Creating parametric equations

Parametric equations are mathematical expressions relating different quantities in a sketch. The Expression Builder helps you create parametric equations using the parameters in your sketch. For example, if you want the width of a Sketcher object to be twice its length, you can associate the dimensions with parameters and use the Expression Builder to create the parametric equation w⁢i⁢d⁢t⁢h=2*l⁢e⁢n⁢g⁢t⁢h.

Related Topics
Adding and editing parameters
Editing dimensions
Customizing the format and use of dimensions in the Sketcher

Context:

You can use the following operators to create parametric equations:

Mathematical operations:
+ Add.
− Subtract.
* Multiply.
/ Divide.
1/A Divide 1 by the parameter, value, or expression.
abs(A) Take the absolute value of the parameter, value, or expression.
sqrt(A) Take the square root of the parameter, value, or expression.
Trigonometric operations:
cos(A) Take the cosine of the parameter, value, or expression.
acos(A) Take the arccosine of the parameter, value, or expression.
cosh(A) Take the hyperbolic cosine of the parameter, value, or expression.
sin(A) Take the sine of the parameter, value, or expression.
asin(A) Take the arcsine of the parameter, value, or expression.
sinh(A) Take the hyperbolic sine of the parameter, value, or expression.
tan(A) Take the tangent of the parameter, value, or expression. 
atan(A) Take the arctangent of the parameter, value, or expression. 
tanh(A) Take the hyperbolic tangent of the parameter, value, or expression.
Logarithmic and exponential operations:
exp(A) Take the exponential of the parameter, value, or expression.
log(A) Take the natural log of the parameter, value, or expression.
log10(A) Take the base 10 log of the parameter, value, or expression.

  1. With an expression highlighted in the Parameter Manager, click Expression Builder.

    Abaqus/CAE opens the Expression Builder dialog box.

  2. From the Operators list, select the desired operation.

    The operator appears within the expression window.

  3. From the Parameter Name choices, click the name of the parameter on which to operate and click Add to Expression. You can choose from all parameters that appear above the parameter that you are defining in the Parameter Manager.

    The parameter name appears within the expression window.

  4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 as needed to complete the expression. In some cases you may need to reposition the cursor to correctly place the next portion of the expression.

  5. When you are finished, click OK to save your changes and to close the dialog box.

    Abaqus/CAE updates the expression and the current value in the Parameter Manager.