You can position a datum axis by selecting two non-parallel planar surfaces. ABAQUS/CAE creates the datum axis where the two planes, or a projection of the two planes, intersect.
To create a datum axis along the intersection of two planes:
From the main menu bar, select ToolsDatum.
The Create Datum dialog box appears. The dialog box outlines the types of datum geometry you can create.
ABAQUS/CAE displays prompts in the prompt area to guide you through the procedure.
Tip: You can also create a datum axis using the tool, located in the module toolbox. For a diagram of the datum tools in the toolbox, see Using the Datum toolset, Section 40.2.
From the list of types at the top of the dialog box, choose Axis.
The Method list indicates the methods you can use to create a datum axis.
From the Method list, select Intersection of 2 planes and click OK.
From the part or assembly in the current viewport, select a plane.
Select a second plane that is not parallel with the first.
The datum axis appears. You cannot modify a datum axis created with this method; you must delete the old axis and create a new one.