact, vibration, thermal effects and material failure. The product page describes both implicit and explicit solvers.
SIMULIA is part of Dassault Systèmes, whose privacy policy names Dassault Systèmes S.E. in Vélizy-Villacoublay, France, as the contact for Europe and the UK.
Nonlinear Analysis
The Abaqus page stresses nonlinear responses, including buckling and collapse of lightweight structures, soft materials such as rubbers and plastics, and general contact. Automatic time stepping chooses and adjusts increments in nonlinear static, dynamic and heat transfer problems.
Large models are handled with the high-performance features of modern computers.
Platform Context
SIMULIA topics include 3DEXPERIENCE cloud simulation, connected systems simulation and unified modelling and simulation. Abaqus therefore fits teams already working in the Dassault ecosystem.
Teams outside the Dassault ecosystem should check how Abaqus fits their existing CAD and data tools.
Commercial Terms
SIMULIA publishes no prices for Abaqus on the pages checked; access is through sales contact. Contracting entities differ by region, since the Dassault privacy policy lists separate local entities for Asia Pacific and other regions.
European customers should confirm the exact Dassault entity on the quote.
Limitations to Consider
Abaqus is enterprise software with no public pricing and a sales-led purchase. It is a large vendor with regional contracting entities, so a European buyer must verify that the contract is with the French SE and not a non-European subsidiary. The learning curve and ecosystem dependence are significant, and smaller teams will find SimScale or code_aster easier to start with.
Who Should Use Abaqus (Dassault SIMULIA)
Aerospace, automotive and industrial manufacturers that need validated nonlinear FEA and already use Dassault tools.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Implicit and explicit solvers
- Strong on contact and material nonlinearity
- Automatic time stepping
- Integration with 3DEXPERIENCE
- French parent company
Cons
- No public pricing
- Enterprise sales process
- Ecosystem dependency
- Regional contract entities vary
Alternatives to Abaqus (Dassault SIMULIA)
Other European engineering simulation (cae/fea) worth comparing before you decide:
SimScale
Germany · Cloud simulation for CFD, structural and thermal analysis in a browser
Quanscient
Finland · Cloud multiphysics solver with all physics and unlimited users
COMSOL
Sweden · Multiphysics platform with one interface and add-on modules
code_aster
France · Open-source structural and thermal solver from EDF R&D
See all European engineering simulation (cae/fea) or compare them directly against Ansys Mechanical on our alternatives page.
Frequently Asked Questions
It belongs to SIMULIA, part of Dassault Systèmes SE, a French company. Check which regional Dassault entity signs your contract.
Nonlinear problems such as contact, large deformation, soft materials and failure, with implicit and explicit solvers.
The pages checked do not publish prices. Quotes come from Dassault Systèmes or a reseller.