Adding reference geometry

When you sketch the profile of a feature, Abaqus/CAE projects onto the sketch sheet the part edges and vertices that are in the same plane as the sketch plane. In addition, Abaqus/CAE projects all datum axes and datum points onto the sketch sheet. These projected lines and points are called reference geometry, and you can use them for reference while sketching. If you want to use other edges and vertices, including orphan element edges and orphan nodes, you must project them onto the sketch plane as reference geometry by selecting AddReferences from the main menu bar. Alternatively, if you want to create new sketch edges from existing model edges, you can select AddEdges from the main menu bar (for more information, see Projecting edges onto a sketch).

Related Topics
Reference geometry
Projecting edges onto a sketch

  1. From the Sketcher toolbox, select the Project References tool . For a diagram of the tools in the Sketcher toolbox, see The Sketcher tools.

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

  2. Select the edges, vertices, orphan element edges, and orphan nodes you want to project onto the sketch plane as reference geometry.

  3. Click mouse button 2 when you have finished making selections.

    Abaqus/CAE creates isolated points for the projected reference vertices and nodes and creates reference edges for the geometric and orphan element edges.