Node orientation for beams

[yarko]

Hi,

We are working on an addon for Ansys 18.2 that will check structure according to standard.
For AISC360-10 check we need to have beam orientation. Currently, we read this info from orientation node.
My question is:
Is it possible that orientation node is missing and beam orientation is defined by another method? If yes, how it can be done?

I appreciate any tips or links to articles because we use Ansys only for few months (we have more experience with Femap and NX/Simcenter).

Yarko

 

[rickfischer51]

per the MAPDL Element Manual, if no orientation K node is defined, the element Y axis is parallel to the global X-Y plane. If the element is parallel to the global Z axis, the element Y axis is parallel to the global Y axis.

Rick Fischer
Principal Engineer
Argonne National Laboratory

 

[yarko]

Rick, thank you very much for the advice!