Rotating part or model instances

Select InstanceRotate from the main menu bar to rotate selected part or model instances about a selected axis.

To rotate a three-dimensional instance, you must select two points that define the axis about which the instance will rotate. To rotate a two-dimensional instance, you must select a single point about which the instance will rotate. You cannot rotate axisymmetric instances. If the rotation conflicts with a previous position constraint (for example, a constraint that aligns two faces), Abaqus/CAE displays an error message and the rotation fails.

See Also
Using the Constraint menu
Creating the assembly

Context:

When you create the first instance in the assembly, Abaqus/CAE displays a graphic indicating the origin and orientation of the assembly's global coordinate system. You can use this graphic to help you decide how to rotate your part and model instances. In addition, you can use the Query toolset to review the sum of the translations and rotations previously applied to an instance and the distance between selected vertices. Rotations and translations are not considered features of the assembly and cannot be edited or deleted.

  1. From the main menu bar, select InstanceRotate.

    Tip: You can also rotate an instance using the tool from the Assembly module toolbox. For a diagram of the tools in the Assembly toolbox, see Using the Assembly module toolbox.

    Abaqus/CAE displays prompts in the prompt area to guide you through the procedure.

  2. From the assembly, select the part or model instances to rotate. You can also click Instances on the right of the prompt area and select the instances to rotate from the dialog box that appears.

    Tip: If you are unable to select the desired instance, you can use the Selection toolbar to change the selection behavior. For more information, see Using the selection options.

    You can use a combination of CtrlClick and ShiftClick to select multiple instances.

    Abaqus/CAE highlights the selected instances.

  3. Specify the axis of rotation using one of the following methods:
    • Select an axis or linear edge from the viewport.
    • Select the start and end points of the rotation vector. You can select any existing vertices or datum points, or you can enter the coordinates in the text box in the prompt area. If you want to enter coordinates for a coordinate system other than the global coordinate system, click Select on the right side of the prompt area and select a local coordinate system. By default, the coordinate system applied to the start point is also applied to the end point.
  4. In the text box that appears in the prompt area, enter the angle of rotation. A positive angle indicates a counterclockwise rotation; a negative angle indicates a clockwise rotation.

    Abaqus/CAE displays a temporary image indicating the rotation that will be applied to the selected instances. You cannot edit or delete a rotation after it is applied. Attempting to rotate an instance may result in a conflict with existing position constraints. If a conflict occurs, Abaqus/CAE displays an error message and the rotation fails.

  5. Do one of the following:
    1. If you are satisfied that the rotation is correct, click OK in the prompt area.

      Abaqus/CAE rotates the instance and positions it at the same location as the temporary image of the instance.

    2. If you are not satisfied with the rotation, click the Previous button ( ) and specify a new rotation.
    3. Click ( ) to cancel the procedure.