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Anisotropic Elasticity Matrix
The anisotropic elasticity matrix is a matrix of strain and stress. There are compliance matrix [S] and stiffness matrix [D].
The compliance matrix [S] is also called the flexibility matrix. The stiffness matrix [D] is also called the stress-strain matrix.
Strain and stress are explained in detail at Strain Type and Stress Type respectively.
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The direction of the anisotropic material is set on the Direction tab of the body attribute.
The stress and the strain in the compliance matrix [S] are as follows.

The stress and the strain in the stiffness matrix [D] are as follows.

The stiffness matrix [D] is the reciprocal of the compliance matrix [D].

Since the stiffness matrix [D] and the compliance matrix [S] are symmetric matrix, sij = sji and Dij=Dji (1<= i <=6, 1<= j <=6). You only need to enter the lower half of the matrix in the dialog box.
Now we take a look at the elasticity matrix for orthotropic elastic materials.
The compliance matrix is expressed as below with Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, shear modulus.

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Young's modulus in the 3 orthogonal axes direction | |
| Poisson's ratio | ![]() |
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| Shear modulus at face 1-2, face 2-3, and face 1-3 | ||
As the matrix is symmetric, the following equations hold.

Below is a compliance matrix [s] of the isotropic material
where E is Young's modulus and v is Poisson’s ratio.





