Methods for creating a datum axis

The following methods are available:

Principal axis

Select one of the three principal axes with which the datum axis must be colinear, as shown in Figure 1. For detailed instructions, see Creating a datum axis along a principal axis.

Figure 1. Defining a datum axis as one of the three principal axes.

Intersection of 2 planes

Select two non-parallel planar surfaces. Abaqus/CAE creates the datum axis where the two planes (or extensions of the two planes) intersect, as shown in Figure 2. For detailed instructions, see Creating a datum axis along the intersection of two planes.

Figure 2. Defining a datum axis as the intersection of two planes.

Straight edge

Select a straight edge on the model with which the datum axis must be colinear, as shown in Figure 3. For detailed instructions, see Creating a datum axis along a straight edge.

Figure 3. Defining a datum axis as a straight edge on the model.

2 points

Select any two points on the model through which the datum axis must pass, as shown in Figure 4. For detailed instructions, see Creating a datum axis through two points.

Figure 4. Defining a datum axis by selecting two points.

Axis of cylinder

Select a cylindrical face on the model. Abaqus/CAE creates a datum axis that lies along the axis of the cylindrical face, as shown in Figure 5. For detailed instructions, see Creating a datum axis along the axis of a cylinder.

Figure 5. Defining a datum axis as the axis of a cylinder.

Normal to plane, thru point

Select a plane and a point that is not on the plane. Abaqus/CAE creates a datum axis that is normal to the plane and passes through the point, as shown in Figure 6. For detailed instructions, see Creating a datum axis normal to a plane and passing through a point.

Figure 6. Defining a datum axis by selecting a point and a plane.

Parallel to line, thru point

Select an edge of the model and a point outside the edge. Abaqus/CAE creates a datum axis that is parallel to the edge and passes through the point, as shown in Figure 7. For detailed instructions, see Creating a datum axis parallel to a line and passing through a point.

Figure 7. Defining a datum axis by selecting a point and an edge.

3 points on circle

Select three points on the model that define a circle. Abaqus/CAE creates a datum axis along the axis of the circle, as shown in Figure 8. For detailed instructions, see Creating a datum axis running along the axis of a circle defined by three points.

Figure 8. Defining a datum axis as the axis of a circle.

Rotate from line

Select an edge and an axis of rotation, and specify the angle through which the edge will be rotated. Abaqus/CAE creates a datum axis by rotating the edge about the axis through the specified angle, as shown in Figure 9. For detailed instructions, see Creating a datum axis by rotating an existing edge through a specified angle.

Figure 9. Defining a datum axis by rotating an edge through a specified angle.