Learning Forum

[matt]

Folks, I would like to know if it is possible to create a Cartesian coordinate system in Mechanical whose principal axis aligns between two nodes.  In other words, I want to place the origin of the coordinate system at a specific node.  I want its X axis to point directly towards another nearby node in the model.  I know the CS command in APDL will do it, but I cannot find a way to do this in Mechanical. 

[Erik Kostson]

Hi

What do you want to use that coordinate system for (say apply displacement, etc.)?

All the best

Erik

[matt]

I need to plot normal and shear strain results along a path.  That path needs to have its coordinate system aligned between two neighboring nodes.

[Erik Kostson]

 

Hi

There is no automatic way to do what you want, but you can cacluate the direction vector between the nodes and add that to a user defined coordinate system (say being the PrimaryAxisDirection of the coordinate system) in Mechanical. 

Another way could be to use dierectly in the construction path (Two Points option), to scope Point one (start) to first node and the second end Point of path to the other node.

These are some ideas.

Perhaps forum members have some  more ideas.

All the best

Erik

 

[matt]

I found the answer.  Select a node for the origin of the coordinate system.  Then under Principal Axis, choose Geometry Selection.  Then select the node at the origin, as well as the neighboring node for alignment.  The coordinate system will then be aligned to the two nodes.

 

[Erik Kostson]

Very good - thanks for sharing.

[Erik Kostson]

 

Closing it since others might find it useful.

(This can be automated also - an example is here: https://discuss.ansys.com/discussion/4432/how-can-we-define-a-coordinate-system-with-x-axis-point-along-a-direction-vector-between-two-nodes)

Thank you
Erik