coordinate systems

[andrearrd]

Hi, I would like to know if it is possible to create a coordinate system that "moves" with a model as it deforms. It is to my understanding that this is not possible, having done a search on this forum on related topics and reading the user guides. If i have, for example, a plate that is in compression and hence bends, how would I be able to obtain surface tensile strains (ie strains which are always tangent to the surface as it deforms?

Thanks,
Andrea

 

[andrearrd]

oh and Id like to add that since my model contains 3d solid sections with the composite option, I am not able to obtain the results from the odb and then transform them here on a coordinate system based on the deformed shape.

andrea