Local Axis System

A local (node) coordinate system can be specified per node.

When to Use

A local coordinate system is useful when:

• A support is on an inclined plane
• Loads need to be specified in a certain direction
• Reaction forces need to be calculated in a specific direction

Input

The direction of the local X-axis is determined by specifying a relative dx and dz from the node.

Application

Local coordinate systems can be used to:

• Specify node constraints (supports or 'restraints') in any direction
• Specify node loads in any direction
• Specify node displacements in any direction