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Symmetry > Cyclic symmetric modeling > Cyclic symmetry analysis in Abaqus

Cyclic symmetry analysis in Abaqus

In the Abaqus environment, you can use the Cyclic Symmetry simulation object to analyze the behavior of a 360° structure using cyclic symmetry based on a model of a repetitive sector.

Cyclic symmetric model with a Cyclic Symmetry object defined

Note:

A tutorial is available in the Simcenter 3D tutorial library that demonstrates how to set up and run a cyclic symmetry analysis using Multiphysics. You can run through the tutorial using the Abaqus solver. When you do, edit the FEM and set the solver to Abaqus and the analysis type to Structural. In addition, ignore the SDIST value in the Cyclic Symmetry dialog box. It is not applicable to the Abaqus Cyclic Symmetry simulation object.

To access the Simcenter 3D tutorial library, from the Quick links, select Simcenter 3D tutorials.

Supported solutions

The following Abaqus analyses support a cyclic symmetry model containing a Cyclic Symmetry simulation object:

  • Structural analysis with the Static Perturbation, Visco, or Frequency Perturbation solution types.

  • Thermal analyses with the Heat Transfer solution type.

Note:

A cyclic symmetry analysis is also supported in a Steady State Dynamics solution type in Abaqus, which Pre/Post does not support.

Post-processing cyclic symmetry analysis results

Use the Cyclic Symmetric Display Options dialog box to set up the 3D display of cyclic symmetric results, including displaying all the sectors. You access this dialog box from the Result dialog box. For more information, see Cyclic symmetric displays.

Considerations for implementing cyclic symmetry

Consider the following when defining cyclic symmetry models in the Abaqus environment.

  • You can place a Cyclic Symmetry simulation object in the initial step (solution level). Only one Cyclic Symmetry simulation object can be active in a model.

  • In a static or quasi-static analysis of a cyclic symmetric model, the following special boundary conditions apply: Initial conditionsAll applied initial conditions must be cyclic symmetric. Boundary conditionsYou can apply only one cyclic symmetric boundary conditions. You cannot apply boundary conditions to nodes on the slave cyclic symmetry surface. Loads In a static analysis, you can apply only one cyclic symmetric load.

Associated Abaqus keywords

Cyclic symmetry analysis corresponds to the Abaqus *TIE, *SURFACE, *SELECT CYCLIC SYMMETRY MODES, and *CYCLIC SYMMETRIC MODEL keywords.

For more information about cyclic symmetry, see Analysis of models that exhibit cyclic symmetry in the Abaqus Analysis User's Guide.

Where do I find it?

Cyclic symmetry solution options

Application Pre/Post
Prerequisites A Simulation file as the work part and the displayed partAbaqus as the specified solverStructural or Thermal as the specified analysis typeFor Structural, Static Perturbation, Visco, or Frequency Perturbation as the specified solution typeFor Thermal, Heat Transfer as the specified solution typeA solution containing a Cyclic Symmetry simulation object

Processing natural frequencies and corresponding eigenmodes

Application Pre/Post
Prerequisites A Simulation file as the work part and the displayed partAbaqus as the specified solverStructural as the specified analysis typeFrequency Perturbation as the specified solution typeA solution containing a Cyclic Symmetry simulation object
Location in dialog box Solution Step dialog box→Cyclic Symmetry Modes tab

Cyclic Symmetry options

Application Pre/Post
Prerequisites A Simulation file as the work part and the displayed partAbaqus as the specified solverStructural or Thermal as the specified analysis typeFor Structural, Static Perturbation, Visco, or Frequency Perturbation as the specified solution typeFor Thermal, Heat Transfer as the specified solution typeA solution containing a Cyclic Symmetry simulation object
Command Finder Cyclic Symmetry
Simulation Navigator Right-click Simulation Object container node→New Simulation Object list→Cyclic Symmetry

Cyclic Symmetry display options

Application Pre/Post
Prerequisites A Simulation file as the work part and the displayed partResults from an Abaqus cyclic symmetric solution Contour plot color display in a post view
Command Finder Set Result
Location in dialog box Result dialog box→Cyclic Symmetric Result
How do I

Define cyclic symmetry in Abaqus using the Automatic method

Define cyclic symmetry in Abaqus using the Manual method

Learn more

Defining cyclic symmetry analysis in Abaqus

Abaqus workflow—cyclic symmetric analysis

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Cyclic symmetry analysis in Abaqus, Simcenter 3D 2021.1 Series

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Source: https://docs.sw.siemens.com/en-US/doc/289054037/PL20200601120302950.advanced/xid1747645 · retrieved 2026-07-17