How to change 2D element orientations IN APEX? (i.e. rotate the csys about the normal?)

Question

I can flip the normal but can I then rotate the element's coord sys so that X points in a particular direction? Using Apex to pre-pre-process composite panels so element X direction is as important as element normal.

Thanks.

Sanjay Patel · Accepted Answer

No. Element x axis is fixed based on how the meshing is done. I.e. the locations of the nodes (1,2,3,4). That is why the concept of material coordinate system is introduced , with respect to which ply angles will be oriented and there is no need to change or rotate the element coordinate systems in patran either. One has to define the material coordinate system.

THETAi Orientation angle of the longitudinal direction of each ply with the material axis of the element. (If the material angle on the element connection entry is 0.0, the material axis and side 1-2 of the element coincide.) The plies are to be numbered serially starting with 1 at the bottom layer. The bottom layer is defined as the surface with the largest -Z value in the element coordinate system. (Real; Default = 0.0)