4 Model Data RFEM 5 - User Manual

Coordinates in the table are stored in the Cartesian coordinate system. Nodes on surfaces are
graphically displayed in light blue by default.

If you work with plane surfaces, use standard nodes.

Trajectory

This type of node is created when you define a spiral trajectory curve (see Chapter 4.2 ). The nodal
parameter δ describes the relative distance from the start node of the line.

Figure 4.15 Trajectory

Trajectory nodes are displayed in dark green by default.

Reference node
In general, the coordinates of a node are related to the origin 0 of the global coordinate system. You
do not need to define the node (0/0/0) because RFEM automatically recognizes the origin.

Any node may serve as a reference node; even a node with a higher number is allowed to be used as
a reference node. Referring to another node may be useful, for example, to define a new node at a
certain distance to a known position. The table list with its Previous node option is especially useful in
this case.

In the New Node dialog box, you can enter the reference node directly, select it from the list, or define
it graphically using the button.

Coordinate system
The coordinates of a node always refer to a coordinate system that describes the position of the node
in the workspace. Depending on the model geometry, you can select between different coordinate
systems. All coordinate systems are oriented clockwise.

Cartesian

The global axes X, Y, and Z describe a translational expansion (linear). All directions of coordinates
are on par with each other.

Figure 4.16 Cartesian coordinate system

In most cases, nodes can be defined in the Cartesian coordinate system.

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