Abaqus python scripting: How to remove / release odb & frames objects from memory?

[Qwerty11111]

I have a odb file which is ~1.6Gb in size. It contains 1 step with 7 frames. I am writing a GUI plug-in which needs to loop through all the steps and all the frames. A cut down version of the code I use to do this is as follows:


odb = openOdb(path=self.owner.odbNameKw.getValue())

nstep = len(odb.steps)

for i in range(nstep):

stepKey = odb.steps.keys()​

nframes = len(odb.steps[stepKey].frames)​

for j in range(nframes):​

currentFrame = odb.steps[stepKey].frames[j]​

odb.close()


A the end of the procedure, there is an additional ~1.6Gb in memory. Calling odb.close() does not release it. I have tried various del statements and also garbage collection, none of which work. The memory increases each time the 'currentFrame = ' line is executed. I have also tried using 'del currentFrame', but this doesn't work either.

Any help much appreciated, as I will need to open files upto 10Gb eventually.