X.B.5 Coordinate systems and laminate properties

Vectorial and tensorial components of Results are sometimes expressed in coordinate systems related to material properties. Of course, this is also the case when laminated properties are attributed to the elements. Then, three different coordinate systems can be used: “plyCS”, “lamCS” and “matCS”.

When vectorial or tensorial Results on composite elements are imported, they are expressed:

1.

In “plyCS” coordinate system if the values are associated to a laminate ply (layerId>0).

2.

In “lamCS” coordinate system for Nastran Results when the values are not associated to a ply (layerId<=0).

3.

In “matCS” coordinate system for Samcef Results when the values are not associated to a ply (layerId<=0).

The difference between Samcef and Nastran is related to the fact that Nastran does not make a difference between material and laminate coordinate systems. Then, one considers that “matCS” == “lamCS”.

When one modifies the reference coordinate system of a Result, the components are actually modified according to the rules presented in Table X.B.1.