Using Local Coordinate Systems

Local coordinate systems can be created in the Part Design workbench only as new Cartesian systems. However, you can transform the local coordinate system for use as a cylindrical or spherical system. Local coordinates are available for use with the following features in the Nonlinear Structural Analysis workbench:

  • Displacement boundary conditions

  • Velocity boundary conditions

  • Acceleration boundary conditions

  • Spring and dashpot connection properties

  • Point loads

  • Rigid and smooth couplings

The transformations from the global coordinate system to each local system are described below and shown in Figure 8–8.

Cartesian

The transformation from global to local Cartesian systems is a simple reorientation of the axes. Global X becomes local X', Y becomes Y', and Z becomes Z'.

Cylindrical

The transformation from a global Cartesian system to a local cylindrical system redefines the local X', Y', and Z' as the radial, tangential, and axial directions on a cylinder.

Spherical

The transformation from a global Cartesian system to a local spherical system redefines the local X', Y', and Z' as the radial, circumferential, and meridional directions on a sphere.

Figure 8–8 Global to local coordinate system transformations.