*DISTRIBUTION

Keyword type: model definition

The *DISTRIBUTION keyword can be used to define elementwise local coordinate systems. In each line underneath the keyword the user lists an element number or element set and the coordinates of the points “a” and “b” describing the local system according to Figure or depending on whether the local system is rectangular or cylindrical. However, the first line underneath the *DISTRIBUTION keyword is reserved for the default local system and the element or element set entry should be left empty. There is one required parameter NAME specifying the name (maximum 80 characters) of the distribution.

Whether the local system is rectangular or cylindrical is determined by the *ORIENTATION card using the distribution. The local orientations defined underneath the *DISTRIBUTION card do not become active unless:

• the distribution is referred to by an *ORIENTATION card
• this *ORIENTATION card is used on a *SOLID SECTION card.

So far, a distribution can only be used in connection with a *SOLID SECTION card and not by any other SECTION cards (such as *SHELL SECTION, *BEAM SECTION etc.).

Two restrictions apply to the use of a distribution:

• an element should not be listed underneath more than one *DISTRIBUTION card
• a distribution cannot be used by more than one *ORIENTATION card.

First line:

• *DISTRIBUTION
• Enter the required parameter NAME.

Second line:

• empty
• X-coordinate of point a.
• Y-coordinate of point a.
• Z-coordinate of point a.
• X-coordinate of point b.
• Y-coordinate of point b.
• Z-coordinate of point b.

Following lines

• element label or element set label
• X-coordinate of point a.
• Y-coordinate of point a.
• Z-coordinate of point a.
• X-coordinate of point b.
• Y-coordinate of point b.
• Z-coordinate of point b.

Example:

*DISTRIBUTION,NAME=DI
,1.,0.,0.,0.,1.,0.
E1,0.,0.,1.,0.,1.,0.

defines a distribution with name DI. The default local orientation is defined by a=(1,0,0) and b=(0,1,0). The local orientation for the elements in set E1 is described by a=(0,0,1) and b(0,1,0).

Example files: beampo4.