Create Reference Frames

Use the Reference Frame tool to define rotating reference frames on solid bodies or surfaces.

1. From the Flow ribbon, click the Reference Frame tool.

   
   
   Figure 1.

2. Select surfaces and/or solids.
   Use the guide bar selectors to filter which entity type you can select.

   If the Include bounding surfaces option is active, selecting a solid will automatically select all the corresponding bounding surfaces.

3. Click Axis on the guide bar.
4. Left-click to position the axis of rotation in the modeling window.
   Tip: Use snap points to position the axis on existing points, lines, surface centers, etc.
5. Use the options in the microdialog to further align the axis.
   • Click to flip the rotation direction.
   • Click X, Y, or Z to align to the global axes.
   • Click to position the axis using the Vector tool. Once the position is defined, press Esc to return to the current tool.
6. Enter an angular velocity value (rad/sec) in the text box.
7. Click and select which forces should be considered.
8. From the guide bar, execute the command in the following ways:
   • Click to confirm your selection and remain in the tool.

     This allows you to continue creating instances and helps you visualize and edit instances with the legend.

   • Click to confirm your selection and exit the tool.