element local forces Vs. Section Forces

[civily]

Hi all,

I am conducting a large deflection analysis and using NL beam-column element.I have a couple questions regarding element forces;

1) Is the element local coordinate system based on deformed or undeformed configuration,in other words,for instance;is local Fx in the direction of element chord?..

2) Similar question for section forces;are they calculated by integrating the section deformations or is it a transformation issue?..Again,is sectional N in the direction of element chord or is it perpendicular to cross-sectional plane?..(Because the chord is not necessarily perpendicular to it)...I guess if they indeed are calculated by integration,N needs to be perpendicular to the c-sectional plane...

I compared both local forces and section forces for a specific element end and came up with Sectional N=Local Fx...It seems like Sectional N is in element chord direction,not perpendicular to c-sect. plane...

I'd appreciate if someone clarify this for me,my observation kind of gave me an idea but I still wanted to make sure...

Thanks,

[silvia]

in Linear transformation, undeformed configuration, unless you do the corotational transformation, then it might be different.

[civily]

thanks for reply,I'm sorry I should have specified that.But it's large deflection problem so,I'm using corotational transformation...

I'd appreciate your help..

[civily]

Could anyone please clarify this issue?