Composite Modeling - Local Coordinate System

[chrizz]

Hello everyone,

I am currently working on a project in which I am trying to model a composite material. The problem I am having is defining a local coordinate system to capture the material orientation of the tows. I would like to create a local coordinate system that follows a curved path based on a normal to the path. I have attached an image to help visualize what I am trying to do. The image represents a right side view of a simplified version of my actual model (I am not allowed to release images of the project). The transparent box represents the matrix and the green undulating part represents the tow. The grey line represents the path I would like the coordinate system to follow. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you all,

Chris

 

[chrizz]

Here is an isometric view to help clarify things.

Thanks,

Chris