I've successfully used HM in the past (probably v14 or 2017) to define a CBUSH element with correct orientation. In 2020.1, I cannot get my orientation definition correct. A simple exercise, I created a surface which is at a weird angle to global axes & defined a line which is normal to the surface. Tried creating a CBUSH element using the end points/nodes...1D Panel -> Springs -> Create.
My understanding is that Node 1 & Node 2 define GA & GB respectively and it will be considered the default X-axis unless specified otherwise. I tried to create a orient vector using vector -> N1, N2, N3. Selected 3 end points/vertices of the surface (again my understanding is that plane defines the XY Plane or where Y vector will lie) and CBUSH is created. But when I try to review my orientation of the element using Orientation Review Tool, the axes of the element are aligned to Global principal axes. I even tried to create a custom coord where Y axis aligned with in-plane of the surface and defined the orientation explicitly using this system in CBUSH create/update panel...but still my element orientation aligns with global axes.
I am not sure if I am doing it incorrectly or there is an issue with HM/HWX. I have to create lots of CBUSH elements on my model and hoping for an answer as quick as possible.
Another issue is that I was tried using Aerospace -> Connections -> Fastener Setup Tool to get HM/HWX create CBUSH elements but in my collector where I had around 20 lines defined, only 2-3 CBUSH/connectors were created. I believe I had defined the properties correctly...Just bringing it to attention...