Select your material properties based on how the material exhibits properties in orthogonal directions (X, Y, and Z), either constant in all directions (isotropic behavior) or different in orthogonal directions (orthotropic behavior). These orthogonal directions in a part, by default, align with the global coordinate system. You may apply a local coordinate system to the part to change the directions. For orthotropic properties, the X, Y, and Z value must be specified for the model to solve (2-D models only use the X and Y values). Those properties which support isotropic or orthotropic behavior is preceded by Isotropic or Orthotropic (for example, Isotropic Thermal Conductivity).

Temperature-dependent properties (the identifier f(T) is shown beside the property) are input as tabular data (value vs. temperature). During solution, the material properties are evaluated for the temperature of the integration points of the elements. If the temperature of an integration point falls below or rises above the defined temperature range of tabular data, the solver assumes the defined extreme minimum or maximum value, respectively, for the material property outside the defined range.