Create LCS tool

The Create LCS tool is used to define a Cartesian local coordinate system by means of global coordinates. Local coordinate systems can be useful when defining constraints and loads that do not act in a global axis direction. To access this tool, click (Geometry tab > Local Coordinate System panel > Create LCS).

Dialog element	Explanation
Coordinates (x,y,z)	First Defines the origin of the LCS. If you enter only this coordinate, the local axes are the same as the global ones. Second Defines the x-axis in the LCS. If you enter only the first two coordinates, the local x-axis is in the direction from coordinate 1 to coordinate 2. Third Defines the xy plane of the LCS. With all three coordinates defined, the local z direction is created perpendicular to the xy plane, such that the local coordinate system in "right-handed".
Selection option	Filter Select an item from the list in the drop-down menu to filter only on a single entity. For example, if you are trying to select nodes, filter on Nearest Node so that if you click on a triangle, the nearest node will be selected.

Dialog element

Explanation

Coordinates (x,y,z)

First: Defines the origin of the LCS. If you enter only this coordinate, the local axes are the same as the global ones.
Second: Defines the x-axis in the LCS. If you enter only the first two coordinates, the local x-axis is in the direction from coordinate 1 to coordinate 2.
Third: Defines the xy plane of the LCS.

With all three coordinates defined, the local z direction is created perpendicular to the xy plane, such that the local coordinate system in "right-handed".

Selection option

Filter: Select an item from the list in the drop-down menu to filter only on a single entity. For example, if you are trying to select nodes, filter on Nearest Node so that if you click on a triangle, the nearest node will be selected.