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Coordinate Systems used in FEA


​There are three types of 3D coordinate systems used in FEA and they are cartesian, cylindrical and spherical. 
Picture
​The cartesian and cylindrical coordinate system is commonly applied to most analysis models. In practice the spherical coordinate system is rarely used.

A single unconstrained node in space has 6 degrees of freedom. When using a cartesian coordinate system this means it can translate in X, Y and Z . It can also rotate about X, Y and Z.  So to apply a constraint to a point in X and Y will allow the point to slide up and down the Z axis only.​
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For a cylindrical coordinate system a single unconstrained node can translate axially along Z, translate radially along R and swing circumferentially about θ. So to apply a constraint to Z and R will allow the point to move in θ only.  

These coordinate systems are important for setting up loads, boundary conditions and checking the results. Typically cylindrical co-ordinate systems are used for cylinders, tubes and shafts.

Sometimes translation in X,Y and Z is referred to as DOF 1,2,3 and rotation about X, Y and Z as DOF 3,4,5. So a fully constrained point would have all six degrees of freedom fixed. i.e. DOF 1-6. ​
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  • Value Design Ltd
  • Services
  • Projects
  • Finite Element Analysis
    • Units
    • Co-ordinate Systems
    • FEA Procedure
    • Defining Objectives
    • Stress Concentration
    • Geometry import / clean up
    • Meshing
    • Material Properties
    • Boundary Conditions
    • Solvers
    • Investigating FEA Results
    • Reporting
    • Stress Theories
    • Cantilever Beam Worked Example
    • Pressure Vessel Worked Example
    • Shaft in Torsion Worked Example
    • Buckling Worked Example
    • Bearing (Contact) Worked Example
    • Non Linear Material Worked Example
  • BLOG
  • FAQ
    • What is FEA?
    • How much does FEA cost?
    • Should I de-feature CAD geometry prior to FEA?
    • What information should I send to you for an FEA quotation?
  • CONTACT