Context: When you create the first instance,Abaqus/CAE displays a graphic symbol indicating the origin and orientation of the assembly's global coordinate system. This symbol is a datum coordinate system. If desired, you can hide it using the assembly display options; for more information, see Controlling datum display. By default, Abaqus/CAE creates dependent part instances. A dependent instance is only a pointer to the geometry of the original part. As a result, many operations are not allowed on a dependent part instance; for example, you cannot add partitions, create virtual topology, or mesh the instance. In contrast, an independent part instance is a copy of the geometry of the original part. You can perform most operations on an independent instance; for example, you can add partitions, create virtual topology, and mesh the instance. You cannot create both an independent and a dependent instance of the same part. You can select a part instance from the Model Tree and change it from independent to dependent or vice versa. For more information, see What is the difference between a dependent and an independent part instance?. When you create an instance, by default Abaqus/CAE positions the instance so that the origin of the original geometry aligns with the origin of the assembly coordinate system. When you create multiple instances, a new instance can be positioned over an existing instance. However, if you toggle on Auto-offset from other instances in the Create Instance dialog box, Abaqus/CAE translates each new instance along the X–axis until it does not overlap any existing instances. If the assembly is axisymmetric, Abaqus/CAE translates the new instance along the axis of revolution instead of along the X–axis. |