You can create local coordinate systems in the Visualization module for postprocessing purposes: field output results can be transformed to a specified user-defined coordinate system. These user-defined coordinate systems can be fixed in space or move with specified nodes as the model deforms. You can save user-defined coordinate systems to an output database file for use in subsequent ABAQUS sessions.
The following topics are covered:
An overview of the methods for creating a coordinate system, Section 24.7.1
Creating a coordinate system following three nodes, Section 24.7.3
Creating a coordinate system following three nodes on a circle, Section 24.7.4
Creating a coordinate system following a single node, Section 24.7.5
Saving a coordinate system to an output database file, Section 24.7.6
For information on controlling the display of coordinate systems during postprocessing, see Controlling the display of model entities, Section 36.10. For information on results transformation, see Transforming results into a new coordinate system, Section 24.5.8, and Creating field output by operating on fields, Section 24.6.4.