Dimensions are a type of constraints that use numerical values to define sizes, angles, or distances in a sketch. Dimensions control sketch geometry by preventing changes to the dimensioned quantities. To change a dimensioned quantity, you must modify the associated dimension.
The following dimension types are available in the Sketcher:
horizontal
vertical
oblique
angular
radial
You can use the following techniques to add dimensions to a sketch:
Adding dimensions automatically
After you create a sketch, you can use the auto-dimension tool to add dimensions to the entire sketch or to a selected group of entities. Use the sketch options to control the dimension types that ABAQUS/CAE can add automatically. For more information, see Customizing the format and use of dimensions in the Sketcher, Section 19.9.7.
Adding individual dimensions
After you create sketch geometry, you can add individual dimensions. This method gives you the most control, but it is also the most time consuming. For more information, see Adding individual dimensions, Section 19.12.4.
You can modify any dimension in a sketch. When you edit an existing dimension, you can modify it in several ways. You can
edit the numerical value to modify the sketch,
convert the dimension to a reference dimension, or
link the dimension to a parameter.
When you add or modify dimensions, you must not overconstrain the sketch geometry. Geometry is overconstrained when multiple controls are applied to a single degree of freedom (for more information, see Fully constrained geometry, Section 19.7.4). ABAQUS/CAE colors conflicting constraints magenta to indicate an overconstraint condition. You must resolve any overconstraints before you can use a sketch to create a feature or save it with the model database.