8.1.1. Initial Creation and Definition

To create a new local coordinate system, you first add a Coordinate System object and then specify properties of the Definition category.

Create and define a new local coordinate system:

  1. Select the Coordinate Systems folder in the Outline and then select the Coordinate System option from the Insert group in the Coordinate Systems Context tab. This group is also contained on the Home tab.

    Tip:  Alternatively, when the Coordinate Systems folder or an existing coordinate system object is selected, right-click the object, or in the Geometry window, and select Insert > Coordinate System.

  2. Under the Definition category, specify the following properties as needed:

    1. Type: Set to Cartesian (default) or Cylindrical.

    2. Coordinate System: Setting include Program Controlled (default) or Manual. This property assigns the coordinate system reference number (the first argument of the Mechanical APDL LOCAL command). The Program Controlled option assign the reference number automatically. The Manual option enables you to assign a particular reference number in the Coordinate System ID field for identification or quick reference of the coordinate system within the input file. You should set the Coordinate System ID to a value greater than or equal to 12. If you create more than one local coordinate system, you must ensure that you do not duplicate the Coordinate System ID.

    3. Suppressed: Yes or No (default). If you choose to suppress a coordinate system, you remove the object from further treatment, write no related data to the input deck, and cause any objects scoped to the coordinate system to become underdefined (therefore invalidating solutions).

See the next section for continued coordinate system definition.