SUMMARY OF AVAILABLE CODES
8-13
Model:
The mesh generator PWMeshGen is limited to a plain weave fabric in which the
tow path is assumed to be sinusoidal. This basic unit cell can be converted into a
macroelement which may then be stacked and assembled to form more complex
assemblies of the underlying plain weave units. The finite element code, Flex94,
is general. However, for any geometry other than a plain weave, the user must
provide nodal coordinates, connectivity arrays, and material orientations.
Model:
Flex94 can be used to generate a conventional average stiffness matrix for the unit
cell using the finite element method and periodic boundary conditions. However,
the strength of this approach is the ability to generate macroelements which include
the internal microstructure, but may be used like conventional elements.
Model:
The finite element code can be used to perform a progressive failure analysis by
reducing material stiffness at integration points when the local stress exceeds a
given strength value. There is no control over which stiffness components are
affected or the degree of reduction.
Required:
Mesh generation for a plain weave requires the layer thickness, waviness ratio,
number of elements, and number of resin elements above and below tows. Loads,
boundary conditions, and material properties are needed for the finite element
analysis. Utilities are provided for conveniently setting up boundary conditions,
including periodic displacements.
Output:
Point-wise stresses are generated. These stresses may be viewed using the graphics
routine Plot94. Contour maps of failure locations may also be generated.
None offered.
