I hope someone can refresh my memory here.
I am working on some FEA and am using a cylindrical coordinate system for loading and constraining. I know how to apply to loads and constraints using a standard x,y,z system but I am struggling with the cylindrical system as its been over 5 years since using one.
I have attached a diagram (I hope!) of a basic cylinder with the cylindrical coordinate system at the top.
Translation in the Z-axis is an obvious one and the rotation about the Z-axis is the cylinder revolving. I have a feeling that radial (R) translation is simply that the cylinder is moving away from its original axis (ie in the X or Z direction of the standard WCS in the diagram).
Can anyone explain to me the translation in Theta, rotation in Theta and rotation in R please? Simple diagrams would be great as I have read explanations on the internet but at times its like trying to learn a foreign language. If I am incorrect with any of my assumptions above can you also please point me in the right direction.
Cheers everyone
Kev B