Creating linear patterns of objects

Use the linear pattern tool from the Sketcher toolbox to create a linear pattern of selected Sketcher objects. You can create a pattern that extends in one direction (for example, horizontally or vertically), or you can create a pattern that extends in two directions (for example, both horizontally and vertically). You can specify the following:

  • The number of copies to create in each direction, including the selected objects. You can create a maxium of 1000 copies.

  • The spacing between each copy along the specified direction.

  • A line that defines the direction along which Abaqus/CAE generates the copies.

By default, Abaqus/CAE creates three copies in the positive X-direction and two copies in the positive Y-direction. The default spacing is 10% of the sketch sheet size. If you change the default settings, Abaqus/CAE retains those values while you work on the sketch. However, after you exit the Sketcher, Abaqus/CAE reverts to the original defaults. You cannot edit a pattern after you create it.

Related Topics
Copying sketch objects to create patterns
Modifying objects
Undoing and redoing sketching actions

  1. From the Sketcher toolbox, select the linear pattern 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 objects that you want to copy. Both sketch and construction geometry can be copied; reference geometry and dimensions cannot be copied.

    Tip: To select more than one object, hold down the Shift key as you click each object or drag a rectangle around the objects. To unselect an object, use CtrlClick. For more information, see Selecting objects within the viewport.”

  3. Click mouse button 2 to indicate that you have finished selecting objects.

    Abaqus/CAE displays the Create Linear Pattern dialog box.

  4. From the Create Linear Pattern dialog box, configure the pattern in Direction-1 (by default, Direction-1 is the X-direction in the current grid rotation):

    1. Click the arrows to the right of Number to increase or decrease the number of copies to create, including the selected objects. The number of copies in the Sketch updates when you click the arrows and provides a preview of the setting.

      Alternatively, you can type in a number and press Enter to preview the setting. You can enter any number between 1 and 1000. If you enter a value of 1, Abaqus/CAE displays only the selected objects and does not create any copies of the selected objects; in effect, you are disabling copies in Direction-1.

    2. Enter the Spacing between each copy along the specified direction.
    3. By default, Abaqus/CAE creates the copies in a horizontal direction. If you want to change the direction in which Abaqus/CAE creates the copies, click Angle and select a line from the Sketch to define the new direction. You must pick a straight edge or a straight construction line. Abaqus/CAE calculates the spacing between each copy along the direction that you specify.
    4. By default, Abaqus/CAE creates the copies in the positive X-direction. Click Flip to reverse the direction in which Abaqus/CAE creates the copies.

  5. To create copies in a second direction, enter a Number between than 1 and 1000 and specify the Spacing, the Angle, and the Flip direction for Direction-2 (by default, Direction-2 is the Y-direction in the current grid rotation). You must enter a Number greater than 1 for at least one direction.

  6. In most cases you will want to preview the linear pattern that Abaqus/CAE will create as you enter values in the Create Linear Pattern dialog box. However, if you choose to create a large number of copies, the preview capability may impact the performance of the Sketcher. In this case you should toggle off the Preview button.

  7. To copy more objects, repeat the above steps beginning with Step 2.

  8. When you have finished copying objects, do one of the following:

    • Click mouse button 2 anywhere in the Abaqus/CAE window.

    • Select any tool in the Sketcher toolbox.

    • Click the cancel button in the prompt area.