Local Element Axis

This component is used to specify the initial orientation of the element y- and z-axes.
For line segments of cross section type Fish Net the local y-axis is also used to determine the net plane.

The default procedure for defining the local element systems of the elements in a line are described in Line, line type and supernode connectivity - input reference. The modelling option described in this section may be used to specify other local element axes.

  • The reference vector is to be given in global system.

  • The element’s z-axis is defined in the global system by the cross product between the line’s x-axis (based on the coordinates of the supernodes) and the reference vector.

  • The element’s y-axis is determined by the cross product of the local z-axis and the local x-axis.

Local element axis is for example used for bi-symmetric cross-section (Double Symmetric Cross Section) and wind-turbine blades.