When you create a straight beam, the software automatically creates a coordinate system for it. This system defines the axial direction as well as directions 1 and 2 that are used for viewing beam results. The axial direction goes from End 1 of the beam to End 2 . Directions 1 and 2 are assigned by the software automatically depending on the section properties. A number of beam elements are created on the beam.
For curved profiles, the software creates a number of short straight beams to approximate the geometry. Each beam element has its own directions. For example, the axial direction for each beam on the swept section shown below is defined by the straight line connecting its two joints. In the graphics area, one coordinate system is shown at the middle of the beam.
To view the coordinate systems of beams:
The red arrow shows the positive axial direction, the green arrow shows the positive direction 1, and the blue arrow shows the positive direction 2 for each beam.
Provide feedback on this topic
SOLIDWORKS welcomes your feedback concerning the presentation, accuracy, and thoroughness of the documentation. Use the form below to send your comments and suggestions about this topic directly to our documentation team. The documentation team cannot answer technical support questions. Click here for information about technical support.
* Required
Thank you for your comments. We will contact you if we have questions regarding your feedback.
Sincerely,The SOLIDWORKS Documentation Team
Print Topic
Select the scope of content to print:
We have detected you are using a browser version older than Internet Explorer 7. For optimized display, we suggest upgrading your browser to Internet Explorer 7 or newer.
Web Help Content Version: SOLIDWORKS 2013 SP05 To disable Web help from within SOLIDWORKS and use local help instead, click Help > Use SOLIDWORKS Web Help. To report problems encountered with the Web help interface and search, contact your local support representative. To provide feedback on individual help topics, use the “Feedback on this topic” link on the individual topic page.