Beam elements need their local coordinate system (t,n1,n2) defined by ORIENTATION. Some output variables are calculated in the local system, such as SF and SM (section forces and moments).

How can we read the actual orientation in the deformed configuration, especially for simulations involving large displacements and rotations? I am trying Python + ODB.

Abaqus CAE can visualize the triplets. However, I need to read the numerical values of the 3 vectors or at least one of the n1 or n2 vectors, since the t vector (most probably} always connects the two nodes outer nodes and since they form an orthogonal basis. It seems it is possible to write n1 and n2 into FIL file but this file is super crazy to read (even in ASCII format).

Thanks

Robert

Orientation definition in manual.

Example of large rotations about t axis - more than 90 degrees.

Example of bending with large rotations about n1 or n2 axes.