Using the shortest path method to partition faces

You can partition selected faces with a line or curve that forms the shortest possible path between two selected points.

Related Topics
Partitioning techniques
Methods for partitioning faces

Context:

The points can be vertices, midpoints, arc-centers, or datum points. The path will be curved if a face being partitioned is not planar, as shown in the following figure:

  1. From the main menu bar, select ToolsPartition.

    The Create Partition dialog box appears. Abaqus/CAE displays prompts in the prompt area to guide you through the procedure.

    Tip: You can also use the shortest path method to partition faces using the tool, located with the partition face tools in the module toolbox. For a diagram of the partition tools in the toolbox, see Using the Partition toolset.

  2. From the Type radio buttons at the top of the dialog box, choose Face.

    The Method list displays the methods that you can use to partition a face.

  3. From the list of methods, select Shortest path between 2 points.

  4. If the part or assembly contains more than one face, select the faces to partition. You can use a combination of drag select, ShiftClick, CtrlClick, and the angle method to select more than one face to partition. For more information, see Selecting objects within the current viewport.

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

    Abaqus/CAE highlights the selected faces.

  5. Select the vertices, midpoints, arc-centers, or datum points defining the start and end of the path.

    Abaqus/CAE highlights the points.

  6. In the prompt area, click Create Partition.

    Abaqus/CAE creates the partition.