ACP User's Guide

ANSYS, Inc. Release 2022 R1

Southpointe January 2022
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Table of Contents
1. Getting Started ....................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1. Overview .......................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1.1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 1
1.1.2. Supported Platforms and Functional Add-ons ........................................................................... 2
1.1.3. Known Limitations ................................................................................................................... 3
1.1.4. First Steps ................................................................................................................................ 4
1.2. The Ansys Product Improvement Program ......................................................................................... 5
1.3. Graphical User Interface .................................................................................................................... 9
1.3.1. Menus ..................................................................................................................................... 9
1.3.1.1. File ................................................................................................................................ 10
1.3.1.1.1. Workbench ........................................................................................................... 10
1.3.1.1.2. Stand Alone .......................................................................................................... 10
1.3.1.2. View .............................................................................................................................. 11
1.3.1.2.1. Perspectives ......................................................................................................... 12
1.3.1.2.2. View Manager ....................................................................................................... 12
1.3.1.3. Tools ............................................................................................................................. 13
1.3.1.3.1. Extract Materials From Composite CAE H5... ........................................................... 13
1.3.1.3.2. Preferences ........................................................................................................... 13
1.3.1.3.2.1. Logger Settings ............................................................................................ 14
1.3.1.3.2.2. General ACP Preferences .............................................................................. 14
1.3.1.3.2.2.1. Submenus ........................................................................................... 15
1.3.1.3.2.3. Scene Preferences ........................................................................................ 16
1.3.1.3.2.3.1. Appearance ......................................................................................... 16
1.3.1.3.2.3.2. Screenshot .......................................................................................... 16
1.3.1.3.2.3.3. Interaction ........................................................................................... 17
1.3.1.4. Units ............................................................................................................................. 17
1.3.2. Tree View ............................................................................................................................... 18
1.3.3. Scene ..................................................................................................................................... 20
1.3.3.1. Scene Manipulation ....................................................................................................... 20
1.3.4. Toolbar .................................................................................................................................. 20
1.3.4.1. Updates ........................................................................................................................ 21
1.3.4.2. Edit Entities with Excel ................................................................................................... 21
1.3.4.3. Mesh Appearance .......................................................................................................... 22
1.3.4.4. Orientation Visualization ................................................................................................ 22
1.3.4.5. Fiber Directions ............................................................................................................. 24
1.3.4.6. Draping ......................................................................................................................... 25
1.3.4.7. Other Features ............................................................................................................... 28
1.3.4.8. Configure Plots .............................................................................................................. 29
1.3.5. View Panes ............................................................................................................................. 29
1.4. Implementation in Workbench ........................................................................................................ 32
1.4.1. Basic Workflow ....................................................................................................................... 32
1.4.2. ACP Component Properties .................................................................................................... 36
1.4.3. Supported Analysis Types ....................................................................................................... 38
1.4.4. Multiple Load Cases and Analyses ........................................................................................... 39
1.4.5. Shared Composite Definition for Different Models .................................................................. 39
1.4.6. Solid Modeling ....................................................................................................................... 40
1.4.7. Assembly ............................................................................................................................... 42
1.5. Migrating ACP Projects from Previous Versions ................................................................................ 45
1.6. Stand Alone Operation ................................................................................................................... 46

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1.6.1. Starting ACP in Windows ........................................................................................................ 46

1.6.2. Starting ACP in Linux .............................................................................................................. 46
1.6.3. Command Line Options and Batch Mode ................................................................................ 47
1.6.4. Workflow in Stand Alone Operation ........................................................................................ 47
2. Usage Reference .................................................................................................................................... 51
2.1. Features ......................................................................................................................................... 51
2.1.1. Model .................................................................................................................................... 52
2.1.1.1. Model Properties - General ............................................................................................ 53
2.1.1.1.1. ACP Model ............................................................................................................ 55
2.1.1.1.2. Reference Surface ................................................................................................. 55
2.1.1.1.3. Lay-Up Computation ............................................................................................. 55
2.1.1.1.4. Model Summary ................................................................................................... 56
2.1.1.2. Solve ............................................................................................................................. 56
2.1.1.3. Import/Export of ACP Composite Definitions File ........................................................... 57
2.1.1.4. Import From/Export to HDF5 Composite CAE File ........................................................... 58
2.1.1.5. Import Section Data from Legacy Model ........................................................................ 58
2.1.1.6. Element- vs. Node-based Thicknesses ............................................................................. 58
2.1.2. Material Data ......................................................................................................................... 61
2.1.2.1. Materials ....................................................................................................................... 62
2.1.2.1.1. Materials Context Menu ........................................................................................ 62
2.1.2.1.2. Temperature Dependent and General Variable Material Properties ......................... 62
2.1.2.1.3. Material Properties Dialog ..................................................................................... 63
2.1.2.1.4. Thermal Expansion Coefficients ............................................................................. 64
2.1.2.1.5. Fabric Fiber Angle ................................................................................................. 65
2.1.2.1.6. Strain Limits .......................................................................................................... 66
2.1.2.1.7. Stress Limits .......................................................................................................... 67
2.1.2.1.8. Puck Constants ..................................................................................................... 68
2.1.2.1.9. Puck for Woven ..................................................................................................... 69
2.1.2.1.10. Tsai-Wu Constants ............................................................................................... 70
2.1.2.1.11. LaRC Constants ................................................................................................... 71
2.1.2.2. Fabric ............................................................................................................................ 71
2.1.2.2.1. General ................................................................................................................. 72
2.1.2.2.2. Polar Properties .................................................................................................... 72
2.1.2.2.3. Fabric Solid Model Options ................................................................................... 73
2.1.2.2.4. Draping ............................................................................................................... 74
2.1.2.3. Stackup ......................................................................................................................... 75
2.1.2.3.1. Top-Down or Bottom-Up Sequence ....................................................................... 76
2.1.2.3.2. Symmetries .......................................................................................................... 76
2.1.2.3.3. Analysis ................................................................................................................ 78
2.1.2.3.4. Stackup Solid Model Options ................................................................................ 80
2.1.2.3.5. Draping Options ................................................................................................... 80
2.1.2.4. Sublaminates ................................................................................................................ 80
2.1.3. Element and Edge Sets ........................................................................................................... 81
2.1.3.1. Element Sets ................................................................................................................. 82
2.1.3.1.1. Context Menu ....................................................................................................... 83
2.1.3.2. Edge Sets ...................................................................................................................... 83
2.1.4. Geometry .............................................................................................................................. 84
2.1.4.1. CAD Geometries ............................................................................................................ 86
2.1.4.1.1. Direct Import ........................................................................................................ 86
2.1.4.1.2. Workbench Geometry Link .................................................................................... 87
2.1.4.2. Virtual Geometries ......................................................................................................... 88

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2.1.5. Rosettes ................................................................................................................................. 90

2.1.5.1. Rosette Definition .......................................................................................................... 92
2.1.6. Look-Up Tables ....................................................................................................................... 93
2.1.6.1. 3D Look-Up Table With The Excel Link ............................................................................ 93
2.1.6.2. 1D Look-Up Table with .CSV Files .................................................................................... 95
2.1.6.3. Look-Up Table with a Python Script ................................................................................ 97
2.1.6.4. 1-D Look-Up Table ......................................................................................................... 98
2.1.6.5. 3-D Look-Up Table ......................................................................................................... 98
2.1.6.6. Look-Up Table Column Properties ................................................................................ 100
2.1.7. Selection Rules ..................................................................................................................... 100
2.1.7.1. Basic Selection Rules .................................................................................................... 101
2.1.7.2. Tube Selection Rule ..................................................................................................... 103
2.1.7.3. Cut-off Selection Rules ................................................................................................. 105
2.1.7.3.1. Geometry Cut-off Selection Rule ......................................................................... 106
2.1.7.3.2. Taper Cut-off Selection Rule ................................................................................ 108
2.1.7.3.3. Example Cut-off .................................................................................................. 109
2.1.7.4. Geometrical Selection Rule .......................................................................................... 110
2.1.7.5. Variable Offset Selection Rule ....................................................................................... 112
2.1.7.6. Boolean Selection Rules ............................................................................................... 115
2.1.8. Oriented Selection Sets (OSS) ............................................................................................... 116
2.1.8.1. Reference Direction ..................................................................................................... 118
2.1.8.2. Selection Rules ............................................................................................................ 120
2.1.8.3. Draping ....................................................................................................................... 121
2.1.9. Modeling Groups ................................................................................................................. 122
2.1.9.1. Modeling Group Structure ........................................................................................... 122
2.1.9.2. Modeling Group Tree Object Context Menu ................................................................. 123
2.1.9.3. Individual Modeling Group Context Menu .................................................................... 124
2.1.9.4. Modeling Ply Properties ............................................................................................... 125
2.1.9.4.1. Draping .............................................................................................................. 125
2.1.9.4.2. Selection Rules .................................................................................................... 127
2.1.9.4.3. Thickness ............................................................................................................ 128
2.1.9.4.4. Modeling Ply Context Menu ................................................................................ 132
2.1.9.5. Interface Layer Properties ............................................................................................ 133
2.1.9.6. Butt Joint Sequence ..................................................................................................... 134
2.1.9.6.1. Butt Joint Sequence Notes and Limitations .......................................................... 136
2.1.9.7. Production Ply ............................................................................................................. 137
2.1.9.8. Analysis Ply .................................................................................................................. 138
2.1.9.9. Import from / Export to CSV File ................................................................................... 139
2.1.9.9.1. Export ................................................................................................................ 139
2.1.9.9.2. Import ................................................................................................................ 139
2.1.9.10. Export Ply Geometry .................................................................................................. 139
2.1.10. Imported Modeling Group .................................................................................................. 141
2.1.10.1. Tree Object Context Menu ......................................................................................... 141
2.1.10.2. Imported Modeling Ply .............................................................................................. 142
2.1.10.2.1. Imported Modeling Ply Properties ..................................................................... 143
2.1.10.3. Imported Production Ply ............................................................................................ 146
2.1.10.4. Imported Analysis Ply ................................................................................................ 146
2.1.11. Field Definitions ................................................................................................................. 147
2.1.12. Sampling Points ................................................................................................................. 150
2.1.13. Section Cuts ....................................................................................................................... 152
2.1.13.1. Types of Extrusion ...................................................................................................... 154

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2.1.13.2. Section Cut Notes ...................................................................................................... 156

2.1.13.3. Section Cut Export ..................................................................................................... 156
2.1.14. Sensors .............................................................................................................................. 157
2.1.15. Solid Models ...................................................................................................................... 158
2.1.15.1. Solid Model ............................................................................................................... 158
2.1.15.1.1. Properties ......................................................................................................... 159
2.1.15.1.1.1. General .................................................................................................... 159
2.1.15.1.1.2. Drop-offs .................................................................................................. 163
2.1.15.1.1.3. Export ...................................................................................................... 165
2.1.15.1.2. Export Solid Model ............................................................................................ 169
2.1.15.1.3. Extrusion Guides ............................................................................................... 170
2.1.15.1.3.1. Mesh Morphing ........................................................................................ 172
2.1.15.1.3.2. Extrusion Guide Examples ........................................................................ 173
2.1.15.1.4. Snap-to Geometry ............................................................................................. 175
2.1.15.1.5. Cut-off Geometry .............................................................................................. 177
2.1.15.1.5.1. Defining Cut-off Geometry ....................................................................... 178
2.1.15.1.5.2. Decomposition of Degenerated Elements ................................................. 180
2.1.15.1.6. Material Handling for Different Extrusion Methods ............................................. 180
2.1.15.1.7. Save & Reload Solid Models ............................................................................... 181
2.1.15.1.8. Node-based Thicknesses ................................................................................... 181
2.1.15.2. Imported Solid Model ................................................................................................ 181
2.1.16. Lay-Up Plots ....................................................................................................................... 189
2.1.16.1. Interface Options ....................................................................................................... 189
2.1.16.2. Thickness Plots .......................................................................................................... 193
2.1.16.3. Angle Plot .................................................................................................................. 194
2.1.16.4. Draping Mesh Plot ..................................................................................................... 194
2.1.16.5. Look-Up Table Plot ..................................................................................................... 196
2.1.16.6. Field Definition Plot ................................................................................................... 198
2.1.16.7. Lay-Up Mapping Plot ................................................................................................. 198
2.1.16.8. Material Plots ............................................................................................................. 200
2.1.16.9. User-Defined Plot ...................................................................................................... 200
2.1.17. Definitions ......................................................................................................................... 200
2.1.18. Solutions ............................................................................................................................ 201
2.1.18.1. Solution Object ......................................................................................................... 202
2.1.18.1.1. Solution Context Menu ..................................................................................... 202
2.1.18.1.2. Solution Properties ........................................................................................... 203
2.1.18.2. Envelope Solution ...................................................................................................... 205
2.1.18.3. Solution Plots ............................................................................................................ 206
2.1.18.3.1. Common Plot Settings ...................................................................................... 206
2.1.18.3.2. Visualization Mismatch ...................................................................................... 208
2.1.18.3.3. Deformation Plot .............................................................................................. 208
2.1.18.3.4. Strain Plot ......................................................................................................... 208
2.1.18.3.5. Stress Plot ......................................................................................................... 209
2.1.18.3.6. Failure Mode Plot .............................................................................................. 210
2.1.18.3.7. Temperature Plot .............................................................................................. 211
2.1.18.3.8. Progressive Damage Plot ................................................................................... 211
2.1.18.3.9. Material Plot ..................................................................................................... 212
2.1.18.3.10. User-Defined Plot ............................................................................................ 214
2.1.19. Scenes ............................................................................................................................... 223
2.1.20. Views ................................................................................................................................. 224
2.1.21. Ply Books ........................................................................................................................... 224

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2.1.21.1. Creating Chapters ...................................................................................................... 225

2.1.21.2. Chapter Properties ..................................................................................................... 225
2.1.21.3. Editing the Ply Book Template .................................................................................... 226
2.1.21.3.1. Python Expressions ........................................................................................... 228
2.1.21.4. Modifying the Ply Book Snapshots ............................................................................. 229
2.1.21.5. Exporting the Plybook ............................................................................................... 229
2.1.21.6. Sample Ply Book Page ................................................................................................ 230
2.1.21.7. Ply Book Limitations .................................................................................................. 232
2.1.22. Parameters ......................................................................................................................... 232
2.1.22.1. Settings for an Expression Output .............................................................................. 234
2.1.23. Scripts ................................................................................................................................ 235
2.1.23.1. Executing Scripts ....................................................................................................... 236
2.1.23.2. Script Properties ........................................................................................................ 236
2.1.23.3. Limitations ................................................................................................................ 237
2.1.23.4. Tips and Best Practices ............................................................................................... 237
2.1.23.5. Sorting Scripts ........................................................................................................... 237
2.1.24. Material Database .............................................................................................................. 238
2.2. Postprocessing ............................................................................................................................. 238
2.2.1. Failure Criteria ...................................................................................................................... 239
2.2.2. Failure Mode Measures ......................................................................................................... 240
2.2.3. Principal Stresses and Strains ................................................................................................ 240
2.2.4. Linearization of Inverse Reserve Factors ................................................................................ 240
2.2.5. Postprocessing of a Composite Solid Model .......................................................................... 241
2.2.6. Postprocessing of Drop-off and Cut-off Elements .................................................................. 242
2.2.7. Evaluating Custom Failure Criteria ........................................................................................ 242
2.2.8. Limitations & Recommendations .......................................................................................... 245
2.3. Exchanging Composite Definitions with Other Programs ............................................................... 246
2.3.1. HDF5 Composite CAE Format ............................................................................................... 246
2.3.1.1. Export ......................................................................................................................... 247
2.3.1.2. Import ......................................................................................................................... 248
2.3.1.2.1. Import Projection Types ...................................................................................... 249
2.3.1.2.2. Import Settings ................................................................................................... 250
2.3.2. Mechanical APDL File Format ................................................................................................ 252
2.3.3. Import of Legacy Mechanical APDL Composite Models ......................................................... 254
2.3.3.1. Special Cases ............................................................................................................... 256
2.3.3.2. Known Limitations ....................................................................................................... 257
2.3.4.Tabular Data Format for Excel ................................................................................................ 257
2.3.5. CSV Format .......................................................................................................................... 258
2.3.6. ESAComp ............................................................................................................................. 258
2.3.6.1. Export ......................................................................................................................... 259
2.3.6.2. Import ......................................................................................................................... 259
2.3.7. LS-Dyna ............................................................................................................................... 259
2.3.8. BECAS .................................................................................................................................. 260
3. Composite Modeling Techniques ........................................................................................................ 261
3.1. T-Joint .......................................................................................................................................... 261
3.2. Local Reinforcements .................................................................................................................... 267
3.3. Ply Tapering and Staggering .......................................................................................................... 269
3.3.1. Ply Tapering ......................................................................................................................... 269
3.3.1.1. Edge Tapering ............................................................................................................. 269
3.3.1.2. Class40 ....................................................................................................................... 270
3.3.1.3. Tutorial 2 ..................................................................................................................... 270

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3.3.1.4. Tapering of Multiple Plies ............................................................................................. 272

3.3.2. Ply Staggering ...................................................................................................................... 272
3.4. Variable Core Thickness ................................................................................................................. 273
3.4.1. Solid CAD Geometry ............................................................................................................ 274
3.4.2. Look-Up Table ...................................................................................................................... 275
3.4.3. Geometry Cut-off Selection Rule ........................................................................................... 276
3.4.4. General Application .............................................................................................................. 278
3.5. Draping ........................................................................................................................................ 278
3.5.1. Internal Draping Algorithm of ACP ........................................................................................ 279
3.5.2. User-Defined Draping ........................................................................................................... 281
3.5.3. Visualization ......................................................................................................................... 282
3.6. Guide to Solid Modeling ................................................................................................................ 283
3.6.1. When to Use a Solid Model ................................................................................................... 284
3.6.2. How to Use the Solid Model Feature ..................................................................................... 284
3.6.3. Principles of Solid Model Generation .................................................................................... 285
3.6.4. Drop-off and Cut-off Elements .............................................................................................. 285
3.6.5. Workflow ............................................................................................................................. 286
3.6.6. Practical Tips ........................................................................................................................ 287
3.6.7. Known Limitations ............................................................................................................... 288
3.7. Guide to Composite Visualizations ................................................................................................. 290
3.7.1. Model Verification ................................................................................................................ 290
3.7.2. Postprocessing Visualizations ............................................................................................... 291
3.8. Guide to Composite Failure Criteria ............................................................................................... 297
3.9. Element Choice in ACP .................................................................................................................. 298
3.9.1. Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 298
3.9.2. Shell Elements ...................................................................................................................... 298
3.9.3. Solid Elements ..................................................................................................................... 298
3.9.4. Solid-shell Elements ............................................................................................................. 299
3.10. Variable Material Data in Composite Analyses .............................................................................. 299
3.10.1. Element- or Layer-wise Field Definition ............................................................................... 299
3.10.2. Draping Shear .................................................................................................................... 300
3.10.3. Degradation Factors ........................................................................................................... 300
3.10.3.1. Definition of the Degradation Factor Field .................................................................. 301
3.10.4. Definition of General User-Defined Fields in ACP-Pre ........................................................... 301
3.10.5. Variable Data Interpolation Settings .................................................................................... 301
4. Example Analyses ................................................................................................................................ 303
4.1. Analysis of a Composite Shell Model .............................................................................................. 303
4.1.1. Preprocessing ...................................................................................................................... 304
4.1.1.1. Workbench Integration ................................................................................................ 304
4.1.1.2. Adding ACP Components to the Project ....................................................................... 304
4.1.1.3. Engineering Data ......................................................................................................... 305
4.1.1.4. Properties .................................................................................................................... 305
4.1.1.5. Geometry and Units ..................................................................................................... 307
4.1.1.6. Named Selections and Elements/Edge Sets .................................................................. 307
4.1.1.7. Starting and Running ACP ............................................................................................ 307
4.1.2. Workbench Analysis System ................................................................................................. 308
4.1.2.1. Adding an Analysis System to the Project ..................................................................... 308
4.1.3. Postprocessing ..................................................................................................................... 309
4.1.3.1. Adding an ACP (Post) Component to the Project .......................................................... 309
4.2. Analysis of a Composite Solid Model ............................................................................................. 310
4.2.1. Preprocessing ...................................................................................................................... 311

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4.2.2. Workbench Analysis System ................................................................................................. 313

4.2.3. Postprocessing ..................................................................................................................... 317
4.3. Analysis Using Variable Material Data ............................................................................................. 319
4.3.1. Workbench Engineering Data: Setup Variable Data ................................................................ 320
4.3.2. ACP-Pre: Define Fields for Shear Angle, Degradation Factor, and User-Defined Field Vari-
ables ............................................................................................................................................ 323
4.3.3. Mechanical, Thermal Loading, and External Data ................................................................... 324
4.3.4. ACP-Post: Analysis Effect of Variable Data .............................................................................. 325
4.4. Analysis of a Mapped Composite Solid Model ................................................................................ 325
4.4.1. Import External Solid Mesh ................................................................................................... 327
4.4.2. Lay-Up Mapping .................................................................................................................. 329
4.4.3. Analysis of A Mapped Composite Model ............................................................................... 331
4.5. Shear Dependent Materials in Composite Analysis ......................................................................... 332
4.6. 3D Ply Workflow – Imported Plies .................................................................................................. 337
4.6.1. Inputs .................................................................................................................................. 338
4.6.2. Example of Use - HDF5 Composite CAE ................................................................................. 339
5. Theory Documentation ....................................................................................................................... 343
5.1. Draping Simulation ....................................................................................................................... 343
5.1.1. Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 343
5.1.2. Draping Procedure ............................................................................................................... 343
5.1.2.1. Propagation Strategy ................................................................................................... 344
5.1.2.2. Woven Material Model ................................................................................................. 345
5.1.2.3. Unidirectional Material Model ...................................................................................... 345
5.1.2.4. Output of the Draping Simulation ................................................................................ 346
5.1.3. Thickness Correction ............................................................................................................ 346
5.1.4. Limitations of Draping Simulations ....................................................................................... 346
5.2. Interlaminar Stresses ..................................................................................................................... 347
5.2.1. Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 347
5.2.2. Interlaminar Normal Stresses ................................................................................................ 347
5.2.2.1. Reference Coordinates ................................................................................................. 349
5.2.2.2. Numeric Solution ......................................................................................................... 349
5.2.3. Transverse Shear Stresses ..................................................................................................... 350
5.3. Failure Analysis ............................................................................................................................. 353
5.3.1. Reserve Factor ...................................................................................................................... 353
5.3.2. Weighting Factors ................................................................................................................ 353
5.3.3. Failure Criterion Function ..................................................................................................... 354
5.3.4. Failure Criteria for Reinforced Materials ................................................................................. 354
5.3.4.1. Maximum Strain Criterion ............................................................................................ 354
5.3.4.2. Maximum Stress Criterion ............................................................................................ 355
5.3.4.3. Quadratic Failure Criteria ............................................................................................. 355
5.3.4.3.1. Tsai-Wu Failure Criterion ...................................................................................... 355
5.3.4.3.2. Tsai-Hill Failure Criterion ...................................................................................... 356
5.3.4.3.3. Hoffman Failure Criterion .................................................................................... 357
5.3.4.4. Hashin Failure Criterion ................................................................................................ 358
5.3.4.5. Puck Failure Criteria ..................................................................................................... 358
5.3.4.5.1. Simple and Modified Puck Criterion ..................................................................... 358
5.3.4.5.2. Puck's Action Plane Strength Criterion ................................................................. 359
5.3.4.5.2.1. Fiber Failure (FF) ......................................................................................... 359
5.3.4.5.2.2. Interfiber Failure (IFF) ................................................................................. 360
5.3.4.6. LaRC Failure Criterion ................................................................................................... 363
5.3.4.6.1. LaRC03/LaRC04 Constants ................................................................................... 364

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5.3.4.6.2. General Expressions ............................................................................................ 364

5.3.4.6.3. Fiber Misalignment Frame ................................................................................... 365
5.3.4.6.4. LaRC03 (2-D) ....................................................................................................... 367
5.3.4.6.5. LaRC04 (3-D) ....................................................................................................... 368
5.3.4.7. Cuntze's Failure Criteria ................................................................................................ 369
5.3.4.7.1. 3-D Failures ......................................................................................................... 371
5.3.4.7.2. 2-D Failures ......................................................................................................... 372
5.3.5. Sandwich Failure .................................................................................................................. 373
5.3.5.1. Core Failure ................................................................................................................. 373
5.3.5.2. Face Sheet Wrinkling .................................................................................................... 373
5.3.5.3. Shear Crimping Failure ................................................................................................. 375
5.3.6. Isotropic Material Failure ...................................................................................................... 376
5.3.7. Adhesive Failure (Beta Version) ............................................................................................. 376
5.3.7.1. Peel Stress Criterion ..................................................................................................... 376
5.3.7.2. Shear Stress Criterion ................................................................................................... 377
5.3.8. Failure Criteria vs. Ply Type Table ........................................................................................... 377
5.4. Classical Laminate Theory ............................................................................................................. 378
5.4.1. Overview ............................................................................................................................. 378
5.4.2. Analysis ................................................................................................................................ 379
5.4.2.1. Laminate Stiffness and Compliance Matrices ................................................................ 379
5.4.2.2. Normalized Laminate Stiffness and Compliance Matrices .............................................. 380
5.4.2.3. Laminate Engineering Constants .................................................................................. 381
5.4.2.4. Out-of-Plane Shear Moduli and Correction Factors ....................................................... 381
5.4.2.5. Polar Properties ........................................................................................................... 382
5.4.2.6. Analysis Options .......................................................................................................... 383
5.5. General Interpolation Library ........................................................................................................ 383
5.5.1. Algorithms ........................................................................................................................... 384
5.5.1.1. Nearest-Neighbor Interpolation ................................................................................... 384
5.5.1.2. Linear Multivariate Interpolation .................................................................................. 384
5.5.1.3. Radial-Basis Algorithm ................................................................................................. 386
5.5.2. Options ................................................................................................................................ 387
5.5.3. Extrapolations ...................................................................................................................... 387
5.6. Nomenclature ............................................................................................................................... 388
6. The ACP Python Scripting User Interface ............................................................................................ 391
6.1. Introduction to ACP Scripting ........................................................................................................ 391
6.1.1. Basic Scripting ...................................................................................................................... 391
6.1.2. Advanced Scripting .............................................................................................................. 392
6.1.3. Scripting Examples ............................................................................................................... 393
6.2. Extending the Python Environment in ACP Pre and Post ................................................................ 393
6.2.1. How to Create a Virtual Environment .................................................................................... 393
6.2.2. How to Install a Module in your Virtual Environment and Use it within ACP ............................ 394
6.2.3. Alternatives to Extending ACP’s Python ................................................................................ 394
6.3. The Python Object Tree ................................................................................................................. 395
6.4. DB Database ................................................................................................................................. 395
6.5. Material Classes ............................................................................................................................ 398
6.5.1. MaterialData ........................................................................................................................ 398
6.5.2. Material ............................................................................................................................... 404
6.5.2.1. PropertySet ................................................................................................................. 405
6.5.3. Fabric ................................................................................................................................... 407
6.5.4. Stackup ................................................................................................................................ 409
6.5.5. SubLaminate ........................................................................................................................ 412

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6.6. Model Classes ............................................................................................................................... 414

6.6.1. Model .................................................................................................................................. 415
6.6.2. Rosette ................................................................................................................................ 446
6.6.3. LookUpTable ........................................................................................................................ 448
6.6.3.1. LookUpTableBase ........................................................................................................ 448
6.6.3.2. LookUpTable1D ........................................................................................................... 450
6.6.3.3. LookUpTable3D ........................................................................................................... 450
6.6.3.4. LookUpTableColumn ................................................................................................... 451
6.6.4. ElementSelectionRule Classes ............................................................................................... 452
6.6.4.1. ParallelSelectionRule ................................................................................................... 452
6.6.4.2. CylindricalSelectionRule .............................................................................................. 453
6.6.4.3. SphericalSelectionRule ................................................................................................ 454
6.6.4.4. TubeSelectionRule ....................................................................................................... 455
6.6.4.5. CutoffSelectionRule ..................................................................................................... 456
6.6.4.6. GeometricalSelectionRule ............................................................................................ 457
6.6.4.7. BooleanSelectionRule .................................................................................................. 458
6.6.4.8. VariableOffsetSelectionRule ......................................................................................... 458
6.6.5. EntitySet Classes .................................................................................................................. 459
6.6.5.1. ElementSet .................................................................................................................. 460
6.6.5.2. EdgeSet ....................................................................................................................... 461
6.6.6. Geometry Classes ................................................................................................................. 462
6.6.6.1. CADGeometry ............................................................................................................. 462
6.6.6.2. CADCompound ........................................................................................................... 464
6.6.6.3. CADSolid ..................................................................................................................... 464
6.6.6.4. CADShell ..................................................................................................................... 464
6.6.6.5. CADFace ...................................................................................................................... 465
6.6.6.6. VirtualGeometry .......................................................................................................... 465
6.6.6.7. CADReference ............................................................................................................. 467
6.6.7. OrientedSelectionSet ........................................................................................................... 467
6.6.8. ModelingGroup .................................................................................................................... 470
6.6.8.1. ModelingPly ................................................................................................................ 475
6.6.8.2. ProductionPly .............................................................................................................. 479
6.6.8.3. AnalysisPly .................................................................................................................. 481
6.6.8.4. InterfaceLayer .............................................................................................................. 482
6.6.8.5. ButtJointSequence ...................................................................................................... 483
6.6.9. ImportedModelingGroup ..................................................................................................... 484
6.6.9.1. ImportedModelingPly .................................................................................................. 485
6.6.9.2. ImportedProductionPly ............................................................................................... 487
6.6.9.3. ImportedAnalysisPly .................................................................................................... 487
6.6.10. FieldDefinition ................................................................................................................... 487
6.6.11. SamplingPoint ................................................................................................................... 488
6.6.12. SectionCut ......................................................................................................................... 491
6.6.13. Sensor ................................................................................................................................ 494
6.6.14. PlyBook .............................................................................................................................. 495
6.6.14.1. PlyBook ..................................................................................................................... 495
6.6.14.2. Chapter ..................................................................................................................... 496
6.7. Solid-model Classes ...................................................................................................................... 496
6.7.1. SolidModel ........................................................................................................................... 496
6.7.2. ExtrusionGuide .................................................................................................................... 500
6.7.3. SnapToGeometry ................................................................................................................. 500
6.7.4. CutOffGeometry .................................................................................................................. 501

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6.7.5. ImportedSolidModel ............................................................................................................ 501

6.8. Solution Classes ............................................................................................................................ 503
6.8.1. Solution ............................................................................................................................... 503
6.8.2. EnvelopeSolution ................................................................................................................. 507
6.9. Scene Classes ................................................................................................................................ 508
6.9.1. Scene ................................................................................................................................... 508
6.9.2. View ..................................................................................................................................... 510
6.10. Postprocessing Definition Classes ................................................................................................ 511
6.10.1. CombinedFailureCriteria ..................................................................................................... 511
6.10.1.1. MaxStressCriterion ..................................................................................................... 512
6.10.1.2. MaxStrainCriterion ..................................................................................................... 513
6.10.1.3. TsaiWu ....................................................................................................................... 515
6.10.1.4. TsaiHill ....................................................................................................................... 515
6.10.1.5. Hashin ....................................................................................................................... 515
6.10.1.6. Hoffman .................................................................................................................... 516
6.10.1.7. Puck .......................................................................................................................... 516
6.10.1.8. Wrinkling ................................................................................................................... 518
6.10.1.9. CoreShear .................................................................................................................. 518
6.10.1.10. Larc ......................................................................................................................... 519
6.10.1.11. Cuntze ..................................................................................................................... 520
6.10.1.12. VonMises ................................................................................................................. 521
6.10.1.13. ShearCrimping ......................................................................................................... 522
6.11. Plot Classes ................................................................................................................................. 522
6.11.1. PlotContainer Classes ......................................................................................................... 522
6.11.1.1. PlotDataDict Class ...................................................................................................... 522
6.11.1.2. LayupPlotDict Class ................................................................................................... 523
6.11.1.3. PostProcessingPlotDict Class ...................................................................................... 528
6.11.2. PlotData Classes ................................................................................................................. 535
6.11.2.1. PlotData .................................................................................................................... 536
6.11.2.2. ContourData .............................................................................................................. 540
6.11.2.3. AngleData ................................................................................................................. 541
6.11.2.4. ThicknessData ........................................................................................................... 541
6.11.2.5. ScalarFieldData .......................................................................................................... 542
6.11.2.6. DrapingData .............................................................................................................. 543
6.11.2.7. FieldDefinitionData .................................................................................................... 543
6.11.2.8. LayupMappingData ................................................................................................... 544
6.11.2.9. UserDefinedData ....................................................................................................... 544
6.11.2.10. DeformationContourData ........................................................................................ 545
6.11.2.11. StrainData ............................................................................................................... 545
6.11.2.12. StressData ............................................................................................................... 545
6.11.2.13. FailureData .............................................................................................................. 545
6.11.2.14. TemperatureData ..................................................................................................... 547
6.11.2.15. ProgressiveDamageData .......................................................................................... 547
Bibliography ............................................................................................................................................. 549

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List of Figures
1.1. Oriented Selection Set Properties ............................................................................................................ 4
1.2. Ansys Composite PrepPost GUI ............................................................................................................... 9
1.3. Ansys Composite PrepPost Menu Options ............................................................................................. 10
1.4. File Menu for Workbench Integration .................................................................................................... 10
1.5. Stand Alone File Menu .......................................................................................................................... 11
1.6. View Menu ........................................................................................................................................... 11
1.7. Perspective Submenu ........................................................................................................................... 12
1.8. Show View ............................................................................................................................................ 12
1.9. Tools Menu ........................................................................................................................................... 13
1.10. Extract Materials From Composite CAE H5... Dialog .............................................................................. 13
1.11. Preferences Window ........................................................................................................................... 14
1.12. Logger Preferences ............................................................................................................................. 14
1.13. General ACP Preferences ..................................................................................................................... 15
1.14. Section Generation Preferences ........................................................................................................... 16
1.15. Scene Preferences ............................................................................................................................... 16
1.16. Units Menu ......................................................................................................................................... 17
1.17. Tree View ............................................................................................................................................ 19
1.18. Locked Rosettes and the Update Status ............................................................................................... 19
1.19. Excel Link Dialog ................................................................................................................................. 21
1.20. Orientation Visualizations in the Toolbar .............................................................................................. 22
1.21. Visualization of the Element Normals ................................................................................................... 23
1.22. Visualization of the OSS Normal ........................................................................................................... 23
1.23. Visualization of the OSS Reference Direction ........................................................................................ 24
1.24. Fiber Directions in the Toolbar ............................................................................................................. 24
1.25. Visualization of the Fiber Direction ...................................................................................................... 25
1.26. Visualization of the Transverse Ply Direction ......................................................................................... 25
1.27. Draping Directions in the Toolbar ........................................................................................................ 26
1.28. Fiber Directions (Defined and Draped) ................................................................................................. 26
1.29. Traverse Directions (Defined and Draped) ............................................................................................ 27
1.30. Material 1 Direction and Draped Fiber Direction for a Material with a 45° Fabric Fiber Angle .................. 27
1.31. Enclosed Box and Coordinate System .................................................................................................. 28
1.32. Distance Measure Tool ........................................................................................................................ 29
1.33. Properties from Right-Click Context Menu ........................................................................................... 37
1.34. Properties Menu: Setup ....................................................................................................................... 37
1.35. Multiple Load Cases and Analyses ....................................................................................................... 39
1.36. Two Analyses Share the Same ACP (Pre) Setup ..................................................................................... 40
1.37. Import Volume Mesh from Mechanical Model (E4 to C5) ...................................................................... 41
1.38. Import Volume Mesh from Third Party Application ............................................................................... 42
1.39. Write Input File ................................................................................................................................... 48
1.40. Import Ansys Model Using the Context Menu ...................................................................................... 48
1.41. Switch Between ACP Pre and Post ....................................................................................................... 49
2.1. Model Context Menu in Workbench Mode ............................................................................................. 52
2.2. Model Context Menu in Stand-Alone Mode ........................................................................................... 52
2.3. General Model Properties ...................................................................................................................... 54
2.4. Model Statistics .................................................................................................................................... 54
2.5. Solver Information (Solve.out) ............................................................................................................... 57
2.6. Export Composite Definitions Window .................................................................................................. 57
2.7. Import Composite Definitions Window .................................................................................................. 57
2.8. Element-based vs. Node-based Piercing ................................................................................................ 59

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2.9. Ply Extension and Element-wise Thicknesses of a Tapered Ply with Element-based (left) and Node-based
(right) Thicknesses ...................................................................................................................................... 59
2.10. Restriction for Node-based Thicknesses ............................................................................................... 60
2.11. Extrusion of a Tapered Ply without and with Node-based Thicknesses on the Left and Right, Respect-
ively ........................................................................................................................................................... 60
2.12. Solid Model Extrusion of a Tapered Ply without and with Node-based Thicknesses ............................... 61
2.13. Cut-off Selection Rule with Ply Tapering Based on Element-based and Node-based Thicknesses ........... 61
2.14. Materials Class Context Menu in Stand Alone Mode ............................................................................. 62
2.15. Example of Woven Material with a 45° Fabric Fiber Angle ..................................................................... 65
2.16. Fabric Properties - General .................................................................................................................. 72
2.17. Fabric Properties - Analysis .................................................................................................................. 73
2.18. Fabric Properties - Solid Model Options ............................................................................................... 74
2.19. Fabric Properties - Draping .................................................................................................................. 75
2.20. Stackup Properties - General ............................................................................................................... 76
2.21. Stackup Sequence with Even Symmetry .............................................................................................. 77
2.22. Stackup Sequence with Odd Symmetry ............................................................................................... 78
2.23. Lay-Up Information and Polar Properties ............................................................................................. 79
2.24. CLT Analysis - Laminate Engineering Constants .................................................................................... 80
2.25. Sub Laminate Properties - General Tab ................................................................................................ 81
2.26. Element Set Selection ......................................................................................................................... 82
2.27. Element Set Context Menu .................................................................................................................. 83
2.28. Edge Set Definition ............................................................................................................................. 84
2.29. Example of three cut-off geometries .................................................................................................... 85
2.30. CAD Geometry Assembly and Virtual Geometries in the Tree View ....................................................... 85
2.31. Import External CAD Geometry ........................................................................................................... 87
2.32. Project Schematic with a CAD Geometry Import in ACP ....................................................................... 88
2.33. Create Virtual Geometry Directly from CAD Geometry Part .................................................................. 88
2.34. Create Virtual Geometry Through CAD Geometry Parts in Tree ............................................................. 89
2.35. Create Virtual Geometry Through Face Selection in the Scene .............................................................. 89
2.36. Rosette Properties Dialog .................................................................................................................... 90
2.37. Oriented Selection Set with a Radial Rosette. ....................................................................................... 91
2.38. Oriented Selection Set with a Cylindrical Rosette ................................................................................. 91
2.39. Oriented Selection Set with a Spherical Rosette ................................................................................... 92
2.40. Edge Wise Rosette ............................................................................................................................... 92
2.41. Schematic of 1-D Look-Up Table Function ........................................................................................... 98
2.42. Look-Up Table Properties .................................................................................................................... 99
2.43. Look-Up Table Interpolation Parameters .............................................................................................. 99
2.44. Setting the Dimension in the Column Properties Dialog ..................................................................... 100
2.45. Selection Rules Context Menu ........................................................................................................... 101
2.46. Definition of a Parallel Selection Rule ................................................................................................. 101
2.47. Example of a Parallel Selection Rule ................................................................................................... 102
2.48. Example of a tube rule with an outer and inner radius ........................................................................ 103
2.49. Tube Selection Rule Properties .......................................................................................................... 104
2.50. Edge with a long extension at the head of the edge and a short one at the tail ................................... 105
2.51. Cut-off Selection Rule Properties ....................................................................................................... 106
2.52.Trailing Edge with Cut-off Plies (Ply Tapering Activated) ...................................................................... 107
2.53. Section of the Cut-off Geometry ........................................................................................................ 107
2.54. Core Thickness Without Ply Tapering (Left) and With Ply Tapering (Right) ............................................ 108
2.55. Taper Cut-off Selection Rule Definition .............................................................................................. 109
2.56. Section with The Production Ply Option ............................................................................................. 109
2.57. Section with the Analysis Ply Option .................................................................................................. 110

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2.58. Section with the Analysis Ply with Tapering Option ............................................................................ 110
2.59. Example Geometrical Selection Rule .................................................................................................. 111
2.60. Geometrical Selection Rule Properties ............................................................................................... 111
2.61. Capture Tolerances ............................................................................................................................ 112
2.62. Look-Up Table Defines the Offset to Edge Set at a Given Length ......................................................... 113
2.63. Offset Correction ............................................................................................................................... 114
2.64. Offset Mapping Along a Direction Vector ........................................................................................... 115
2.65. Boolean Selection Rule ...................................................................................................................... 116
2.66. Boolean Operation Types .................................................................................................................. 116
2.67. Orientation Point Definition .............................................................................................................. 117
2.68. Definition ......................................................................................................................................... 118
2.69. Reference Direction of a Bonding Laminate Defined by Two Rosettes and a Minimum Angle Selection
Method .................................................................................................................................................... 120
2.70. Selection Rules .................................................................................................................................. 121
2.71. Draping ............................................................................................................................................ 121
2.72. Object Tree of a Lay-Up Definition ..................................................................................................... 123
2.73. Context Menu of Modeling Groups .................................................................................................... 124
2.74. General Information .......................................................................................................................... 125
2.75. Internal Draping Definition ................................................................................................................ 126
2.76. Draping with Tabular Values Definition .............................................................................................. 127
2.77. Thickness Definition .......................................................................................................................... 129
2.78. Thickness Definition Options ............................................................................................................. 129
2.79. Core Geometry ................................................................................................................................. 130
2.80. Resulting Section Cut ........................................................................................................................ 130
2.81. Edge Tapering ................................................................................................................................... 131
2.82. Taper Edge Example .......................................................................................................................... 132
2.83. Right-Click Modeling Ply Menu .......................................................................................................... 132
2.84. Interface Layer Properties - General ................................................................................................... 134
2.85. Interface Layer Properties - Open Area ............................................................................................... 134
2.86. Drop-Off Elements and a Butt Joint Between Two Cores ..................................................................... 135
2.87. Production Ply Context Menu ............................................................................................................ 137
2.88. Analysis Ply Context Menu ................................................................................................................ 138
2.89. CSV Import with Update Options ....................................................................................................... 139
2.90. Export Ply Geometry Window ............................................................................................................ 141
2.91. General Properties Options ............................................................................................................... 144
2.92. Draping Properties Options ............................................................................................................... 145
2.93. Thickness Properties Options ............................................................................................................ 145
2.94. Imported Production Ply Dialog ........................................................................................................ 146
2.95. Imported Analysis Ply ........................................................................................................................ 147
2.96. Field Definitions Context Menu ......................................................................................................... 148
2.97. Field Definition Context Menu ........................................................................................................... 149
2.98. Field Definition Object Properties ...................................................................................................... 150
2.99. Sampling Point Properties - General Tab ............................................................................................ 150
2.100. Lay-Up Sequence and Enhanced Postprocessing .............................................................................. 151
2.101. General Section Cut Properties ........................................................................................................ 152
2.102. Wire Frame Options ......................................................................................................................... 153
2.103. Surface Options .............................................................................................................................. 153
2.104. Section Cut Crossing an Element Corner .......................................................................................... 154
2.105. Element Normals ............................................................................................................................. 155
2.106. Surface Normal vs. Surface Sweep Based Extrusion ........................................................................... 155
2.107. Ply-Wise Angles on the Surface Section Cut ..................................................................................... 156

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2.108. Supported Lay-up for T-Joints .......................................................................................................... 156

2.109. Export Surface Section Cut Options ................................................................................................. 156
2.110. Sensor Properties ............................................................................................................................ 157
2.111. Solid Model Folder with a Standard Solid Model and an Imported Solid Model ................................. 158
2.112. Solid Model Feature in the Tree View ................................................................................................ 159
2.113. Solid Model Properties - General ...................................................................................................... 160
2.114. Illustration of Solid Model Extrusion Methods .................................................................................. 161
2.115. Extrusion Direction .......................................................................................................................... 162
2.116. Offset Direction ............................................................................................................................... 162
2.117. Solid Model Properties - Drop-Offs ................................................................................................... 164
2.118. Disable Drop-Offs ............................................................................................................................ 164
2.119. Connect Butt-Jointed Plies .............................................................................................................. 165
2.120. Solid Model Properties - Export ....................................................................................................... 166
2.121. Write Degenerated Elements ........................................................................................................... 166
2.122. Quadratic Tetrahedral Element on Top of a Hexahedral Element ....................................................... 167
2.123. Transferred Element Sets in Mechanical ........................................................................................... 168
2.124. Properties of the ACP-Pre Setup Cell in the Project Schematic .......................................................... 169
2.125. Extrusion with and without an Edge Set Guide ................................................................................. 170
2.126. Extrusion Guide Properties .............................................................................................................. 171
2.127. Reordering Extrusion Guides ........................................................................................................... 172
2.128. Mesh Morphing Diagram ................................................................................................................. 173
2.129. Example of a Direction-type Extrusion Guide with Different Mesh Morphing Radii ............................ 174
2.130. Example of a Geometry-type Extrusion Guide with Different Mesh Morphing Depths. ...................... 175
2.131. Extrusion without Snap Operation ................................................................................................... 176
2.132. Extrusion with Snap to Geometry at the Top (Shell Geometry also Displayed) ................................... 177
2.133. Extrusion with Snap to Geometry at the Top and Bottom (Shell Geometry also Displayed) ................ 177
2.134. Extruded Solid Model ...................................................................................................................... 178
2.135. Cut-off Geometries Shown Alongside Extruded Solid Model ............................................................ 178
2.136. Solid Model with Cut-off Features .................................................................................................... 178
2.137. Cut-off Geometry Normal Direction ................................................................................................. 179
2.138. Example of three cut-off geometries ................................................................................................ 180
2.139. A Degenerated Hexahedral Element (left) is Decomposed into Several Tetrahedral Elements (right) ... 180
2.140. Thickness Plot ................................................................................................................................. 193
2.141. Angle Plot ....................................................................................................................................... 194
2.142. Draping Mesh Plot Properties .......................................................................................................... 195
2.143. Draping Mesh ................................................................................................................................. 195
2.144. Draping Plot for a Hemisphere ......................................................................................................... 196
2.145. Flatwrap Surface of the Ply .............................................................................................................. 196
2.146. Look-Up Table Plot General Properties Tab ....................................................................................... 197
2.147. Look-Up Table Plot of a 1-D Scalar Quantity with Supporting Points Shown as Circles ........................ 198
2.148. Lay-Up Mapping General Properties Tab .......................................................................................... 199
2.149. Deviation of the Normal Direction between Shell Elements and Layered Solid Elements ................... 199
2.150. Failure Criteria Definition ................................................................................................................. 200
2.151. Puck Failure Criteria Configuration ................................................................................................... 201
2.152. Solutions Object in the Tree View ..................................................................................................... 202
2.153. Solution Properties Window Showing Several Solution Sets in the Data tab ...................................... 203
2.154. Comparison of Imported and Recomputed Interlaminar Stresses ...................................................... 205
2.155. Envelope Solution Properties ........................................................................................................... 205
2.156. Scene with Failure Mode Plot Activated ........................................................................................... 211
2.157. Material Plot General Properties Tab ................................................................................................ 213
2.158. Script Field in the User-Defined Plot Properties ................................................................................ 215

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2.159. Scene Properties ............................................................................................................................. 224

2.160. Connection of ACP and Workbench Parameter Interface .................................................................. 232
2.161. Parameter Properties ....................................................................................................................... 233
2.162. Material Database ........................................................................................................................... 238
2.163. Failure Plot Dialog ........................................................................................................................... 241
2.164. Failure Analysis of a Solid Model. Show on Solids (left) and Show on Shells (right) ............................. 242
2.165. Export and Import Options in Model Context Menu ......................................................................... 247
2.166. HDF5 Composite CAE File Export Settings ........................................................................................ 248
2.167. The External Model Component in Workbench ................................................................................ 249
2.168. HDF5 Composite CAE File Import Settings ....................................................................................... 250
2.169. Schematic of Tolerance Settings for a Single Element ....................................................................... 252
2.170. SHELL181 Keyopts ........................................................................................................................... 253
2.171. SHELL281 Keyopts ........................................................................................................................... 254
2.172. SOLID185 Keyopts ........................................................................................................................... 254
2.173. SOLID186 Keyopts ........................................................................................................................... 254
2.174. Configuration Overview .................................................................................................................. 255
2.175. Configuration Overview .................................................................................................................. 256
2.176. A Four Ply Mechanical APDL Lay-up Where a Ply Crosses the Reference Surface is Converted to a Five
Ply ACP Lay-up .......................................................................................................................................... 257
2.177. ModelingGroup Tabular Format in Excel ........................................................................................... 257
2.178. Look-Up Table Tabular Format in Excel ............................................................................................. 258
3.1. T-Joint Lay-Up ..................................................................................................................................... 262
3.2. OSS for the Base Plate ......................................................................................................................... 262
3.3. OSS for the Stringer ............................................................................................................................. 263
3.4. OSS for Bonding Plies .......................................................................................................................... 263
3.5. Reference Direction ............................................................................................................................ 264
3.6. Laminate of the Base Plate .................................................................................................................. 265
3.7. Laminate of the Base Plate and Stringer ............................................................................................... 265
3.8. First Bonding Laminate ....................................................................................................................... 266
3.9. Second Bonding Laminate .................................................................................................................. 266
3.10. Cover Plies ........................................................................................................................................ 267
3.11. Tube Selection Rule ........................................................................................................................... 268
3.12. Rules Tab of the Modeling Ply Property Dialog ................................................................................... 268
3.13. Resulting Local Reinforcements ......................................................................................................... 269
3.14. Simple Edge Tapering ........................................................................................................................ 270
3.15. Tapered Edge .................................................................................................................................... 270
3.16. Tapering in Ply Definition .................................................................................................................. 271
3.17.Thickness Distribution After Core Tapering ......................................................................................... 271
3.18. Superposition of Modeling Plies with Identical Taper Angles. Schematic (Middle) and Section View Illus-
tration (Right) ........................................................................................................................................... 272
3.19. Thickness Distribution of a Laminate with a Cutoff Selection Rule ....................................................... 273
3.20. Template Selection Rule Definition .................................................................................................... 273
3.21. Imported Core Geometry .................................................................................................................. 274
3.22. Modeling Ply Thickness Definition ..................................................................................................... 275
3.23. Section with Variable Core Thickness ................................................................................................. 275
3.24. Table Definition ................................................................................................................................. 276
3.25. Thickness Definition Through Tabular Values ...................................................................................... 276
3.26. Section Cut and Thickness Contour Plot ............................................................................................. 277
3.27. Imported Cut-off Geometry ............................................................................................................... 277
3.28. Resulting Thickness Distribution (Ply Tapering Activated) ................................................................... 278
3.29. Flatwrap (Boundary) .......................................................................................................................... 279

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ACP User's Guide

3.30. Draping Mesh with Shear Energy ....................................................................................................... 280

3.31. Draping Definition in OSS .................................................................................................................. 281
3.32. Tabular Values Definition of Draping .................................................................................................. 282
3.33. Fiber and Draped Fiber Directions ..................................................................................................... 283
3.34. Analyzing a Solid Model Alongside a Shell Model ............................................................................... 286
3.35. Solid Model Assembly Workflow ........................................................................................................ 287
3.36. Conversion of the Named Selections in the Solid Model Workflow ...................................................... 288
3.37. A quadrilateral interface element surrounded by a brick element and two tetrahedral elements created
when the drop-off is split .......................................................................................................................... 290
3.38. T-Joint Section Cut ............................................................................................................................ 291
3.39. Class40 Section Cut ........................................................................................................................... 291
3.40. Activate Deformed Geometry in the Solution Properties Visualizations ............................................... 292
3.41. Activate the Deformation Plot for Total Deformation .......................................................................... 292
3.42. Activate the Failure Criteria Plot with Failure Mode and Critical Ply Information .................................. 293
3.43. IRF Value and Text Plot for Each Element (Tutorial 1) ........................................................................... 293
3.44. Zoom on Critical Area (Class 40) ......................................................................................................... 294
3.45. Activate the Ply-Wise Results in the Plot Properties ............................................................................ 295
3.46. Select an Analysis Ply in the Modeling Groups or Sampling Points ...................................................... 295
3.47. Ply-Wise Stress (Tutorial 1) ................................................................................................................. 296
3.48. Stress Analysis for Selected Sampling Point ........................................................................................ 297
3.49. Field Definition Properties to Set Up a Degradation Factor Field ......................................................... 301
4.1. ACP Components ................................................................................................................................ 304
4.2. Engineering Data Sources ................................................................................................................... 305
4.3. Outline of Composite Materials ........................................................................................................... 305
4.4. Material Properties for ACP .................................................................................................................. 306
4.5. Context Menu of ACP (Pre) Setup ........................................................................................................ 308
4.6. Connecting a Static Structural Analysis to ACP (Pre) using a Drag and Drop Operation .......................... 309
4.7. Adding ACP (Post) by Drag and Drop Operation ................................................................................... 309
4.8. Linking a Solution with ACP (Post) ....................................................................................................... 310
4.9. Complete Composite Shell Analysis Model .......................................................................................... 310
4.10. Conversion of the Named Selections in the Solid Model Workflow ...................................................... 313
4.11. Workbench Workflow for Composite Solid Modeling with Mechanical ................................................ 314
4.12. Workbench Workflow for Composite Solid Modeling with Mechanical APDL ....................................... 314
4.13. Analysis of a Composite Tube with Metal Inserts Modeled with Mechanical ........................................ 315
4.14. Suppressed Shell in Mechanical Model .............................................................................................. 315
4.15. Assembly of Composite and Metal Solids ........................................................................................... 316
4.16. Analysis of Composite Plate and T-joint Modeled with Mechanical APDL ............................................ 316
4.17. Add Reference File ............................................................................................................................ 317
4.18. List of Used Files and Their Order in Mechanical APDL ........................................................................ 317
4.19. Step 1: Drag and Drop an ACP (Post) System on to an ACP (Pre) System .............................................. 318
4.20. Step 2: Drag and Drop the Static Structural Solution Cell into the ACP (Post) Results Cell ..................... 319
4.21. Race Car Workbench Setup ................................................................................................................ 320
4.22. Predefined and User-Defined Field Variables in Engineering Data ....................................................... 321
4.23. Assigning a Field Variable to Material Property ................................................................................... 321
4.24. Populating the Tabular Material using the CSV Interface ..................................................................... 322
4.25. Setting Interpolation Options ............................................................................................................ 322
4.26. Draping Results ................................................................................................................................. 323
4.27. Curing Degree Plot ............................................................................................................................ 324
4.28. Activating a Look-up Table to Define Curing per Modeling Ply (layer-wise) .......................................... 324
4.29. Using External Data to Define Temperature Field ................................................................................ 325
4.30. Inverse Reserve Factor ...................................................................................................................... 325

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 ACP User's Guide

4.31. Full Cross-Section Composite Spring ................................................................................................. 326

4.32. Complete Workbench Project Schematic ........................................................................................... 327
4.33. Lay-Up of the Composite Spring ........................................................................................................ 328
4.34. Mesh Features and Solid Mesh with the Inflation Layers and Roving Cross Section .............................. 328
4.35. Selection of the ±45° and Core Plies ................................................................................................... 331
4.36. Filler Elements and Fiber Directions ................................................................................................... 331
4.37. Composite Failure Analysis in Mechanical that Shows the Maximum Failure per Element .................... 332
4.38. Workbench Project Setup .................................................................................................................. 332
4.39. Woven RVE defined in Material Designer ............................................................................................ 333
4.40. Materials in the Engineering Data Component of the ACP system ...................................................... 333
4.41. Shear Dependent Fabric Fiber Angle .................................................................................................. 333
4.42. Ply Definition .................................................................................................................................... 334
4.43. Fiber (Light Green), Transverse (Dark Green) and Material 1 (Red) Directions ....................................... 334
4.44. Draping Definition ............................................................................................................................ 335
4.45. ACP Draping Mesh ............................................................................................................................ 335
4.46. Shear Angle Plot ............................................................................................................................... 336
4.47. Draped Fiber Direction (Light Blue), Draped Transverse Direction (Blue) and Material 1 Direction
(Red) ........................................................................................................................................................ 336
4.48. Shear-Dependent Young's Modulus ................................................................................................... 337
4.49. Deformation Plot (variable material on left, constant material on right) ............................................... 337
4.50. 3D Ply Workflow (Courtesy of 9T Labs) ............................................................................................... 338
4.51. HDF5 Composite CAE Imported as 3D Plies (Imported Modeling Plies) ............................................... 339
4.52. 3D Printing with Endless Fiber Reinforcement and Final Part (Courtesy of 9T Labs) ..................... 339
4.53. Simulation of a 3D Printed Composite (Courtesy of 9T Labs) ............................................................... 340
4.54. Distribution of the Inverse Reserve Factors in the Mapped Composite Solid Model ............................. 341
5.1. Draping Scheme ................................................................................................................................ 344
5.2. Angle Notation for the Draping Energy Algorithm ............................................................................... 345
5.3. Deformation of the Draping Unit Cell .................................................................................................. 345
5.4. Doubly Curved FE Geometry ............................................................................................................... 348
5.5. Integration Scheme ............................................................................................................................ 350
5.6. Fracture Curve in σ2, τ21 Space for σ1 = 0 .............................................................................................. 360
5.7. UD Failure Modes ................................................................................................................................ 370
5.8. Relation Between ABD Matrix and the Coupling Between Laminate Forces and Deformations .............. 380
5.9. Laminate Properties with Out-of-Plane Shear Stiffness and Shear Correction Factors ............................ 382
5.10. Linear Multivariate Algorithm ............................................................................................................ 386

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List of Tables
1.1. Predefined Unit Systems ....................................................................................................................... 18
2.1. Key Differences Between a Modeling Ply and Imported Modeling Ply ................................................... 142

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Chapter 1: Getting Started
The following sections describe how to begin using Ansys Composite PrepPost (ACP):
1.1. Overview
1.2.The Ansys Product Improvement Program
1.3. Graphical User Interface
1.4. Implementation in Workbench
1.5. Migrating ACP Projects from Previous Versions
1.6. Stand Alone Operation

1.1. Overview
The following sections provide an overview of Ansys Composite PrepPost (ACP).
1.1.1. Introduction
1.1.2. Supported Platforms and Functional Add-ons
1.1.3. Known Limitations
1.1.4. First Steps

1.1.1. Introduction
Composite materials are created by combining two or more layered materials, each with different
properties. These materials have become a standard for products that are both light and strong.
Composites provide enough flexibility so products with complex shapes, such as boat hulls and
surfboards, can be easily manufactured.

Engineering layered composites involves complex definitions that include numerous layers, materials,
thicknesses and orientations. The engineering challenge is to predict how well the finished product
will perform under real-world working conditions. This involves considering stresses and deformations
as well as a range of failure criteria. Ansys Composite PrepPost provides all necessary functionalities
for the analysis of layered composite structures.

ACP Workflows
Ansys Composite PrepPost (ACP) is an add-in to Ansys Workbench and is integrated with the standard
analysis features. As a result, the entire workflow for a composite structure can be completed from
design to final production information.

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Getting Started

The geometry of the tooling surfaces of a composite structure is the basis for analysis and production.
Based on this geometry and a FE mesh, the boundary conditions and composite definitions are applied
to the structure in the pre-processing stage. After a completed solution, the post-processing is used
to evaluate the performance of the design and laminate. In the case of an insufficient design or ma-
terial failure, the geometry or laminate has to be modified and the evaluation is repeated.

ACP has a pre- and post-processing mode. In the pre-processing mode, all composite definitions can
be created and are mapped to the geometry (FE mesh). These composite definitions are transferred
to the FE model and the solver input file. In the post-processing mode, after a completed solution
and the import of the result file(s), post-processing results (failure, safety, strains and stresses) can be
evaluated and visualized.

1.1.2. Supported Platforms and Functional Add-ons

Supported Platforms
ACP is supported on both Windows and Linux systems. For information about specific operating
system versions and distributions, see the Platform Support section of the Ansys Website.

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 Overview

ACP has additional library dependencies in Red Hat Enterprise Linux, for information on how to install
those libraries, see Post-Installation Procedures for Other Products in the Ansys, Inc. Linux Installation
Guide.

Functional Add-ons
ACP provides functional add-ons for problem-specific functionality. These add-ons are not considered
appropriate for general use and should be used with caution. No standard documentation is provided
for these features, but additional information is available on request. For more information, please
contact [email protected].

For information on how to activate these add-ons, see Submenus (p. 15).

1.1.3. Known Limitations

ACP has the following known limitations. Note that feature-specific limitations are often documented
with the corresponding feature description throughout the ACP user's guide.

Unicode
ACP does not support Unicode characters.

Composite Failure Tool For Migrated ACP Projects

The Composite Failure Tool in Mechanical can only be used in migrated projects once the ACP-Pre
SetupWorkbench cell has been updated.

Coordinate System Naming For Migrated ACP Projects

In Version 2019 R2, naming is maintained when coordinate systems defined in Workbench are trans-
ferred to ACP as Rosettes. (See Rosettes (p. 90).) When migrating projects from previous versions, the
Oriented Selection Set Properties may lose the Rosette link due to the renaming. This will require lay-
up definitions to be updated manually as shown in Figure 1.1: Oriented Selection Set Properties (p. 4).
For more information on migrating projects from previous versions, see Migrating ACP Projects from
Previous Versions (p. 45)

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Getting Started

Figure 1.1: Oriented Selection Set Properties

Export System(s) and Import to Workbench

The Export System(s) and Import of Workbench projects are not supported for ACP Systems. With
this current limitation, the imported ACP systems cannot be updated correctly after import.

Parameters
In ACP, Parameters, and how they are handled by the Parameter Manager, have certain limitations.
See the Parameters (p. 232) section for additional information.

Options for Objects with the Same Name

The application allows you to create objects with the same name. However, there are certain property
specification and graphical selection limitations for this scenario. Based on the object type, you may
not be able to define the properties to include objects with the same name. For example, you cannot
define Sub Laminates using a Fabric and Stackup that have the same name.

1.1.4. First Steps

The best way to get to know the features of ACP is to attempt one of the tutorials. There are two
tutorials that explain step-by-step how to define and analyze basic composite structures. The tutorials
both start off with existing Workbench projects. These sample projects and more information can be
found in section Introduction. Knowledge of Ansys Workbench is a prerequisite.

For information on how to build a composite model from new, see Analysis of a Composite Shell
Model (p. 303).

There are many ways to implement ACP in Workbench. The workflow for modeling composite solid
element models is described in Analysis of a Composite Shell Model (p. 303). Other examples are
shown in Implementation in Workbench (p. 32).

Composite Modeling Techniques (p. 261) offers an insight into modeling approaches for common
composite problems.

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 The Ansys Product Improvement Program

Explanations and specific information of the ACP features can be found in Features (p. 51).

Background information on the underlying theory used in ACP is available in Theory Documenta-
tion (p. 343). This is especially of interest for the failure criteria.

1.2. The Ansys Product Improvement Program

This product is covered by the Ansys Product Improvement Program, which enables Ansys, Inc., to collect
and analyze anonymous usage data reported by our software without affecting your work or product
performance. Analyzing product usage data helps us to understand customer usage trends and patterns,
interests, and quality or performance issues. The data enable us to develop or enhance product features
that better address your needs.

How to Participate
The program is voluntary. To participate, select Yes when the Product Improvement Program dialog
appears. Only then will collection of data for this product begin.

How the Program Works

After you agree to participate, the product collects anonymous usage data during each session. When
you end the session, the collected data is sent to a secure server accessible only to authorized Ansys
employees. After Ansys receives the data, various statistical measures such as distributions, counts,
means, medians, modes, etc., are used to understand and analyze the data.

Data We Collect
The data we collect under the Ansys Product Improvement Program are limited. The types and amounts
of collected data vary from product to product. Typically, the data fall into the categories listed here:

Hardware: Information about the hardware on which the product is running, such as the:

• brand and type of CPU

• number of processors available

• amount of memory available

• brand and type of graphics card

System: Configuration information about the system the product is running on, such as the:

• operating system and version

• country code

• time zone

• language used

• values of environment variables used by the product

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Getting Started

Session: Characteristics of the session, such as the:

• interactive or batch setting

• time duration

• total CPU time used

• product license and license settings being used

• product version and build identifiers

• command line options used

• number of processors used

• amount of memory used

• errors and warnings issued

Session Actions: Counts of certain user actions during a session, such as the number of:

• project saves

• restarts

• meshing, solving, postprocessing, etc., actions

• times the Help system is used

• times wizards are used

• toolbar selections

Model: Statistics of the model used in the simulation, such as the:

• number and types of entities used, such as nodes, elements, cells, surfaces, primitives, etc.

• number of material types, loading types, boundary conditions, species, etc.

• number and types of coordinate systems used

• system of units used

• dimensionality (1-D, 2-D, 3-D)

Analysis: Characteristics of the analysis, such as the:

• physics types used

• linear and nonlinear behaviors

• time and frequency domains (static, steady-state, transient, modal, harmonic, etc.)

• analysis options used

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 The Ansys Product Improvement Program

Solution: Characteristics of the solution performed, including:

• the choice of solvers and solver options

• the solution controls used, such as convergence criteria, precision settings, and tuning options

• solver statistics such as the number of equations, number of load steps, number of design points,
etc.

Specialty: Special options or features used, such as:

• user-provided plug-ins and routines

• coupling of analyses with other Ansys products

Data We Do Not Collect

The Product Improvement Program does not collect any information that can identify you personally,
your company, or your intellectual property. This includes, but is not limited to:

• names, addresses, or usernames

• file names, part names, or other user-supplied labels

• geometry- or design-specific inputs, such as coordinate values or locations, thicknesses, or other

dimensional values

• actual values of material properties, loadings, or any other real-valued user-supplied data

In addition to collecting only anonymous data, we make no record of where we collect data from. We
therefore cannot associate collected data with any specific customer, company, or location.

Opting Out of the Program

You may stop your participation in the program any time you wish. To do so, select Ansys Product
Improvement Program from the Help menu. A dialog appears and asks if you want to continue parti-
cipating in the program. Select No and then click OK. Data will no longer be collected or sent.

The Ansys, Inc., Privacy Policy

All Ansys products are covered by the Ansys, Inc., Privacy Policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Am I required to participate in this program?

No, your participation is voluntary. We encourage you to participate, however, as it helps us create
products that will better meet your future needs.

2. Am I automatically enrolled in this program?

No. You are not enrolled unless you explicitly agree to participate.

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Getting Started

3. Does participating in this program put my intellectual property at risk of being collected or discovered
by Ansys?

No. We do not collect any project-specific, company-specific, or model-specific information.

4. Can I stop participating even after I agree to participate?

Yes, you can stop participating at any time. To do so, select Ansys Product Improvement Program
from the Help menu. A dialog appears and asks if you want to continue participating in the program.
Select No and then click OK. Data will no longer be collected or sent.

5. Will participation in the program slow the performance of the product?

No, the data collection does not affect the product performance in any significant way. The amount
of data collected is very small.

6. How frequently is data collected and sent to Ansys servers?

The data is collected during each use session of the product. The collected data is sent to a secure
server once per session, when you exit the product.

7. Is this program available in all Ansys products?

Not at this time, although we are adding it to more of our products at each release. The program
is available in a product only if this Ansys Product Improvement Program description appears in the
product documentation, as it does here for this product.

8. If I enroll in the program for this product, am I automatically enrolled in the program for the other Ansys
products I use on the same machine?

Yes. Your enrollment choice applies to all Ansys products you use on the same machine. Similarly,
if you end your enrollment in the program for one product, you end your enrollment for all Ansys
products on that machine.

9. How is enrollment in the Product Improvement Program determined if I use Ansys products in a cluster?

In a cluster configuration, the Product Improvement Program enrollment is determined by the host
machine setting.

10. Can I easily opt out of the Product Improvement Program for all clients in my network installation?

Yes. Perform the following steps on the file server:

a. Navigate to the installation directory: [Drive:]\v221\commonfiles\globalsettings

b. Open the file ANSYSProductImprovementProgram.txt.

c. Change the value from "on" to "off" and save the file.

Additional Notes specific to ACP

If you run ACP in standalone mode, you can opt out or in under Tools > Preferences > ACP > Ansys
Product Improvement Program.

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 Graphical User Interface

1.3. Graphical User Interface

The user interface is split into the following parts:
1.3.1. Menus
1.3.2.Tree View
1.3.3. Scene
1.3.4.Toolbar
1.3.5. View Panes

The interface also contains View Panes (p. 29) that show how individual elements within the ACP interface
can be rearranged.

Figure 1.2: Ansys Composite PrepPost GUI

1.3.1. Menus
ACP (Pre) provides the following menu options:
1.3.1.1. File
1.3.1.2. View
1.3.1.3.Tools
1.3.1.4. Units

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Getting Started

Figure 1.3: Ansys Composite PrepPost Menu Options

1.3.1.1. File
The File menu differs between Workbench and Stand Alone mode.
1.3.1.1.1. Workbench
1.3.1.1.2. Stand Alone

1.3.1.1.1. Workbench
When you launch ACP (Pre) from Workbench, the File menu contains the following options:

Save Project: If the project was not already saved, specify the project name and location.
Saves the entire Workbench project.
Refresh All Data: Reloads the model in ACP. If the model is not up-to-date in the
Workbench schematic, changes on the model (mesh, Named Selections) are not transferred
to ACP. If you have made changes to the model, close ACP and update the model in
Workbench.
Run Script: Select a Python script to execute.
Exit: Exit from Ansys Composite PrepPost. Any newly defined ACP features are not deleted.

Figure 1.4: File Menu for Workbench Integration

1.3.1.1.2. Stand Alone

When you open the application in stand alone mode (via the Start menu), the File menu contains
the following options:

Open: Open an existing database.

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 Graphical User Interface

Save: Save the active database.

Save As: Save the active database, select location and file name.
Save All: Save all open databases.
Close: Close the active database.
Close All: Close all open databases.
Import Model: Import an Ansys model.
Run Script: Select a Python script to execute.
Exit: Exit from Ansys Composite PrepPost. Any newly defined ACP Features are not de-
leted.

Figure 1.5: Stand Alone File Menu

1.3.1.2. View
The layout of the GUI is managed through the View menu.
1.3.1.2.1. Perspectives
1.3.1.2.2. View Manager

Figure 1.6: View Menu

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Getting Started

1.3.1.2.1. Perspectives
The Perspectives submenu allows you to manage different interface layouts:

Perspective: Activate a named Perspective. Available perspectives appear in a list in the

drop-down menu.
New Perspective: Create a new Perspective.
Save Perspective As: Save the current interface layout into a new Perspective.
Rename Perspective: Modify the name of the active Perspective.
Delete Perspective: Delete the active Perspective.
Reset Perspective: Reset the active Perspective to an empty Perspective.
Reset All Perspectives: Reset all defined Perspectives.

Figure 1.7: Perspective Submenu

1.3.1.2.2. View Manager

Interface elements can be added or removed from a Perspective by clicking Other... to bring up
the View Manager. To activate a View, select it in the View Manager and click OK. The selected
View appears in the View menu for the selected perspective. Views present in the Perspective
can be activated or deactivated through the View menu.

Figure 1.8: Show View

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 Graphical User Interface

1.3.1.3. Tools
You will find the following options in the Tools menu:

• Extract Materials From Composite CAE H5... (p. 13)

• Preferences (p. 13)

Figure 1.9: Tools Menu

1.3.1.3.1. Extract Materials From Composite CAE H5...

This option allows you to extract material data from an HDF5 Composite CAE (p. 246) file for use
in Workbench. Using the dialog box shown below, specify the HDF5 Composite CAE file which
contains the materials data. Then select the folder where you want to save it. ACP saves the
materials in MatML format so it can be imported into Engineering Data in Workbench.

Figure 1.10: Extract Materials From Composite CAE H5... Dialog

1.3.1.3.2. Preferences
You can configure the following application settings through the Preferences submenu:

• Logger Settings (p. 14)

• General ACP Preferences (p. 14)

• Scene Preferences (p. 16)

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Getting Started

Figure 1.11: Preferences Window

1.3.1.3.2.1. Logger Settings

The following Logger Settings allow you to set the severity level of messages displayed in the
Log Window. The levels are:

Debug: Log everything, including debugging information.

Info (default): Log everything, except debugging information.
Warning: Log errors and warnings.
Error: Log errors only.
Critical: Not used.

Figure 1.12: Logger Preferences

1.3.1.3.2.2. General ACP Preferences

In the main ACP heading, the following options are available:

Ansys Executable Path: Path to the ansys.exe file (solver). If empty, ACP uses the
default path from the installation.
Ansys License: Defines which license will be used to solve the model. For more inform-
ation on licenses, see Product to License Feature Mapping in the Ansys, Inc. License
Management Guide. The Feature Name (from the Ansys Product to License Feature
Mapping Table) should be typed in this field. For example, enter struct for an Ansys
Mechanical Enterprise Solver. By default, the Ansys License field is empty, in which
case ACP uses the order of licenses defined in the LM Center.

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 Graphical User Interface

Number of Threads to Use in Parallel: Specifies the number of cores/threads used

for computation. ACP uses all available cores when the option is zero (default).
H5 Compression Level: Specify the GZip compression level of HDF5 (storage format
of ACP). The default setting is 2. This setting provides good compression at an overhead
of about 35% when compared to no compression (setting of 0). The highest available
setting is 9. Note that processing requirements increase based on this setting. You will
notice an increase in processing times with a setting of 4 and above. You need to
evaluate the benefits of increased processing time versus file size reduction.

Figure 1.13: General ACP Preferences

1.3.1.3.2.2.1. Submenus

The following submenus allow you to change global defaults:

Units: Define solver units.

Material Database: Define the path to the material database (.acpMdb file).
Add-Ons: Activate or deactivate the available add-ons (p. 3).
Section Generation: Define default tolerance values for the generation of sections
and the minimum analysis ply thickness. For more information see Lay-Up Computa-
tion (p. 55).
Ansys Product Improvement Program: Here you can opt to participate in the Ansys
Product Improvement Program. Refer to the section Ansys Product Improvement Pro-
gram (p. 5) for complete information.
The option applies only to workflows in ACP standalone operation. For Workbench
workflows, you must opt into the Ansys Product Improvement Program using the
Workbench settings.

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Getting Started

Figure 1.14: Section Generation Preferences

1.3.1.3.2.3. Scene Preferences

In the Scene heading, some graphical properties of the model display can be modified. These
properties are grouped in three parts:
1.3.1.3.2.3.1. Appearance
1.3.1.3.2.3.2. Screenshot
1.3.1.3.2.3.3. Interaction

Figure 1.15: Scene Preferences

1.3.1.3.2.3.1. Appearance

Background color of the Scene window can be defined as uniform or as a gradient from bottom
to top. To obtain a uniform background, Background Color and Background Color 2 should
have the same color definition. When defining a top to bottom gradient, Background Color
is the bottom color and Background Color 2 is the top color. To modify these colors click Edit.

1.3.1.3.2.3.2. Screenshot

By default, the size of the image captured by the Snapshot utility has the same size as the
Scene size. The size of the captured image can be fixed to a certain dimension. This option
should be used carefully. By default, the Anti-Aliasing option is active. On some hardware,
this option may slow down image creation. If you are experiencing difficulty taking screenshots,
turn the Anti-Aliasing option off.

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 Graphical User Interface

1.3.1.3.2.3.3. Interaction

Two mouse interaction styles are available in ACP. The default style (Ansys) is the same as the
interaction in Ansys Workbench. The two interaction styles are described in the table below:

Interaction Style
Action Ansys Mouse Only
Pan Ctrl+MB MB drag
drag
Dolly-Zoom Wheel/Shift+MB MB drag+RB click/MB drag+LB
drag click
Box-Dolly-Zoom RB drag
Rotate MB drag MB+RB
Spin MB+RB/MB+LB drag close to
border
Pick LB click LB click/RB click
Box-Pick LB drag LB drag/RB drag
Rotation Point MB MB click
click/Shift +
LB click
Reset

• (L,M,R)B denotes left, middle, and right mouse button respectively

• + denotes concurrent execution

1.3.1.4. Units
You use the Units menu to change the active unit system.

Figure 1.16: Units Menu

The unit system can only be altered in preprocessing. It is locked in shared mode and postprocessing.
When changing from a predefined unit system to Undefined, or vice versa, no conversions take
place.

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Getting Started

The unit system of the active model is displayed in the status bar at the bottom of the ACP window.

Table 1.1: Predefined Unit Systems

Name Length Mass Time Length*Mass/Time2 Temperature Currency

BFT ft slug s lbf F USD
2
BIN in 1/in*lbf/s s lbf F USD
CGS cm g s dyn C USD
MKS m kg s N K USD
MPA mm t s N C USD
SI m kg s N K USD
UMKS μm kg s μN C USD
Undefined - - - - - -

1.3.2. Tree View

The underlying Python Object Tree (p. 395) is mapped into the graphical Tree View. It provides an
easy way of selecting objects or viewing/modifying the state of an object. An explanation on how to
modify specific objects in the Tree is provided in the Usage Reference (p. 51).

Most Tree objects are associated with a context menu, which can be displayed by right-clicking the
object. Double-clicking a Tree object directly opens the Properties dialog for that object - providing
a shortcut from opening the context menu.

The Tree View is accompanied with a toolbar that is located at the top of the Tree View. The following
functions are available:

• Search allows you to search for Tree objects which have a name matching the search string.

• The collapse button folds the Tree back into its original state.

Note:

The search is case-insensitive and requires an exact match. Special characters are not
treated as wild cards and are not ignored in the search and object name strings. For ex-
ample, a search for "test object 1" will not return a match for an object named test_ob-
ject_1. Similarly, a search for "test_object_*" will not return a match for and object named
test_object_1.

Caution:

Care should be taken when defining objects while Tree filtering is active. The object selec-
tion must be consistent with what is displayed in the filtered Tree. It is recommended that
you clear any Tree filters while defining new objects.

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Figure 1.17: Tree View

A status symbol appears for each item.

Figure 1.18: Locked Rosettes and the Update Status

: Rosette is locked and up-to-date.

: Rosette is locked but not up-to-date.
: Rosette is updated.
: Rosette is hidden.

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Getting Started

: Rosette is not updated. It can be updated with the general update in the toolbar or
context menu.

The symbol indicates that this object is defined, but inactive and therefore not considered in any
evaluation. Modeling Plies, Solid Models and Analysis Plies can be inactive.

You can move through the Tree using the arrow keys. The sub-trees are automatically reduced and
expanded.

Special shortcuts exist for the Modeling Group. For more information, see Usage Reference (p. 51)).

1.3.3. Scene
The Scene contains a 3D graphical representation of the model and all defined entities. There is no
limit to the number of Scenes that can be created, and changing from one Scene to another can be
done with a single click. You can navigate through the Scene by mouse or keyboard input. For more
information, see Scene Manipulation (p. 20).

For more information on mouse interactions, see Interaction (p. 17).

1.3.3.1. Scene Manipulation

The view of the Scene can be manipulated using several buttons on the toolbar:

: Standard views along each axis.

: Zoom to fit the model.

: View full-screen.

: Active or deactivate perspective.

: Capture screenshot.

1.3.4. Toolbar
The toolbar interacts with the Scene by modifying camera views or displaying or hiding elements:
1.3.4.1. Updates
1.3.4.2. Edit Entities with Excel
1.3.4.3. Mesh Appearance
1.3.4.4. Orientation Visualization
1.3.4.5. Fiber Directions
1.3.4.6. Draping
1.3.4.7. Other Features
1.3.4.8. Configure Plots

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1.3.4.1. Updates
After some operations (for example, reloading the model, modification of one or more plies, or
activating postprocessing), an update ( ) of the Scene is necessary.

1.3.4.2. Edit Entities with Excel

: Create, edit, or save the entities such as Look-up Tables or Modeling Plies with Excel.

The Excel Link interface allows you to define, modify, or save the lay-up definition in an Excel
spreadsheet. The lay-up can be transferred to a spreadsheet using the push function or a lay-up
which has been defined in a spreadsheet can be imported into ACP using the pull function. By
default, all lay-up data is synchronized between Excel and ACP. Alternatively, you can select specific
Modeling Groups for which the lay-up is synchronized. In addition, Pull Mode controls how the lay-
up is transferred to ACP. The lay-up can be linked to a new spreadsheet or to an existing one. The
latter functionality gives you the ability to restore a lay-up from pre-defined data.

Figure 1.19: Excel Link Dialog

The main functions of the Excel Link are:

• Open Excel: Open an existing Excel file if specified. If no path is specified, a new worksheet is
opened and filled with the current lay-up information.

• Push to: Sync lay-up definition data from ACP to Excel.

• Pull from: Read definition data from Excel and update the definition in ACP.

• Close All: Close Excel and the ACP Dialog Box

The following options are available for Pull Mode:

• Update Entities: During a Pull from operation, definitions are updated, additional plies are
generated and deleted according to Excel data.

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Getting Started

• Update Properties Only: During a Pull from operation, definitions are updated with properties
given.

• Recreate Entities: During a Pull from operation, existing lay-up is deleted and generated from
scratch. The ACP Tree order corresponds to the Excel spreadsheet order.

1.3.4.3. Mesh Appearance

Appearance of the mesh can be modified using several buttons on the toolbar:

: Show or hide element edges.

: Show or hide the mesh surface.

Show or hide the silhouette of the mesh. For huge meshes, this function is computa-
tionally expensive. This will prevent Scene manipulation while it is processing.

: Highlight elements.

: Change highlighted elements between solid and shell elements.

: Highlight silhouette of selected elements even if it is hidden by mesh.

: Display probe values when hovering over model.

1.3.4.4. Orientation Visualization

You can display the surface orientations using the orientation buttons on the toolbar.

Figure 1.20: Orientation Visualizations in the Toolbar

: Display element normals or normal direction of CAD geometry parts.

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 Graphical User Interface

Figure 1.21: Visualization of the Element Normals

: Display orientation of an Oriented Selection Set (OSS).

Figure 1.22: Visualization of the OSS Normal

: Display reference direction of an Oriented Selection Set (OSS).

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Getting Started

Figure 1.23: Visualization of the OSS Reference Direction

1.3.4.5. Fiber Directions

The ply angles can be visualized with the fiber direction buttons on the toolbar.

Figure 1.24: Fiber Directions in the Toolbar

: Display the fiber direction of the selected ply.

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 Graphical User Interface

Figure 1.25: Visualization of the Fiber Direction

: Display the transverse ply direction.

Figure 1.26: Visualization of the Transverse Ply Direction

1.3.4.6. Draping
You can highlight the draping effect by comparing the fiber direction (see Fiber Directions (p. 24))
with the draped fiber direction as well as the transverse fiber direction with the transverse draped

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Getting Started

fiber direction. Moreover, if the Fabric Fiber Angle (p. 65) property is active, its effect can be visu-
alized by plotting the Material 1 Direction of the selected analysis ply.

Figure 1.27: Draping Directions in the Toolbar

: Plot Draped Fiber Directions.

Figure 1.28: Fiber Directions (Defined and Draped)

: Plot Draped Transverse Fiber Directions.

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 Graphical User Interface

Figure 1.29: Traverse Directions (Defined and Draped)

: Plot Material 1 Directions.

Figure 1.30: Material 1 Direction and Draped Fiber Direction for a Material with a 45° Fabric
Fiber Angle

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Getting Started

1.3.4.7. Other Features

The toolbar displays the following additional features:

• : Display or hide the coordinate system axis.

A coordinate system axis is displayed by default in the bottom left corner of the graphics window
for a better 3-D orientation.

• : Plot box with coordinate system.

Figure 1.31: Enclosed Box and Coordinate System

• : Distance measure tool. Select two points of the mesh and the distance and point coordinates
will be displayed in the bottom left.

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 Graphical User Interface

Figure 1.32: Distance Measure Tool

1.3.4.8. Configure Plots

Configure the objects displayed in the Scene.

• Show deformed mesh.

• Plot Properties. Configure vector density and length for the direction plots. In addition, you
can specify whether vectors and contour plots are always shown in front of the mesh.

1.3.5. View Panes

The View panes displayed at the bottom of the interface contain specific information about the pro-
cesses performed. You can rearrange the Views using drag and drop. A red highlight displays the
new (drop) position for placing the View. Each View is described below.

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Getting Started

Shell View
All commands performed through GUI interactions are executed by the internal Python interpreter.
The same commands can be entered manually in the Shell View window. The Shell View window also
provides standard text editing features such as copy and paste, history, and tab completing.

A detailed overview about scripting in ACP and a command reference can be found in ACP Python
Scripting User Interface (p. 391).

Code Completing and Help

The period (".") activates the code completing. Use the Up Arrow, Down Arrow, or the mouse to
navigate through the drop-down menu. [TAB], [ENTER] or double-clicking inserts the selected com-
mand.

Enter an opening parentheses "(" to get help on the selected method. Press [ENTER] to insert the
function header.

The context menu of the Shell View windows is accessible by a right-click and it allows you to copy
and paste commands. Use "Paste and Run" to execute multi-line or multiple statements.

Hot Keys

Here is the list of hot keys of the Shell View window that allow you to access the history, copy and
paste commands, etc.

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Selection

Hot Key Description

Home Go to the beginning of the command or line.
End Go to the end of the line.
Shift+Home Select back to the beginning of the command or line.
Shift+End Select to the end of the line.

Copy and Paste

Hot Key Description

Ctrl+C Copy selected text, removing prompts.
Ctrl+Shift+C Copy selected text, retaining prompts.
Ctrl+V Paste from clipboard.
Ctrl+Shift+V Paste and run multiple commands from clipboard.

History

Hot Key Description

Ctrl+Up+Arrow Retrieve previous history item.
Ctrl+Down+Arrow Retrieve next history item.
Shift+Up+Arrow Insert previous history item.
Shift+Down+Arrow Insert next history item.

Font Size

Hot Key Description

Ctrl+] Increase font size.
Ctrl+[ Decrease font size.
Ctrl+Wheel Edit font size.
Ctrl+= Default font size.

Logger
The information saved in the file %APP_DATA%\Ansys\v221\acp\ACP.log is shown in this View.
The severity level of the logged events is defined in Logger Settings (p. 14).

History View
All commands processed during the existing session are stored in the Python command history. They
can be inspected in the History View window, where each text line refers to an executed command.
The command history is also available in the Shell View by using the Ctrl+Up/Ctrl+Down keys.

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Getting Started

1.4. Implementation in Workbench

In Workbench, the ACP analysis component can be used from basic analysis to complex load cases and
analyses. The following sections contain some examples of common use of the ACP analysis system.
1.4.1. Basic Workflow
1.4.2. ACP Component Properties
1.4.3. Supported Analysis Types
1.4.4. Multiple Load Cases and Analyses
1.4.5. Shared Composite Definition for Different Models
1.4.6. Solid Modeling
1.4.7. Assembly

1.4.1. Basic Workflow

A composite shell defined using ACP can be imported into Mechanical for analysis by importing the
mesh and composite definitions from an upstream ACP system. To import a composite shell from
ACP into Mechanical, use the following procedure:

1. From the Component Systems list, drag and drop an ACP (Pre) system into the Project Schem-
atic. For more information on Component Properties available in Workbench, see ACP Component
Properties (p. 36).

2. Select the Geometry cell and specify your geometry. Make sure that you properly define your
mesh, Named Selections, etc. before opening the geometry in ACP. Note that ACP only uses a
linear or quadratic shell mesh.

3. Select the Setup cell of the ACP system. Right-click on the cell and select the Properties option.
As needed, activate the Load Model Properties option contained in the Geometry category of
the Properties of Schematic. Selecting this property makes your geometry available in ACP's
CAD Geometries (p. 86) object.

4. Perform all of the steps to fully define your ACP (Pre) system.

5. Return to the Workbench. Drag and drop a supported Mechanical system into the Project
Schematic.

6. Drag and drop the ACP (Pre) Setup cell onto the Mechanical system Model cell to create a
transfer of the model. A context menu gives you options to Transfer Solid Composite Data or
Transfer Shell Composite Data. The connection enables the transfer of Mesh, Geometry, Engin-
eering Data, and composite definitions from ACP to Mechanical. When you create this link, the
Geometry and Engineering Data cells no longer display for the Mechanical system. ACP provides
this system data.

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 Implementation in Workbench

7. Double-click the Model cell of the Mechanical system. In the Mechanical application, an Imported
Plies object is already inserted. Analysis Ply objects, corresponding to the Analysis Plies in ACP,
are created under the Imported Plies object.

The Analysis Ply objects are grouped in Production Plies, and Production Plies are further grouped
into Modeling Plies to mimic the ply structure defined in ACP:

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Getting Started

8. Perform all the steps to fully define and solve the Mechanical system.

The following should be noted when performing an analysis with imported ACP data:

• Since the mesh is imported from an upstream ACP system, any operations that affect the mesh
state are blocked inside Mechanical.

• It is recommended that you do not edit the mesh inside Mechanical. However, the Clear Gen-
erated Data option is available on the Mesh object and performs the action of cleaning up
the imported mesh. The Generate Mesh/Update operation restores the imported mesh that
was previously modified.

• Since the material is assigned to elements/bodies through the upstream ACP system, the Ma-
terial Assignment field is read-only and set to Composite Material.

• If the Setup cell of the upstream ACP system is modified, refreshing the downstream Model
re-imports the meshes and resynthesizes the geometry. This action has the following effects:

– Any properties set on the bodies imported from the ACP system are reset to default.

– For solids, any scoping to geometry (bodies/faces/edges/vertices) is lost and any

loads/boundary conditions scoping to geometry are lost.

Tip:

Any criterion-based Named Selections defined in the downstream Mechanical system

are updated on refresh after any modification in the upstream ACP system. Since cri-
terion-based Named Selections are automatically updated, and any direct scoping is
lost, you should create criterion-based Named Selections and then scope any loads or

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 Implementation in Workbench

boundary conditions to these Named Selections. This will result in persistence of

scoping during modify/refresh operations.

9. Review the results. Layered results can be reviewed in Mechanical or in ACP-Post. For postprocessing
in Mechanical, see Displaying Surface Body Results (including Layered Shell Results) and the
Composite Failure Tool. To utilize additional postprocessing capabilities within the ACP application,
drag an ACP (Post) system onto the ACP (Pre) Model cell, and connect the Solution cell of the
Mechanical system onto the ACP (Post) Results cell.

Analyses that require upstream results from Eigenvalue Buckling or Pre-Stress Modal analyses are
also supported and can be transferred from the solution.

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1.4.2. ACP Component Properties

The following section describes properties of an ACP component in Workbench. Properties can be
accessed through the right-click context menu over each component cell, as shown below in Fig-
ure 1.33: Properties from Right-Click Context Menu (p. 37).

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 Implementation in Workbench

Figure 1.33: Properties from Right-Click Context Menu

From the Setup Properties Menu, shown below in Figure 1.34: Properties Menu: Setup (p. 37), the
following options are available.

Figure 1.34: Properties Menu: Setup

• Load Model Geometry: Imports the geometry from ACP's Mechanical model.

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Getting Started

• Editor Startup Timeout (s): Timeout to catch an ACP start-up error. (Example: No license is available.)
You can increase this value to account for license server delays.

• Batch Mode: Specifies the Batch Mode of ACP between True Batch Mode and GUI Without Win-
dow. By default, ACP runs in True Batch Mode so it can support cluster environments (Windows
or Linux) where no graphics support is present. Note that ACP Snapshot functionality is only sup-
ported in the GUI Without Window option. If your analysis is generating Snapshots and is run by
mistake in True Batch Mode, the analysis will still run to completion.

Notice that the Editor Startup Timeout and Batch Mode options are also available in the ACP Post
properties.

1.4.3. Supported Analysis Types

The ACP (Pre) system can be linked with the following Mechanical analysis systems:

• Static Structural

• Transient Structural

• Steady-State Thermal

• Transient Thermal

• Modal

• Harmonic Response

• Random Vibration

• Response Spectrum

• Eigenvalue Buckling

• Explicit (LS-DYNA)

The ACP (Post) system cannot post-process all analysis types. It supports the following Mechanical
analysis systems:

• Static Structural

• Transient Structural

• Steady-State Thermal

• Transient Thermal

Note:

• Although both Structural and Thermal layer modeling are available, the particular degrees
of freedom results on corresponding layers could behave differently in structural and
thermal environments. For more information, see the Element Reference for the specific
elements, particularly SOLID185 and SOLID278.

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• Steady-State Thermal and Transient Thermal analysis systems are fully supported by the
solid workflow (p. 40) only. For the shell workflow, the number of layers per element is
limited to 31 for a linear temperature distribution through-the-thickness and 15 for a
quadratic distribution.

• Explicit analyses are not supported because ACP’s post-processing system predicts a
first ply failure and therefore does not consider damage or material degradation.

1.4.4. Multiple Load Cases and Analyses

Complex workflows with multiple load cases and/or analyses are defined in the same way as standard
analyses. In most of the cases, the links to share the data are set automatically by Workbench. Some
links must be manually added. In the following example, the links from the Solution cells of analyses
B and C to the ACP (Post) system have been added manually.

Figure 1.35: Multiple Load Cases and Analyses

1.4.5. Shared Composite Definition for Different Models

The ACP (Pre) Setup cell can be shared across multiple models. This means the same composite lay-
up can be applied to models of different geometries and meshes. This functionality can be used in
design studies where the composite definition remains the same but different geometries are evaluated.
Submodeling is another situation where this functionality can be used. In a scenario where two

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Getting Started

models are to share the same ACP (Pre) Setup, one setup cell is dragged on to the other. ACP maps
as much information onto the second model as possible. It is advised to use common Named Selections
as well as the same Engineering Data. The figure below shows an example of a shared ACP (Pre)
setup.

Figure 1.36: Two Analyses Share the Same ACP (Pre) Setup

1.4.6. Solid Modeling

Similar to composite shells, composite solids defined using ACP can be imported into Mechanical for
analysis by importing the mesh from upstream ACP systems and synthesizing the geometry from the
imported meshes. The import of a composite solid from ACP into Mechanical follows the same pro-
cedure for shells except that the transfer option Transfer Solid Composite Data must be selected
as shown below.

ACP distinguishes between two different approaches: the first approach is an extrusion algorithm
that generates a solid mesh based on the Composite Definitions and the shell reference surface. This
feature is simply called Solid Model (p. 158). In this scenario the solid mesh is completely generated

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 Implementation in Workbench

by ACP (Pre). For more information, refer to the Guide of Solid Modeling (p. 283) and the Analysis of
a Composite Solid Model (p. 310) sections of the Help.

In the second approach, the Composite Definitions are mapped onto an external solid mesh that is
loaded in ACP. This feature is called Imported Solid Model (p. 181).

Load an External Solid Mesh in ACP (Pre)

External solid meshes can be transferred to ACP (Pre) by linking a Mechanical Model component to
ACP Setup as shown in the Figure below. This allows you to map the composite definitions onto the
Imported Solid Model. (p. 181)

Figure 1.37: Import Volume Mesh from Mechanical Model (E4 to C5)

Solid meshes from third party applications can also be loaded into ACP (Pre). In that scenario the
mesh is loaded via External Model and Mechanical Model as shown in the next figure.

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Getting Started

Figure 1.38: Import Volume Mesh from Third Party Application

Note:

The internal link between the Mechanical Model and ACP Setup within an ACP (Pre)
System (C4 to C5 in the figure above) transfers the shell mesh only.

1.4.7. Assembly
Meshes can be imported into Mechanical from multiple systems. It is possible to combine composite
shell, composite solid, and non-layered shell and solid meshes to perform mixed analysis. Mechanical
does not allow overlap of node/element number from multiple systems; therefore the import fails if
the meshes from different systems are overlapping in node/element numbers. Meshes from upstream
to downstream Mechanical Models are renumbered automatically to avoid any overlap. For every
analysis system (mesh), you have the choice between automatic renumbering (default) and manual
configuration. If automatic renumbering is disabled, you must ensure that the element/node numbering
is unique for each mesh.

The Properties menu of the Mechanical Model allows you to turn automatic renumbering on or off
and also to change the transfer type of ACP (Pre) systems from shell to solid.

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 Implementation in Workbench

To create a mixed assembly:

1. From the Analysis Systems panel, drag and drop an ACP (Pre) Analysis system into the project
schematic.

2. Drag and drop a supported Mechanical system into the Project Schematic and create a link from
the ACP (Pre) Setup cell to the Mechanical Model cell.

3. Add other ACP (Pre) systems as needed.

4. Drag and drop a Mechanical Model component into the Project Schematic for the non-layered
parts. Create a transfer link from the Model cell of the upstream system to the Model cell of any
downstream systems.

5. Double-click the downstream Model cell to edit the model. For every upstream mesh, a Geometry,
Imported Plies, and Named Selections folder are inserted in the Tree View of Mechanical.

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Getting Started

6. Perform all the steps to fully define and solve the Mechanical Analysis system.

Limitations
• A connection from an upstream ACP (Pre) Setup or Mechanical Model cell is only possible if the
Engineering Data cell of the intended downstream Mechanical system is not modified. If the En-
gineering Data cell of the downstream system is modified by creating/modifying an existing ma-
terial in the Engineering Data interface, a data transfer cannot be created.

• ACP composite definitions are not supported in nested assemblies as shown below. For instance,
the Imported Plies of System D are not passed to System E, and therefore the ply definitions are
lost.

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 Migrating ACP Projects from Previous Versions

1.5. Migrating ACP Projects from Previous Versions

General Updates
In Version 2019 R2, the coordinate system naming is maintained between Mechanical and ACP. When
migrating Workbench archives from previous versions, minor manual input may be required to maintain
Rosette reference links. See Known Limitations (p. 3) for more information.

A new serialization format for ACP was introduced in Version 2019 R1 in order to improve performance
and usability. Therefore, any ACP database created with version 19.2 or older must upgraded. The sections
below describe how to upgrade ACP projects from previous versions:

ACP into Workbench

When opening ACP projects generated in a previous version, you should do a Clear Generated Data on
the ACP (Pre) Setup cell.

Upgrading Projects from Version 17.1 or Older

Projects older then version 17.2 should be opened and saved in any version from 17.2 to 19.2 to ensure
a robust upgrade to the current release. Please ensure that every ACP-Pre, -Shared, and -Post system
is completely updated and saved. This intermediate upgrade is supported starting from version 14.0.

Upgrading Projects from Versions 17.2 to 19.2 to the Current Release

If you open or restore a Workbench project that has been created with any version from 17.2 to 19.2,
then the ACP systems turn to a `refresh required` state. This ensures that the upgrade happens auto-
matically on refresh or update of the ACP systems. This also leads to the situation that ACP-Post and
Shared systems cannot be launched before the corresponding (upstream) ACP-Pre system has been
updated. Once the upgrade is done, up-to-date status, etc. are maintained.

Miscellaneous

Version 17.0 introduced a new workflow for ACP (composites). The existing workflow from previous
versions is still valid. If you wish to upgrade your projects from previous versions to the new composite
workflow, please contact your technical support representative.

ACP Standalone
Upgrading ACP Databases from Version 17.1 or Older

ACP databases older then version 17.2 should be opened and saved in any version from 17.2 to 19.2
to ensure a robust upgrade to the current release.

Upgrading ACP Databases from Versions 17.2 to 19.2 to the Current Release

ACP models that have been generated with any version from 17.2 to 19.2 can be upgraded easily. Open
the *.acp file in the current release and perform a `Save As` in order to generate the new *.acph5
database file.

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Getting Started

Python UI
Version 18.0 changed the material scripting interface for ACP. A material's properties (for example en-
gineering constants and stress and strain limits) are no longer members of the Material class, but each
property forms its own class instance of the type PropertySet. This is to better reflect the individually
closed data basis for data interpolation in case the properties depend on user-defined field variables
(see Variable Material Data in Composite Analyses (p. 299)). The PropertySet instances can be accessed
by their string key on the Material class. ACP scripts using materials must be updated to be compatible
with the new material properties.

In 2019 R1, The model attribute create_cad_selection_rule() has been replaced with cre-
ate_geometrical_selection_rule(geometrical_rule_type='geometry'). Scripts that
used the CAD Selection Rule in previous versions need to be adapted accordingly for this release.

1.6. Stand Alone Operation

ACP can be used as a Stand Alone application. This section describes how ACP can be operated in Stand
Alone mode. It is important to know that the Stand Alone mode does not support all features that are
available within Workbench (For instance, the user fields and variable materials are not supported.)

Version 2019 R1 introduced a new serialization format. This changes the handling of external sources
(shell input mesh or CAD geometries) when ACP is run in standalone mode. Modifications of the input
files are no longer automatically detected by ACP and are not considered on update or open. Therefore,
you must refresh the inputs explicitly:

• Reference Surface (shell): perform a Reload of the model (Model> Reload)

• CAD Geometry: press Refresh button in the property dialog of the object

• Imported Solid Model (solid mesh): press Refresh button in the property dialog of the object

1.6.1. Starting ACP in Windows

1.6.2. Starting ACP in Linux
1.6.3. Command Line Options and Batch Mode
1.6.4. Workflow in Stand Alone Operation

1.6.1. Starting ACP in Windows

To start ACP in Stand Alone mode in Windows, use the shortcut in the Start Menu. The shortcut can
be found in Programs\ANSYS 2022 R1\ACP

1.6.2. Starting ACP in Linux

On a standard installation, ACP can then be started by entering the following command into the
command prompt:
/ansys_inc/v221/ACP/ACP

Command line options listed in Command Line Options and Batch Mode (p. 47) are also valid in
Linux.

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 Stand Alone Operation

1.6.3. Command Line Options and Batch Mode

ACP can also be used on a command line level. The general usage of the ACP start script is:
ACP.exe [options] [FILE]

The supported command line options are:

Long Form Short Form Description

--version Display the program’s version number and exit.
--help -h Display the program’s command line options and exit.
--batch=BATCH_MODE -b Run ACP in Batch Mode.
BATCH_MODE
0 - Batch Mode disabled.
1 - True Batch Mode. (No GUI will be created.
Snapshot functionality is not supported.)
2 - Batch Mode with GUI toolkit but hidden
window. (Snapshot functionality is supported.)
--debug -d Enable debug output.
--num- -t Number of threads to be used. 0 for max available
threads=NUM_THREADS NUM_THREADS threads.
--logfile=LOGFILE -o LOGFILE Specify file to be used for log messages.
--mode=MODE -m MODE Application starts up in the specified mode (‘pre’,
‘shared’, or ‘post’).
--workbench -w Run ACP in Workbench mode.
--port=PORT -p PORT Specify port number for remote access server.
[FILE] [FILE] If the specified file is an ACP project, it is opened. If it
is a Python script it is executed.

1.6.4. Workflow in Stand Alone Operation

The difference between Stand Alone operation and WB Integration is that the several steps or opera-
tions have to be performed manually. The following is an overview of these steps:

1. Generate the Ansys input file in Workbench or Mechanical APDL, including the loads and boundary
conditions (*.inp, *.dat or *.cdb).

From Workbench:

In the Mechanical application, select the analysis and select Tools > Write Input File to write a
*.dat or a *.inp file.

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Getting Started

Figure 1.39: Write Input File

Alternatively, in the project schematic, you can update the Setup status. A ds.dat file is written
in the project folder SYS-X/MECH. This file can also be used as Pre-processing Model in ACP.

From Mechanical APDL:

In Mechanical APDL, use the command CDWRITE to write a .cdb file, which can be used as a
preprocessing model in ACP.
cdwrite,db,file,cdb

2. Start ACP

3. Import the Ansys Model in ACP.

ACP supports the .dat, .inp and .cdb file formats. Import the model into ACP by selecting
File > Import Model or by right-clicking the Models object in the Tree View and selecting Import
Model.

Figure 1.40: Import Ansys Model Using the Context Menu

4. Define the Materials, or copy the materials from the ACP Material Databank.

For more information on defining materials, see Material Data (p. 61).

For more information on using the Material Databank, see Material Database (p. 238).

5. Create laminate sequences.

See Usage Reference (p. 51) and Composite Modeling Techniques (p. 261) for detailed information.

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 Stand Alone Operation

6. Update the model after any change in the ACP definition (lay-up definitions) or change of the
input model.

After any modification in the input model, the input file must be reloaded (see Model (p. 52)).

After any change in the ACP definition, the database must be updated. Use the Update (p. 21)
button in the toolbar.

7. Send the model to the Ansys solver (Solve Current Model) or export the new analysis file (Save
Analysis Model). For more information, see Model (p. 52).

8. Switch between ACP Pre and ACP Post.

Click on the parent object in the Tree View to switch between ACP Pre and ACP Post. You may
also right click the parent object to call up the contextual menu and select ACP Post.

Figure 1.41: Switch Between ACP Pre and Post

9. Import the results.

In the ACP Post mode, solutions can be imported to evaluate the strength of the composite
structure. In the Tree View, import the result files by right clicking the Solution object. See Solu-
tions (p. 201) for more details.

10. Perform composite postprocessing.

Use definitions (p. 200) to define which results are evaluated in postprocessing. Plot these values
in the Scene (p. 223) for representation on the geometry or use sampling points (p. 150) for repres-
entation through the lay-up.

11. Save the composite definitions.

Use the File menu or right-click the Models object in the Tree View to use the contextual menu.

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Chapter 2: Usage Reference
This chapter consists of the following sections:
2.1. Features
2.2. Postprocessing
2.3. Exchanging Composite Definitions with Other Programs

2.1. Features
The features described are in the following sections:
2.1.1. Model
2.1.2. Material Data
2.1.3. Element and Edge Sets
2.1.4. Geometry
2.1.5. Rosettes
2.1.6. Look-Up Tables
2.1.7. Selection Rules
2.1.8. Oriented Selection Sets (OSS)
2.1.9. Modeling Groups
2.1.10. Imported Modeling Group
2.1.11. Field Definitions
2.1.12. Sampling Points
2.1.13. Section Cuts
2.1.14. Sensors
2.1.15. Solid Models
2.1.16. Lay-Up Plots
2.1.17. Definitions
2.1.18. Solutions
2.1.19. Scenes
2.1.20. Views
2.1.21. Ply Books
2.1.22. Parameters
2.1.23. Scripts
2.1.24. Material Database

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Usage Reference

2.1.1. Model
The right-click context menu of the model gives you access to model properties, save options, and
import/export interface options. The context menu options are different when ACP is run in Workbench
compared to Stand-Alone Mode.

In Workbench mode, these options are:

Figure 2.1: Model Context Menu in Workbench Mode

In Stand-Alone mode, the options are:

Figure 2.2: Model Context Menu in Stand-Alone Mode

This is an overview of the items in the model context menu. Selected items are explained in more
detail below.

• Properties: Display the Model Properties dialog where information about the model, input file,
tolerances and unit system can be found and modified (see Model Properties - General (p. 53))

• Update: Update the entire model.

• Clear Generated Data: Delete all results of the previous update and remove the serialized cached
data.

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 Features

• Save (Stand Alone only): Save the selected model.

• Reload (Stand Alone only): Reload the input file into the database (return to the last saved state).

• Close (Stand Alone only): Close the selected model.

• Save Analysis Model (Stand Alone only): Save the Ansys input file including the lay-up defined in
ACP.

• Save APDL Commands (Stand Alone only): Save the lay-up definition as APDL Command Macro,
modifies the model from isotropic material monolithic elements to orthotropic layered composite
elements with some adjustments on results save.

• Solve Current Model (Stand Alone only): Submit the Ansys input file including the composite lay-
up definition to the Ansys solver.

• Export Composite Definitions to ACP File: Export the lay-up definitions to a different ACP file
(see Import/Export of ACP Composite Definitions File (p. 57)).

• Import Composite Definitions from ACP File: Import the lay-up definitions from an other ACP
file (see Import/Export of ACP Composite Definitions File (p. 57)).

• Export to HDF5 Composite CAE File: Export the mesh with the composite definitions to a .HDF5
file (see Import From/Export to HDF5 Composite CAE File (p. 58)).

• Import from HDF5 Composite CAE File: Import a mesh with composite definitions from a .HDF5
file (see Import From/Export to HDF5 Composite CAE File (p. 58)).

• Import Section Data from Legacy Model: Import section data from a Mechanical APDL legacy
model (see Import Section Data from Legacy Model (p. 58)).

2.1.1.1. Model Properties - General

The following figures show the Model Properties dialog window in both Workbench and Stand
Alone mode.

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Usage Reference

Figure 2.3: General Model Properties

In Stand-Alone mode, the Format, Input File Path, and Input File Unit System properties become
editable and they are used to import the shell reference surface (shell mesh). The Model Statisticstab
gives an overview of model statistics including number of materials, stack-ups, etc. The full list of
Model Statistics are shown in Figure 2.4: Model Statistics (p. 54) below.

Figure 2.4: Model Statistics

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 Features

2.1.1.1.1. ACP Model

The ACP Model section of the Model Properties dialog displays the path to the ACP model file.
The unit system of the ACP model is also displayed. This unit system can be changed in the
Units (p. 17) menu. The selected unit system is displayed in the status bar at the bottom of the
ACP window.

The property Cache Update Results controls whether the update results (i.e ply extents, analysis
plies, solid models) are stored as well. This allows the reopening of the most recently used lay-
up model state and improves the application's performance. You can disable this feature in order
to reduce the size of the .ACPH5results file. Note, if the feature is disabled, you will be prompted
for a model update whenever the ACP Model is reopened.

2.1.1.1.2. Reference Surface

The file path to the input file of the reference surface is set in the Reference Surface section of
the Model Properties dialog.

In Workbench, the reference surface is automatically transferred to ACP in the Ansys HDF format.
In this case, the reference surface unit system is fixed.

In Stand Alone mode, the input file path for the reference surface is set here. The input file can
be a .DAT (generated by Workbench), .INP, or .CDB (generated by Mechanical APDL with
CDWRITE). The unit system for the reference surface can be set if it is not defined in the input
file.

The unit system must be defined in Stand Alone mode when importing or exporting a model in
.HDF5 format and also when exchanging material data with the database or ESAComp.

The bounding box describes the dimensions of the reference surface in xyz-space.

2.1.1.1.3. Lay-Up Computation

The options defined in this section are described below:

Angle and Relative Thickness Tolerance

ACP transfers the composite definitions into Section Data so that they can be interpreted by
Ansys Mechanical. In the case of curved surfaces or draped laminates, sections may change con-
tinuously with every element as their orientations change. This generates a large amount of in-
formation which can reduce the performance of data transfers and solvers. To avoid this, ACP
groups section data of multiple elements together within a certain tolerance range.

The Angle Tolerance field sets the allowable ply angle tolerance between the same layers of
neighboring elements. The Relative Thickness Tolerance field applies to the individual layer
thickness as well as the global lay-up thickness. For two elements to be included in the same
section definition, the difference of the angle and the relative thickness of every single ply must
be within the defined tolerance. Core materials are typically thicker than a laminate by a factor
of 10 or more. As such, the thickness tolerance is defined as a relative rather than an absolute
value. The default tolerance values are very small compared with the manufacturing tolerances
of composites. The loss of accuracy is negligible.

Minimum Analysis Ply Thickness

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Usage Reference

Cutting operations used in ACP can cut an analysis ply to a thickness thinner than the specified
ply thickness. For example, if a cut-off geometry intersects a ply at its vertical mid-point it will
slice the ply in half. When the intersection occurs at ply boundaries, an extremely thin layer can
appear as the result of geometric tolerances of CAD files. These extremely thin layers are of the
order of magnitude of 109 and are purely the results of numerical imprecision. The Minimum
Analysis Ply Thickness field sets a thickness threshold below which no such plies can arise.

The global default values for the above mentioned tolerances and thickness are set in the section
Submenus (p. 15) but can be overridden in the Model Properties dialog.

Use Nodal Thicknesses

ACP supports ply with variable thickness (p. 273) and ply tapering (p. 269). By default, the thicknesses
are evaluated at the element centers, but for ply tapering and cut-off operations it can be
worthwhile to evaluate them on a per-node basis. This additional data further refines the lay-up
representation in ACP and is used in shell and solid model analysis. The option Use Nodal
Thicknesses enables the node-based thicknesses evaluation. For more information, see Element-
vs. Node-based Thicknesses (p. 58).

Use Draping Offset Correction

By default, during draping simulation, the application lays the draping mesh on the reference
surface of the model independently of the lay-up thickness. However, for thick laminates, such
as sandwich structures, with ply tapering and drop-offs, this approach can lead to inaccurate
results. If you enable the Use Draping Offset Correction option, the draping mesh follows the
bottom offset (relative to the reference surface orientation) of the selected ply. This allows the
application to account for the lay-up thickness and as a result provides a more accurate draping
simulation. Enabling offset correction for thick and curved laminates also improves the precision
of the boundary and area for the flat wrap of the ply.

2.1.1.1.4. Model Summary

Global information about the model is displayed in this section of the dialog. The Number of
Elements field includes both layered shell and layered solid elements.

2.1.1.2. Solve
In Stand Alone mode the Model Properties dialog has a second tab: Solve. On it, you can define
the file path of the analysis model and the working directory used by the solver. The Solver Status
and the Output File information are also located on the Solver tab. In the case of an incomplete
run, warning and error massages from the solver can be found here.

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 Features

Figure 2.5: Solver Information (Solve.out)

2.1.1.3. Import/Export of ACP Composite Definitions File

The ACP Composite Definitions file contains all the information stored in an ACP model. The model
is defined in the ACP file in the ACP Python scripting language. During import, you will be asked
specify how ACP should handle objects having the same name.

Figure 2.6: Export Composite Definitions Window

Figure 2.7: Import Composite Definitions Window

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Usage Reference

2.1.1.4. Import From/Export to HDF5 Composite CAE File

You can exchange composite models across different CAE and CAD platforms using the HDF5
Composite CAE specification. For more information, see HDF5 Composite CAE Format (p. 246).

2.1.1.5. Import Section Data from Legacy Model

The Import Section Data from Legacy Model menu option automatically loads the section data
from a legacy Mechanical APDL layered shell model. It converts the data into standard ACP com-
posite definitions. The conversion is based on the element labels. That means that the meshes of
the legacy and ACP model have to be equal. See the Import of Legacy Mechanical APDL Composite
Models (p. 254) section for a detailed explanation for importing legacy models.

Parameters
The parameters for the menu include:

• Path: This is the file path to the legacy file.

The Workbench framework does not allow ACP to add materials to the Workbench project
during the import process. Therefore, the materials have to be created and/or imported in
an upstream Engineering Data system before you can import the legacy model into ACP.
This makes sure that a full transfer of the section-based lay-up of the legacy model is per-
formed. The External Model component enables you to import materials easily (see Import
of Legacy Mechanical APDL Composite Models (p. 254)). However, the material IDs get con-
verted following a certain pattern. The Material ID pre- and suffix property of the import
options allows you to define this pattern. The mapping is case independent.

• Materials Mapping Mask: This area of the dialog provides the following entries:

– Prefix: A text-based string displayed before the legacy material ID in Workbench.

– Suffix: A text-based string displayed after the legacy material ID in Workbench.

2.1.1.6. Element- vs. Node-based Thicknesses

By default, ACP stores the thicknesses per ply and element, in other words, the ply's thickness is
constant per element. This representation is consistent with the solver capabilities of layered shells,
since they do not support varying ply thickness within one element. Therefore, geometry features
(for example thickness by geometry or taper edge) calculate the ply thickness at the element centers
(element-based thicknesses). ACP also supports node-based thicknesses. When node-based thickness
evaluation is enabled, thicknesses are evaluated supplementary to the element-based thicknesses.

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 Features

This involves some performance losses but gives benefits when working with tapered plies (see
Thickness (p. 128) and Cut-off Selection Rules (p. 105)).

Shell Lay-Up

The differences between element- and node-based thicknesses are best explained with a tapered
ply. The nominal ply covers the entire plate and a cut-off geometry defines the tapering as shown
in the figure below. The figure on the left shows the element-based piercing where the computed
ply thickness at the element centers is negative for the upper two elements (red arrows). The right
image shoes the node-based piercing that brings a more precise resolution. In that specific case,
all elements have at least one node with a positive (valid) thickness.

Figure 2.8: Element-based vs. Node-based Piercing

The final result for both optiomns is shown in the following figure. The ply is cropped if the thick-
nesses are only evaluated at the element corners since two elements have a negative thickness. In
contrast, the ply covers the entire plate if the thicknesses are evaluated for each node because at
least one node of each element has a valid ply thickness. If the node-based piercing determines
that only some nodes of an element have a valid piercing but not the element center, then the
thickness at the element center becomes the average node-based thickness.

Figure 2.9: Ply Extension and Element-wise Thicknesses of a Tapered Ply with Element-based
(left) and Node-based (right) Thicknesses

In summary, node-based thicknesses bring some benefit for shell models but also bring certain re-
strictions. Node-based thicknesses cannot be evaluated if a ply covers more than two components,
as shown in the figure below. In other words, a ply is not allowed to cover three elements that
share one edge.

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Usage Reference

Figure 2.10: Restriction for Node-based Thicknesses

Solid Extrusion

The usage of node-based thicknesses brings more benefits if you perform a solid model analysis
when compared to a shell analysis because the extrusion of the solid model is performed on a per-
node basis. Additionally, layered solid elements support plies with variable thickness. The figure
below shows the solid model from an example discussed in a previous section. As for the shell
model, the solid model with element-based thicknesses does not cover the entire reference surface.
In contrast, the node-based extrusion represents the ply extension more precisely. Additionally, it
also captures the variable ply thickness over one element and therefore reproduces the taper much
better.

Figure 2.11: Extrusion of a Tapered Ply without and with Node-based Thicknesses on the Left
and Right, Respectively

There are two additional examples where you can benefit from node-based thicknesses:

• Tapered edge: Only nodal thicknesses can represent tapers with 0 thickness correctly.

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 Features

Figure 2.12: Solid Model Extrusion of a Tapered Ply without and with Node-based Thicknesses

• Cut-off selection rules with ply tapering: By default, tapering evaluated at the element centers
can cause ripples in the extrusion. Node-based thicknesses result in a smoother shape and more
accurate ply representation. In this specific case, it even allows you to proceed without a snap-
to operation, since the surface is of good quality.

Figure 2.13: Cut-off Selection Rule with Ply Tapering Based on Element-based and
Node-based Thicknesses

2.1.2. Material Data

ACP differentiates between four material classes: Materials (p. 62), Fabrics (p. 71), Stackups (p. 75)
and Sublaminates (p. 80).

• The Materials (p. 62) class is the material database in ACP.

• The Fabric (p. 71) class is where Materials can be associated with a ply of a set thicknesses.

• The Stackup (p. 75) class is used to combine fabrics into a non-crimp fabric, such as a [0 45 90]
combination.

• The Sublaminate (p. 80) class is used to group fabrics and stackups together for frequently used
lay-ups.

A Stackup or a Sublaminate can only be defined if a fabric and material have been defined previously.

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Usage Reference

2.1.2.1. Materials
The Materials database is only editable within ACP in Stand Alone mode. Otherwise it draws all
material properties from Engineering Data within Workbench. In this case, the material properties
can only be viewed but not altered in ACP.

2.1.2.1.1. Materials Context Menu

The context menu of the Materials class has the following options:

• Create Material (Stand Alone only): Open a Material Properties dialog for creating a new
material.

• Paste (Stand Alone only): Paste a copied material into the material database.

• Sort: Sort the list of materials alphabetically.

• Export: Export the material database into a .CSV file, ESAComp XML file, or an Ansys Workbench
XML file.

• Import (Stand Alone only): Import materials from a .CSV file or ESAComp XML file.

More information on the import and export of ESAComp XML file can be found in ESAComp (p. 258).
Stackups and Sublaminates can also be exported to an ESAComp XML file format but are con-
verted to laminates in the process.

Figure 2.14: Materials Class Context Menu in Stand Alone Mode

2.1.2.1.2. Temperature Dependent and General Variable Material Properties

Engineering constants, density, fabric fiber angle, as well as stress and strain limits, can be set to
depend on scalar field variables, including Temperature, Shear Angle, and Degradation Factor.
Other properties can only depend on temperature. The material properties are always shown at
the reference point in the Materials object. Variable material data can be edited in Workbench
Engineering Data.

In ACP, variable material data are considered in ACP-Post when evaluating failure criteria. Tem-
perature-dependence comes into effect if the solution contains a temperature data block.
Shearing of plies is considered if the material is dependent on the Shear Angle variable and at
least one ply is draped. All other dependencies require the respective field variable to be defined
by means of Look-Up Tables. For more information, see Variable Material Data in Composite
Analyses (p. 299) and Analysis Using Variable Material Data (p. 319).

Within the Workbench workflow, variable data are passed to and from ACP. In Stand-Alone mode,
temperature-dependent data are passed to and from ACP if the import and export is in an Ansys
file format, such as .CDB.

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General variable material properties are read only from the Workbench Engineering Data (.ENGD)
file. Export and import of material data within the Materials object via .CSV or .XML file formats
does not support general variable material data.

2.1.2.1.3. Material Properties Dialog

Here is the Material Properties dialog.

In the Material Properties dialog, the following preprocessing data is required:

• Name: Name of the material.

• ρ: Density of the material.

• Ply Type: Defines the material type and controls which failure criteria evaluates the safety of
a certain material (see Failure Criteria vs. Ply Type Table (p. 377)). Depending on the extrusion
method (e.g. sandwich-wise extrusion) in the Solid Model, it also affects the volume mesh of
the solid model .

– Adhesive: Materials of this type are post-processed with specific failure criteria. An ad-
hesive has isotropic mechanical properties.

– Honeycomb Core: Sandwich core material with a honeycomb pattern.

– Isotropic: Isotropic material and post-processed with the von Mises criterion.

– Isotropic Homogeneous Core: Sandwich core material, such as foam, with isotropic
elasticity. Note that orthotropic strength limits have to be defined for post-processing
(failure criteria evaluation).

– Orthotropic Homogeneous Core: Sandwich core material, such as balsa, with an ortho-
tropic material characteristic.

– Regular (uni-directional): Uni-directional reinforced material.

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– Undefined: If the material type is not known or not defined, then the ply type becomes
undefined. This material type is not post-processed.

– Woven: Weave material.

• Orthotropic Young's Modulus:

– E1: In-plane, in fiber direction (fiber direction is corresponding to angle 0 for the ply's
definition)

– E2: In-plane, orthogonal to fiber direction

– E3: Out of plane direction

• Orthotropic Poisson's Ratio:

– ν12: In-plane

– ν13: Out of plane, in fiber direction

– ν23: Out of plane, normal to fiber direction

• Orthotropic Shear Modulus:

– G12: In-plane

– G13: Out of plane, in fiber direction

– G23: Out of plane, normal to fiber direction

Further failure properties can be activated. Depending on the Ply Type some properties are de-
activated automatically.

Note:

Engineering Data can only be modified in preprocessing. Once postprocessing has

been initiated the data is frozen.

2.1.2.1.4. Thermal Expansion Coefficients

For thermal stress analyses, the thermal expansion coefficients of the material and the reference
temperature must be given:

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• Reference Temperature: Temperature at which strain in the design does not result from
thermal expansion or contraction

• alpha X: In-plane, in fiber direction (fiber direction is corresponding to angle 0 for the ply's
definition)

• alpha Y: In-plane, orthogonal to fiber direction

• alpha Z: Out of plane direction

2.1.2.1.5. Fabric Fiber Angle

The Fabric Fiber Angle represents the angle between the Material 1 Direction and the Draped
Fiber Direction. When no draping is specified, the Draped Fiber Direction coincides with the Fiber
Direction. By default, the Fabric Fiber Angle is set to zero so that the Material 1 Direction coincides
with the (draped) fiber direction.

Figure 2.15: Example of Woven Material with a 45° Fabric Fiber Angle

When the Fabric Fiber Angle property is active and nonzero, you need to specify the Material
Properties, Thermal Expansion Coefficients, Strain Limits and Stress Limits with respect to the

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material directions rather than the fiber directions. For instance, E1 and E2 would represent the
Young’s moduli in the material 1 and 2 directions, respectively. However, the fiber direction is
still the nominal modeling direction in ACP. For more information, see the Shear Dependent
Materials in Composite Analysis (p. 332) example and the Material Designer User's Guide.

You can highlight the effect of the Fabric Fiber Angle by plotting the draped fiber direction and
the material 1 direction of a selected analysis ply (see Draping (p. 25)).

2.1.2.1.6. Strain Limits

The Strain Limits are used to calculate the IRF if the Max Strain criteria is selected in the failure
criteria definition (p. 200). Compressive strain limits must be negative.

For orthotropic materials, 9 strain limits (5 in-plane and 4 out-of-plane strains) can be entered:

• eXc: Normal strain, in-plane, in fiber direction, compression limit

• eXt: Normal strain, in-plane, in fiber direction, tension limit

• eYc: Normal strain, in-plane, orthogonal to fiber direction, compression limit

• eYt: Normal strain, in-plane, orthogonal to fiber direction, tension limit

• eZc: Normal strain, out of plane, compression limit

• eZt: Normal strain, out of plane, tension limit

• eSxy: In-plane shear strain

• eSxz: Transverse (interlaminar) shear strain, plane in fiber direction

• eSyz: Transverse (interlaminar) shear strain, plane normal to fiber direction

If the material is defined as isotropic, the von Mises Strain Limit can be entered:

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2.1.2.1.7. Stress Limits

All the other Failure Criteria definitions are based on values defined in the Stress Limits dialog.
Compressive stress limits must be negative.

For orthotropic materials, 9 stress limits (5 in-plane and 4 out-of-plane strains) can be entered:

• Xc: Normal stress, in-plane, in fiber direction, compression limit

• Xt: Normal stress, in-plane, in fiber direction, tension limit

• Yc: Normal stress, in-plane, orthogonal to fiber direction, compression limit

• Yt: Normal stress, in-plane, orthogonal to fiber direction, tension limit

• Zc: Normal stress, out of plane, compression limit

• Zt: Normal stress, out of plane, tension limit

• Sxy: In-plane stress strain

• Sxz: Transverse (interlaminar) shear stress, plane in fiber direction

• Syz: Transverse (interlaminar) shear stress, plane normal to fiber direction

If the material is defined as isotropic the von Mises Stress Limit can be entered (equivalent to
Tensile Yield Strength in Engineering Data):

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2.1.2.1.8. Puck Constants

The Puck failure criterion requires internal parameters, which depend on the material. The Mater-
ial Classification drop-down menu offers a selection of pre-defined constants and also allows
for the definition of custom constants. The menu has the following options:

• Carbon: Sets pre-defined Puck constants for carbon fiber materials.

• Glass: Sets pre-defined Puck constants for glass fiber materials.

• Material-specific: Allows you to set your own Puck constants.

• Ignore Puck Criterion: No constants are set.

• p21(+): Tensile inclination XZ

• p21(-): Compressive inclination XZ

• p22(+): Tensile inclination YZ

• p22(-): Compressive inclination YZ

• s and M: Degradation parameters

• Interface Weakening Factor: Scales the interlaminar normal strength

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2.1.2.1.9. Puck for Woven

ACP’s Puck for Woven functionality allows you to evaluate the Puck failure criterion for woven
materials. You specify two UD plies to represent the woven ply. During the failure evaluation,
ACP evaluates the stresses for theses plies in the new material directions and computes the Puck
failures. The relative ply angles, engineering constants, stress limits, and Puck constants must be
defined for both plies.

This approach, proposed by Puck (p. 550), has been validated by experiments. Good results are
achieved for warp dominated woven fabrics. Fabrics with similar amounts of reinforcement in
the warp and weft direction (50%/50%)– and therefore having higher fiber undulation– needs
additional material characterization as described by Puck.

An alternative to Puck for Woven is the Maximum Stress Criterion (p. 355). It does not require
additional material properties (or characterization), and it and has been successfully applied in
different commercial projects.

Note:

This specification does not affect the analysis model and is only considered in the
failure analysis for the Puck criterion.

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2.1.2.1.10. Tsai-Wu Constants

The Tsai-Wu constants are constants used into the interaction coefficient of the quadratic failure
criteria for Tsai-Wu formulation. Refer to Tsai-Wu Failure Criterion (p. 355) for more details.

In ACP the Tsai-Wu constants correspond to:

• 2 F12 = XY, default -1

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• 2 F13 = XZ, default -1

• 2 F23 = YZ, default -1

2.1.2.1.11. LaRC Constants

The LaRC failure criteria requires the following parameters to evaluate the failure in matrix and
fiber:

• Fracture Angle Under Compression: The value for α0 used in the LaRC fiber and matrix failure.
Default value is 53°.

• Fracture Toughness Ratio: The ratio of the mode I to mode II fracture toughness, which is
used in the fiber failure criteria.

• Fracture Toughness Mode I

• Fracture Toughness Mode II

• Thin Ply Thickness Limit (set to 0.7 mm in Workbench mode)

For more information, see LaRC03/LaRC04 Constants (p. 364).

2.1.2.2. Fabric
The settings for the Fabric Properties dialog are described in the sections below:

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2.1.2.2.1. General
Figure 2.16: Fabric Properties - General

• Material: Material of the fabric

• Thickness: Ply thickness

• Price/Area: The surface price can be given to provide global information. For more information,
see Sensors (p. 157).

• Weight/Area: The weight per unit area is calculated based on the thickness and material
density.

• Ignore for Post-Processing: If active, all the analysis plies with this fabric are not considered
in the failure criteria analysis during postprocessing. This does not affect the analysis model.

2.1.2.2.2. Polar Properties

The Polar Properties (Classical Laminate Theory (p. 378)) of the fabric can be plotted as graphical
information.

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Figure 2.17: Fabric Properties - Analysis

This plot can be exported as a picture ( ) or in a .CSV file ( )

2.1.2.2.3. Fabric Solid Model Options

Solid model options set which material is used for diminished (drop-off and cut-off ) elements
during solid model generation. Material handling is determined by the settings in every Fab-
ric/Stackup definition, as well as the global drop-off/cut-off material handling setting, and the
extrusion method in the Solid Model definition. For more information, see Material Handling for
Different Extrusion Methods (p. 180).

Note:

The Solid Model Options tab is the same for both Fabrics and Stackups.

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Figure 2.18: Fabric Properties - Solid Model Options

• Drop-off Material Handling:

– Global: The global drop-off material in the Solid Model Properties is used. (default)

– Custom: Select a material from the Drop-off Material drop-down menu.

• Drop-off Material: The list becomes active when Drop-off Material Handling is set to Custom.

• Cut-off Material Handling:

– Computed: The Fabric/Stackup material is used for analysis ply-wise extrusion. Otherwise,
the global material is used and a warning is generated that computed materials for cut-offs
are currently not supported if the element points to more than one Analysis Ply. (default)

– Global: The global drop-off material in the Solid Model Properties is used.

– Custom: Select a material from the Cut-off Material drop-down menu.

• Cut-off Material: The list becomes active when Cut-off Material Handling is set to Custom.

2.1.2.2.4. Draping
The Draping settings are used if draping is activated in the Modeling Ply definition. For more
details about the draping calculation, see Draping Simulation (p. 343).

Note:

The Draping tab is the same for both Fabrics and Stackups.

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Figure 2.19: Fabric Properties - Draping

• Material Model:The material model used in the draping simulation, either Woven (default) or
Unidirectional. Note that the draping material model can be set independently of the Ply Type
of the fabric’s material.

• UD Coefficient: A parameter between 0 and 1 which controls the amount of deformation in

the transverse draping direction. This property is active only when Material Model is set to
Unidirectional.

2.1.2.3. Stackup
A stackup is a non-crimp fabric with a defined stacking sequence. From a production point of view,
it is considered as one ply, which is applied on the form. For the analysis, all plies forming the
stackup are considered. For every ply of the stackup, the fabric and its orientation must be given:

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Figure 2.20: Stackup Properties - General

These stackups have different Price/Area and solid model options than a laminate of single plies.
For this reason, Price/Area can be entered again. Stackups can be exported to an ESAComp XML
file format and are converted to laminates in the process.

2.1.2.3.1. Top-Down or Bottom-Up Sequence

The definition of the stackup can be given in both directions (Bottom-Up and Top-Down). In
the Top-Down sequence, the first defined ply (the first one in the list) is placed first on the mold
and is the bottom of the stackup. The other plies are placed over it. During analysis, the sequence
can be checked. In the above figure, the ply -45 direction is on top (see Figure 2.23: Lay-Up In-
formation and Polar Properties (p. 79)).

2.1.2.3.2. Symmetries
For a quicker definition, the stackup can be defined with symmetries.

The Even Symmetry option defines the symmetry axis on the top of the sequence, and uses all
plies.

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Figure 2.21: Stackup Sequence with Even Symmetry

In the Odd Symmetry option, the ply on the top is not used for the symmetry. So the middle of
the top ply is the symmetry axis of the final sequence.

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Figure 2.22: Stackup Sequence with Odd Symmetry

2.1.2.3.3. Analysis
The Analysis tab provides evaluation of the laminate properties of the stackup, which can be
plotted as graphical information.

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Figure 2.23: Lay-Up Information and Polar Properties

This plot can be exported as a picture ( ) or as a .CSV file ( ). It is possible to translate and
zoom into the lay-up distribution with the mouse button. To come back to a fit view, click . In
addition, laminate properties (stiffness matrix or flexural stiffness), which are based on Classical
Laminate Theory (p. 378) (CLT), can be calculated.

The following results based on Classical Laminate Theory (p. 378) can be calculated by selecting
them from the CLT Analysis drop-down:

• Laminate Stiffness and Compliance Matrices

• Normalized Laminate Stiffness and Compliance Matrices

• Laminate Engineering Constants

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Figure 2.24: CLT Analysis - Laminate Engineering Constants

2.1.2.3.4. Stackup Solid Model Options

The material handling settings for Solid Models are identical for Fabrics and Stacks. For more in-
formation, see Fabric Solid Model Options (p. 73).

2.1.2.3.5. Draping Options

The Draping settings are identical for Fabrics and Stacks. For more information, see Draping
(p. 74).

2.1.2.4. Sublaminates
A sublaminate is a sequence of plies defined by fabrics and stackups with relative angles. This
sublaminate can be used later in the lay-up definition. As with stackups, the sequence direction
and symmetry can be chosen. Refer to Symmetries (p. 76) for more information. Sublaminates can
be exported to an ESAComp XML file format and are converted to laminates in the process.

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Figure 2.25: Sub Laminate Properties - General Tab

The Analysis tab is exactly the same as for a stackup. Refer to Analysis (p. 78) for information on
the content of this tab.

Important:

If stackups and symmetry are used in the sublaminate definition, the stackup is not re-
versed in the ply sequence. For example, for a stackup S1 defined as [45,-45,0], and a
sub-laminate defined with even symmetry and the stackup ([S1]s), the sub-laminate se-
quence is [45,-45,0,45,-45,0], not [45,-45,0,0,-45,45].

2.1.3. Element and Edge Sets

Named selections defined in Mechanical or components defined Mechanical APDL can be imported
into ACP. These selections are imported with the same names. Faces (element components in Mech-

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anical APDL) are imported as Element Sets (p. 82) and edges (node components in Mechanical APDL)
as Edge Sets (p. 83).

Important:

After the definition of a new Named Selection in Mechanical, the model must be updated.

2.1.3.1. Element Sets

New Element Sets can be manually defined by selecting individual elements. Element Sets store
the element labels and are therefore not associated with the geometry. If the mesh changes, the
element numbering changes and the element set must be redefined to avoid erroneous lay-ups.

Figure 2.26: Element Set Selection

• Middle Offset: If the mesh is generated at the mid-plane surface, activate this option so that the
section definition is translated to where the middle of the section corresponds to the element.
The lay-up definition - in particular the definition of Oriented Selection Sets - is not influenced.
Solid Model extrusion and Draping Offset Correction do not support the Middle Offset setting.
To verify a lay-up with Middle Offset, use a Section Cut (p. 152) or Sampling Point (p. 150).

• Operation: Add or Remove elements in the list.

• Mode: Define the selection mode by dragging the mouse from one corner to the other.

– Box on Surface: Only visible elements are selected.

– Box Prism: All elements included in the box are selected, depth included.

– Point: Element at the picking location is selected.

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2.1.3.1.1. Context Menu

Several options are available in the element set context menu:

• Properties: Open the element set property window.

• Update: Update any changes into the database

• Hide/Show: Hide or show this Element Set. The elements of the hidden Element Sets are no
longer visible in the Scene.

• Copy: Copy the selected Element Set to the clipboard.

• Paste: Paste an Element Set from the clipboard.

• Delete: Delete the selected Element Set

• Export Boundaries: Export the boundaries of the Element Set to a STEP or an IGES file

• Partition: Create partitioned Element Sets for any Element Set that can be divided in different
zones, due to a geometrical separation (for example, three elements share the same edge).

Figure 2.27: Element Set Context Menu

2.1.3.2. Edge Sets

Named Selections of connected edges in Mechanical are transferred to ACP as Edge Sets. New Edge
Sets can also be defined manually in ACP-Pre:

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Figure 2.28: Edge Set Definition

• Edge Set Type: How the Edge Set is defined:

– By Reference: Defined the Edge Set using an existing Element Set (activates the following
options):

→ Element Set: The Element Set of which the Edge Set is part.

→ Limit Angle: The Edge Set is extended from the origin in both directions until the angle
between two elements is bigger than the Limit Angle. If the Limit Angle is set to a negative
value, the Edge Set is the whole boundary of the selected Element Set.

→ Origin: Origin to determine the closest boundary.

• By Reference: An existing Element Set is used to define a new Edge Set through one boundary
limited by an angle diffusion.

• By Nodes: Manually select the nodes to define the Edge Set.

2.1.4. Geometry
Geometries can be used to build complex lay-ups during preprocessing in ACP. For example, core of
variable thickness can be modeled as a ply whose thickness is set by an imported geometry of the
core. Cut-off Rules can be based on geometry, thus controlling the lay-up by a CAD surface or at a
pre-defined offset to a CAD surface. The use of geometries is particularly helpful in the generation of
solid models where geometry-based extrusion guides, snap-to and cut-off operations can create in-
tricate shapes.

For more information on the use of geometries in a lay-up definition, see the following sections:

• Ply thickness definition (p. 128) in Modeling Groups

• Geometry-based Cut-off Selection Rule (p. 106)

• Extrusion Guides (p. 170), Snap-to (p. 175) and Cut-off Geometries (p. 177) in Solid Models (p. 159)

CAD geometries are incorporated in an ACP model by creating a link to a Geometry in the Workbench
Project Schematic or by directly importing an external geometry (IGES or STP format). These CAD

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geometries may be surfaces, bodies, or assemblies of parts. The concept of virtual geometries allows
you to select and group specific regions or bodies of the imported CAD geometry and use them for
subsequent modeling operations. All geometry-based operations are based on virtual geometries.
Virtual geometries act as a reference to one of more faces or bodies of one CAD geometry.

Note:

Typically, operations based on CAD geometries are computationally intensive, so it is im-

portant to define your geometries efficiently. For example, it is much more efficient to
have multiple small geometrical operations rather than a single large one. Small geometries
process faster because ACP, prior to running the calculation, filters out all extraneous points
and elements. The figure below illustrates the point: Three smaller cut-off geometries have
been defined instead of one large one. The principle applies to all other operations based
on geometry as well.

Figure 2.29: Example of three cut-off geometries

Figure 2.30: CAD Geometry Assembly and Virtual Geometries in the Tree View

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2.1.4.1. CAD Geometries

There are two ways to import an external geometry into ACP:

• Directly through ACP. This option directly imports copies the CAD file into the user_files
directory in the Workbench file structure. Any further changes to the original file are not
transferred.

• By selecting the Setup cell of your ACP system and then selecting the Load Model Properties
option (Geometry category of the Properties of Schematic) in Workbench. The advantage
of this option is that the CAD geometry can be refreshed inside DesignModeler or SpaceClaim.

For either case, the geometry remains intact when a project is archived and restored.

Note:

For CAD geometries imported from SpaceClaim, the entire geometry from SpaceClaim
is imported into ACP. In addition, bodies with the Suppress for Physics option activated
are imported.

The parts included in an imported CAD geometry are displayed once the CAD geometry is up-to-
date. If the imported CAD geometry is an assembly of parts, multiple parts are shown in the Tree
underneath the CAD geometry. ACP makes the distinction between four different types of parts:

• Face ( ): Single face

• Surface ( ): Single surface body

• Solid ( ): Single volume body

• Compound ( ): Combination of multiple connected surfaces and/or bodies

2.1.4.1.1. Direct Import

Geometry import has the following options:

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Figure 2.31: Import External CAD Geometry

• Name: Name of geometry for use in the database.

• External Path: Location of the geometry file to be imported.

• Refresh: Reload the file from the external path. The file is automatically copied to the Workbench
project folders.

• Scale Factor: Scale the geometry in the global coordinate system (useful for change of units).

• Precision: Precision of the imported geometry. This value is used to evaluate intersections and
other geometrical operations.

• Offset: Sets the default capture tolerance value associated with the CAD geometry for operations
such as the Geometrical Selection Rule (p. 110).

• Use Default Offset: Boolean which sets the offset to 10% of the average element size.

• Visualization Color: Color in which the imported geometry is displayed.

• Transparency: Transparency of the imported geometry (value between 0 and 1).

Assemblies should be imported as a single .STP file rather than individual ones containing links.

2.1.4.1.2. Workbench Geometry Link

The geometry component in Workbench can be used to link CAD geometries with ACP-Pre. The
linked geometry is scaled automatically if its units do not match those of the project. The required
steps for geometry import are:

1. Add a Geometry component to the project.

2. In the context menu of the Geometry select Import Geometry

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3. Link the Geometry cell to the ACP (Pre) Setup cell

The imported geometry appears under CAD Geometries in ACP.

Figure 2.32: Project Schematic with a CAD Geometry Import in ACP

2.1.4.2. Virtual Geometries

Virtual Geometries group together subshapes of CAD geometry parts. The subshapes are referenced
by linking to features of CAD geometry parts. There are three ways to define virtual geometries:

• Directly from CAD parts through the CAD part context menu.

Figure 2.33: Create Virtual Geometry Directly from CAD Geometry Part

• By selecting multiple CAD parts from the Tree when the Virtual Geometry Properties dialog is
open.

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Figure 2.34: Create Virtual Geometry Through CAD Geometry Parts in Tree

• Through face selection in the Scene.

Figure 2.35: Create Virtual Geometry Through Face Selection in the Scene

Note:

Virtual geometries can only reference parts from one CAD geometry.

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2.1.5. Rosettes
Rosettes are coordinate systems used to set the Reference Direction of Oriented Selection Sets.
Rosettes define the 0° direction for the composite lay-up. Coordinate systems defined in Mechanical
are imported by default and the naming is maintained between Mechanical and ACP. Additional
Rosettes can be defined in ACP. There are 5 different types of Rosettes. The origin and directions of
Rosettes are given in the global coordinate system. Rosettes are independent of the mesh, even if
you select nodes and elements to define their properties.

One or more Rosettes can be used to set the Reference Direction for elements in an Oriented Selected
Set (OSS). The Selection Method in the OSS definition controls which Rosette determines the Reference
Direction for the elements. The Reference Direction for a single element is determined by a projection
of the applicable Rosette onto the element. Different Rosette types can be used to define the Reference
Direction.

Figure 2.36: Rosette Properties Dialog

• Flip Buttons: Reverse the direction

• Shuffle Axes: Rotate coordinate system to exchange the X, Y, and Z axis.

• Swap 1 and 2 Direction: Exchange direction 1 with 2.

Rosette Types
• Parallel: Analogous to a Cartesian coordinate system. The Reference Direction is given by the
Rosette's X direction.

• Radial: the Reference Direction for a radial Rosette is perpendicular to the Z direction. The Z direction
lies orthogonal to Direction 1 and Direction 2 in the Rosette properties. The Reference Direction
for an individual element is defined by the vector of Rosette origin to element center which is
projected onto the element. If the direction vector cannot be projected the alternate Direction 1
is chosen.

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Figure 2.37: Oriented Selection Set with a Radial Rosette.

• Cylindrical: Based on a cylindrical coordinate system. The Reference Direction runs circumferentially
around the Rosette's Z direction according to the right hand rule. The Z direction is defined by the
X and Y direction vectors. Flip the Z direction to reverse the Reference Direction.

Figure 2.38: Oriented Selection Set with a Cylindrical Rosette

• Spherical: Based on a spherical coordinate system. The Reference Direction runs circumferentially
around the Z axis of the Rosette.

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Figure 2.39: Oriented Selection Set with a Spherical Rosette

• Edge Wise: Requires the selection of an Edge Set in addition to the usual Rosette definition. The
Reference Direction is given by a projection of the Rosette's X direction and the path of the Edge
Set. The X direction of the Rosette coordinate system is projected on to the point on the Edge that
is closest to the origin of the Rosette. This determines Reference Direction along the Edge Set. The
Reference Direction is reversed by switching the coordinates of the Rosette's X direction. An element
within an Oriented Selection Set gets its Reference Direction from the direction of the point on the
edge that is closest to the element centroid.

Figure 2.40: Edge Wise Rosette

2.1.5.1. Rosette Definition

Each Rosette is defined by an origin and two vectors. Enter the origin by clicking on an element
or a node, or by typing the coordinates. When selecting an element, the coordinates of the center
of the element are used.

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If a direction field is selected in the dialog, the selection of an element returns the normal direction
of the element. By pushing down the Ctrl key and clicking on a second element, you can select the
direction defined by the two element centers.

2.1.6. Look-Up Tables

Several features in ACP can be defined as tabular values. Look-up tables can be used for thickness
definition of plies (p. 128), selection rules (p. 112), draping angles (p. 125), and field definitions (p. 147).
In such cases, the Look-up Table contains values (scalars) or direction (vectors) at specified points in
3-D space or along a single direction.

Look-Up Tables require at least a Location column (1 or 3 components, one for each coordinate).
Direction columns (3 columns) and/or Scalar columns can be added. The Look-Up Table can be edited
efficiently by exporting and importing an .xls(x) file (see Edit Entities with Excel (p. 21)) or a .csv
file.(see CSV Format (p. 258)).

Note:

Look-up Table rows cannot be directly added or removed in the ACP GUI. The values in
existing cells can only be modified.

Populating Look-Up Tables

The easiest way is to populate Look-up Tables is with the help of the Edit Entities with Excel (p. 21)
on Windows. The set-up with exporting and importing a .csv file is similar and ideal for Linux. Data
can also be entered into Look-up Tables using The ACP Python Scripting User Interface (p. 391).

There are three approaches to populating a Look-Up table. This can be done with:

• The Excel Link (p. 93)

• Exporting/Importing .csv Files (p. 95)

• A Python Script (p. 97)

2.1.6.1. 3D Look-Up Table With The Excel Link

The set-up of a 3D Look-up Table is demonstrated in the figures below:

From the right-click context menu, select Create a 3D Look-Up Table (p. ?) .

An empty 3D Look-Up Table (p. ?) is created with XYZ-location columns.

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Create Direction Columns (p. ?) from the right-click context menu of the new Look-Up Table.

The empty Look-up Table (p. ?) now has three additional columns for three directional components
of the vector.

Populate the table in Excel with your values. Ensure the data set is followed by the END DATA
and END TABLE rows. An example of a populated Look-Up Table (p. ?) in Excel is shown below.

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Use the Excel Link (p. ?) to import and export the data from Excel to ACP.

2.1.6.2. 1D Look-Up Table with .CSV Files

The Look-up Table definition with a .CSV file follows the same process as the Excel Link (p. 93):
create Look-Up table, add desired columns, export data to Excel, populate the Excel data and re-
import. The .CSV file approach for setting up a 1D look-up table is demonstrated with the figures
below.

From the right-click context Look-Up Table menu in the Outline, select Create 1D Look-Up
Table (p. ?).

An empty 1D Look-Up table is created with a single column. Specify the origin and direction of the
table as shown below.

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From the right-click context menu of the new Look-Up Table, select Create Scalar Column (p. ?)
.

Export the empty Look-Up Table to a .csvfile using the right-click context menu.

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Open the exported .csv file (p. ?) in an editor or spreadsheet program.

Add the entries and save the CSV file. Note that you may need to verify the deliminator type if your
regional settings use a comma as a decimal separator.

In ACP, re-import the CSV File by selecting Import from CSV File (p. ?).

2.1.6.3. Look-Up Table with a Python Script

The set-up of a 1D Look-Up Table with a script:
table = db.active_model.create_lookup_table1d(name='LookUpTable1D.1')
table.origin=(0.0, 0.0, 0.0)
table.direction=(1.0, 0.0, 0.0)
table.create_column(name='Value', type='scalar')
table.dimensions=['length', 'dimensionless']
table.columns['Location'].values = [0., 1., 2., 3.]
table.columns['Value'].values = [0., 1., 2., 3.]

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2.1.6.4. 1-D Look-Up Table

A 1-D Look-Up Table can be used to create a distribution of a scalars or vectors in one direction.
Such a distribution can be used in:

• the definition of an Oriented Selection Set (p. 116) Reference Direction.

• the definition of the draping angle (p. 278).

• the definition of the ply thickness (p. 128).

A 1-D Look-Up Table is defined by an origin, a direction vector, and a column of at least one
quantity varying along the direction vector. Location points can be defined in an arbitrary order.
They are automatically sorted and duplicate location points are permitted for the definition of step
functions. The values of the defined quantity are linearly interpolated to the element centers in the
mesh. The 1-D Look-Up Table uses a scalar product to project the vector between origin and element
center on to the Look-Up Table direction vector and look-up the desired value at that point.

Figure 2.41: Schematic of 1-D Look-Up Table Function

2.1.6.5. 3-D Look-Up Table

A 3-D Look-Up Table can be used in:

• the definition of an Oriented Selection Set (p. 116) Reference Direction.

• the definition of the draping angle (p. 278).

• the definition of the ply thickness (p. 128).

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Figure 2.42: Look-Up Table Properties

The values in the Look-Up Table are inter- or extrapolated to the model elements position. The in-
terpolation uses the Shepard's method (3-D inverse distance weighted interpolation). The Interpol-
ation tab allows to enter two parameters. By default, ACP evaluates a reasonable search radius and
the number of interpolation points is 1.

Figure 2.43: Look-Up Table Interpolation Parameters

• Search Radius: Only the element centers which are included in this radius are used in the inter-
polation.

• Min. Number of Interpolation Points: If there are of no element centers (or not enough if > 1)
in the radius, the Search Radius is increased until the pinball includes at least the minimum
number of interpolation points (element centers) defined in this value.

Note:

If a 3-D Look-Up Table contains points without real numbers (i.e. nan or blank), these
values are automatically computed on update by interpolating the valid results.

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2.1.6.6. Look-Up Table Column Properties

The dimension of the data columns must be set for unit conversion to work correctly. The column
properties can be accessed through the context menu of the column in the Tree View.

Figure 2.44: Setting the Dimension in the Column Properties Dialog

2.1.7. Selection Rules

Selection Rules enable you to select elements through geometrical operations. These selections can
be combined with Oriented Selection Sets (see OSS Selection Rules (p. 120)) or Modeling Plies (p. 125)
to define plies of arbitrary shape. The final extension of the ply is the combination of the Selection
Rules and the selected Oriented Selection Sets. This feature can be used to define local reinforcements
(patches) or staggering. You can select between different selection rule types which are explained in
the sections below. It is also possible to combine different rules and to define Boolean operations
between rules.

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Figure 2.45: Selection Rules Context Menu

The .CSV file interface of ACP offers the ability to create or modify selection rules externally or share
them with other ACP users working on the same model or even on a different project. Limitation:
The Variable Cutoff Selection Rule and Boolean Selection Rule are not supported by the CSV interface

2.1.7.1. Basic Selection Rules

Figure 2.46: Definition of a Parallel Selection Rule

Parallel, Cylindrical, and Spherical Selection Rules are simple shapes which can be defined by a
few parameters:

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• Parallel: Defined by two parallel planes. The planes are defined by an origin, a normal vector
and two distances (offsets of the planes from the origin along the normal vector).

• Cylindrical: The cylinder is defined by an origin and the vector of the axial direction and the ra-
dius. The cylinder has infinite height.

• Spherical: The sphere is defined by the center and the radius.

Figure 2.47: Example of a Parallel Selection Rule

Selection Rule based on Rosettes

Parallel, Cylindrical, and Spherical Selection Rules can be defined in terms of the coordinate relative
to a specific Rosette. To choose a Rosette, uncheck "Use global Coordinate System" and select a
Rosette from the drop-down menu. If a Rosette is selected, Origin and Direction are in the Rosette's
reference frame. Note that only parallel Rosettes can be used to define Selection Rules.

Relative Selection Rule

It is possible to define a Selection Rule as relative. In this case the Selection Rule parameters define
the ratios of the selection rule relative to the Modeling Ply dimensions. Take care that the Plotted
Selection rule is evaluated from the global geometry dimensions and that this plot does not represent
the final shape of the Selection Rule which depends on the Modeling Ply. Select the ply and check
the highlighted elements which represent the final shape of the ply.

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Include Selection Rule

The Include Selection Rule Type option can be used to select the elements inside the geometry
or outside. By default the option is active (as shown in Figure 2.47: Example of a Parallel Selection
Rule (p. 102)). If the option is inactive, the inverse selection takes effect. Plies with a hole can be
created through a Cylindrical Selection Rule and disabled Include Selection Rule Type option.
This option applies to all geometrical rules as well as the Tube Selection Rule.

2.1.7.2. Tube Selection Rule

A Tube Selection Rule is a cylinder of variable axial direction with a constant inner and outer radius.
The longitudinal direction is defined by an Edge Set (p. 83), and the radii define the diameters of
the inner and outer cylinder. All elements between the inner and outer radius are selected if Include
Rule Type is enabled (shown below in Figure 2.49: Tube Selection Rule Properties (p. 104)). Otherwise
the inverse selection is used.

Figure 2.48: Example of a tube rule with an outer and inner radius

Note: The Variable Offset Selection Rule (p. 112) allows the definition of a tube with a variable radius.

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Figure 2.49: Tube Selection Rule Properties

Tube Selection Rule settings are:

• Edge Set: Defines the center line (longitudinal direction) of the tube.

• Outer Radius: Defines the outer radius of the tube.

• Inner Radius: Defines the inner radius of the tube.

• Include Rule Type: If enabled (as shown above), elements inside the tube will be selected. If not
enabled, elements outside the tube will be selected.

• Extend Endings: Enable this option to extend the endings of the tube.

• Symmetrical Extension: If enabled, the length of the extensions will be equal on both sides.

• Head: The free end which is closer to this point becomes the head of the tube. It is only needed
if Symmetrical Extension is disabled.

• Head Extension: Defines the length of the extension at the head of the tube. If Symmetrical
Extension is enabled, it defines both sides.

• Tail Extension: Defines the length of the extension at the tail of the tube if Symmetrical Exten-
sion is disabled.

Notes:

• An extension set to zero or a negative automatically disables the feature at the corresponding
side.

• When the end of a tube is extended, the extension is oriented in the same direction as the last
edge segment.

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Figure 2.50: Edge with a long extension at the head of the edge and a short one at the tail

2.1.7.3. Cut-off Selection Rules

A Cut-off Selection Rule acts as a cutting operation on the composite lay-up. In contrast to other
Selection Rules that affect the in-plane directions of the ply, a Cut-off Selection Rule also considers
the laminate thickness. A Cut-off Selection Rule can be defined by a geometry or a taper. Using
a Geometry Cut-off Selection Rule, the ply is cut at the intersection with a CAD Geometry, taking
into account the thickness of the laminate. An example of this is a skew-whiff surface being used
to define the tapering near a trailing edge of a blade. A Taper Cutoff Selection Rule cuts plies
based on an edge and a taper angle.

Only Analysis Plies are cut off as a result of the selection rule. Modeling and Production Plies are
not affected. The Cut-off Selection Rule is similar to a milling operation on built-up structure. In
that sense, the full size Modeling and Production Plies are required before the machining operation.
The Analysis Plies are the only decisive plies for any structural computation.

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Figure 2.51: Cut-off Selection Rule Properties

Cut-off Selection Rule settings are:

• Name: Name of the Selection Rule.

• Cut-off Geometry: The CAD geometry defining the cut-off.

• Offset: CAD / taper surface offset. The intersection of the CAD Geometry/taper edge and the lay-
up can be moved by an offset. The direction and orientation of the offset is defined by the normal
direction of the Oriented Selection Set.

• Edge Set: Selection of an Edge Set (Taper).

• Angle: Taper angle (Taper).

• Ply Cutoff Type: Either the complete production ply is cut off or individual analysis plies are cut
off. Ply tapering can only be activated in the latter case.

• Example Cut-off (p. 109)

• Ply Tapering: Control of the cut-off resolution.

2.1.7.3.1. Geometry Cut-off Selection Rule

For each element, ACP determines the position of the ply (including its offset) in relation to the
imported surface. There are two possibilities of how the model geometry is cut by a CAD geometry
- one cutting operation follows the geometry contour, the other divides the ply into either its
maximum thickness or zero thickness. This is controlled by the Ply Tapering option in the Cut-
off Selection Rule Properties dialog.

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 Features

Figure 2.52: Trailing Edge with Cut-off Plies (Ply Tapering Activated)

In the first method, the ply is cropped if it intersects with the geometry. The ply is cut to match
the external geometry.

In the second method, the ply is cut at a discrete point. The ply cannot have a varying thickness
- it is either at its maximum thickness or it has been entirely cut-off. The ply is cut if the intersection
of CAD geometry and ply is less than half of the ply's thickness.

The following figures are taken from Tutorial 2 and are presented to explain the concept further.
In the tutorial, a Geometry Cut-off Selection Rule is applied to the core. A section view of the
Cut-off Geometry, applied to two edges, is shown in the figure below. The cut-off has a nominal
thickness of approximately two thirds of the core thickness and, towards the outside, it has a
multi radii edge. The dashed yellow line in the figure denotes the ply's centerline.

Figure 2.53: Section of the Cut-off Geometry

When Ply Tapering is activated, the core is cropped to match the Cut-off Contour, as shown in
the right figure below. If Ply Tapering is deactivated, the resulting core thickness is at its full
thickness everywhere the intersection of the geometry is above the core centerline. Everywhere
else, the core is completely cut-off.

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Figure 2.54: Core Thickness Without Ply Tapering (Left) and With Ply Tapering (Right)

2.1.7.3.2. Taper Cut-off Selection Rule

The second way of using the Cut-off Selection Rule is to define a taper with an Edge Set and a
tapering angle. The area close to the edge has to be sufficiently meshed for the taper cutoff to
work. Similar to the Geometry Cut-off (p. 106), the ply is cut-off in the taper zone. Only if Ply
Tapering is selected will there a be a gradual taper over thickness. The Taper Cut-off Selection
Rule allows the same definition as the Taper Edges feature for modeling plies. For a detailed
explanation of taper angle and offset, see Edge Tapering (p. 269).

By default, ACP analyzes the cut-off selection rule at the element centers. Each element is cropped
from the ply if the ply thickness at the element center is negative. This binary representation may
not be sufficiently accurate in certain cases. If the Use Nodal Thickness (p. 55) is enabled, the
cut-off and ply tapering (if enabled) will be refined, which in turn results in a more accurate
model. For more information, see Element- vs. Node-based Thicknesses (p. 58).

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 Features

Figure 2.55: Taper Cut-off Selection Rule Definition

2.1.7.3.3. Example Cut-off

Consider a Stackup of three Fabrics for this example. In the pictures below, a laminate of one
Stackup is shown marked with the green lines. The blue lines highlight the Analysis Plies of the
Stackup. The black lines represents the mesh and the red line indicates the final laminate resulting
from the Cut-off Selection Rule.

Figure 2.56: Section with The Production Ply Option

The Cut-off Selection Rule with the Analysis Ply Cutoff option will result in a smoother section
as each Analysis Ply of the Stackup is cut individually.

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Figure 2.57: Section with the Analysis Ply Option

The Cut-off Selection Rule with Ply Tapering will result in an even smoother section. The ratio
between the area of the section cut by the CAD Geometry and the uncut section is calculated.
The same ratio is applied to the ply thickness for the considered element.

Figure 2.58: Section with the Analysis Ply with Tapering Option

2.1.7.4. Geometrical Selection Rule

The Geometrical Selection Rule allows you to define the extent of a modeling ply or OSS based on
a CAD surface or solid geometry. Elements are selected if they lie within the enclosure of a defined
volume. The volume is set by the size of the CAD solid geometry or the CAD surface geometry in
combination with specified Capture Tolerances. This means that a flat CAD surface geometry can
be used to define a ply on a curved mesh surface. Figure 2.59: Example Geometrical Selection
Rule (p. 111) shows a selection inside a curved mesh enclosed by a flat surface with relatively high
negative and positive capture tolerances.

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Figure 2.59: Example Geometrical Selection Rule

Geometrical Selection Rules have the following settings:

Figure 2.60: Geometrical Selection Rule Properties

• Rule Type: Define whether the rule extent is defined by a geometry of element sets. The value
can be geometry or element_sets. The default is setting is geometry.

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• Geometry: Virtual Geometry defining the basic selection (only relevant for Rule Type: Geometry).

• Element Sets: Preselection of elements in the form of an element set where the rule is applied
on (only relevant for Rule Type: Element Sets). Multiple element sets can be parsed as input by
holding the [Ctrl] button while making your selections.

• Include Rule Type (p. 103)

Capture tolerances are only used for non-solid geometries (surfaces). Negative values are supported.

• Use Defaults: Defines if the default value is used. The default value is the Offset property of the
CAD geometry (p. 86).

• In-plane: Increase the in-plane extension by this value.

• Negative: Capture tolerance reverse the surface normal.

• Positive: Capture tolerance along the surface normal.

Negative values are also supported.

Note:

In principle, the in-plane tolerance is used to extend to the boundary of the geometry.
It is also used to fill gaps between adjacent surfaces that may cause sampling issues.
Therefore, it is recommended to use an In-plane tolerance > 0 when the selection is
missing some elements inside the capturing geometry.

Figure 2.61: Capture Tolerances

2.1.7.5. Variable Offset Selection Rule

The Variable Offset Selection Rule is defined on the basis of an Edge Set and a 1-D Look-Up Table
containing a list of offsets at different locations. Elements adjacent to the Edge Set are selected if
their centroids lie within the specified offset at the given locations. The offsets are linearly interpol-

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 Features

ated between locations. In this way, the rule behaves like an advanced Tube Selection Rule for
which the outer radius can be varied.

There are two different ways in which the Look-Up Table data can be interpreted. The location of
each offset can be mapped on to a direction vector (default) or on to the length of the Edge Set.

The reason the rule is not called the variable radii rule is due to the ability to deifine the offset over
a curved surface defined by an Element Set. The offsets are initially evaluated as a radius at each
element adjacent to the Edge Set. The Offset Correction then adjusts the offset so that the offset
is measured over the curvature of the surface.

The template rule functionality is not available for the Variable Offset Selection Rule, however there
is a way to accommodate ply staggering with this rule. In addition to the offsets, varying ply taper
angles can also be defined in the form of a 1-D Look-Up Table. Ply tapering can be used when
multiple Modeling Plies share the same Variable Offset Selection Rule. In such cases, the first Mod-
eling Ply will cover the area defined by the offset definition. The subsequent plies will be tapered
based on the angle definition. The tapering is applied not on the Edge Set side but on the offset
side, away from the Edge set.

Note:

The angle definition can be used to decrease, fix, or increase the covered areas of the
subsequent Modeling Plies.

Complex patch shapes can be realized with the help of this selection rule.

Figure 2.62: Look-Up Table Defines the Offset to Edge Set at a Given Length

Parameters

• Edge Set: The offsets are measured along this Edge Set.

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• Offsets: 1-D Look-Up Table with a list of offsets at different locations.

• Angles: (optional) 1-D Look-Up Table with a list of angles at different locations. Only active
when same rule is applied to multiple Modeling Plies. Does not affect the first Modeling Ply.
Depending on the local angle, the covered area of the subsequent plies is changed.

– Angle equals 90 deg: Plies are not changed.

– Angle less than 90 deg: Ply coverage decreases with number of modeling plies.

– Angle greater than 90 deg: Ply coverage increases with number of modeling plies.

• Include Rule Type: The selection envelope can be inverted with this option.

Offset Correction

Figure 2.63: Offset Correction

• Use Offset Correction: The offset is measured along the surface curvature of the selected
Element Set in a segmented arc when this option is active.

• Element Set: The offset correction is calculated on the curvature of this Element Set. The
selection rule can be applied to other Element Sets also, but retains the offset correction.

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Table Properties

Figure 2.64: Offset Mapping Along a Direction Vector

• Origin: This replaces the origin in the 1-D Look-Up Table definition.

• Direction: This replaces the direction in the 1-D Look-Up Table definition.

• Distance Along Edge: When active, the 1-D Look-Up Table data is mapped along the distance
of the Edge Set. In this case, the origin is used to determine the start and the end of the
Edge Set. The mapping will start at the corner of the edge which is closest to the origin. The
zero location in the Look-Up Table coincides with the start of the selection rule.

2.1.7.6. Boolean Selection Rules

The Boolean Selection Rule enables you to combine rules based on Boolean operations. Supported
operators are Intersect, Add, and Remove. (See the dialog below in Figure 2.65: Boolean Selection
Rule (p. 116).) The order you apply the rules is important because they are processed as sequential
filters. Each Boolean operation is applied to the previous intermediate result. Also, because the first
rule applies to all shell elements, using the ADD operator in the first rule will have no effect.

Template Rules: You can redefine some Selection Rule parameters in the Boolean Selection Rule
definition. Set the Template (A, below) to True for those selection rules that should be treated as
a template rule, and then set the values manually. The same feature can be applied to Modeling
Plies. Details are documented in Modeling Ply - Selection Rules (p. 127).

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Figure 2.65: Boolean Selection Rule

Figure 2.66: Boolean Operation Types

Note the following limitations:

• Cutoff Selection and other Boolean Rules cannot be used within a Boolean Selection Rule.

• The CSV interface does not support Boolean Selection Rules.

2.1.8. Oriented Selection Sets (OSS)

Oriented Selection Sets (OSS) are a key concept in ACP.

The OSS define the basis for the lay-up definition. Plies are applied on Oriented Selection Sets and
not on Element Sets. The OSS give you an independence from your finite element model and its
element normals. OSS combine the following important entities for your composite lay-up:

• The area that plies are applied to.

• The orientation, or side of the shell mesh on which the plies are applied.

• The reference direction defining the 0° fiber direction. All ply angles are relative to this direc-
tion.

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The area of an OSS can be controlled further with the help of Selection Rules defined in the Rules
tab. You may also use the draping algorithm, in the Draping tab, to define the reference direction on
the OSS.

The following figure shows an example of an Orientation Point selected on the mesh and pointing
outwards. The section cut indicates that the lay-out is built in the outwards direction.

Figure 2.67: Orientation Point Definition

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Figure 2.68: Definition

An Oriented Selection Set is defined by:

• Name: Name of the OSS.

• Element Sets: Underlying elements for the OSS definition

• Orientation Point: Offset direction is defined at this point. The point should be inside and close
to the reference surface, otherwise the mapping of the offset direction can result in wrong results.

• Orientation Directions: Vector defining the offset (normal) direction at the Orientation Point.

• Reference Direction: Defines the 0° direction of the OSS.

– Selection Method: Defines the mapping algorithm for the Rosettes if more than one Rosette is
used. For more information, see Reference Direction (p. 118).

– Rosettes: One or more Rosettes defining the Reference Direction for each element through the
selected method.

– Reference Direction Field: Defines the direction column of a 3-D Look-Up Table. Only applicable
to the tabular values method.

Use the Flip button to reverse the offset direction.

2.1.8.1. Reference Direction

The Reference Direction can be defined by Rosettes or from tabular values. A single Rosette is suf-
ficient for the definition of the Reference Direction. Multiple Rosettes can be selected for one Oriented
Selection Set to obtain complex Reference Direction definition. In this case, a Selection Method
must be used to determine which Rosette is applicable to what part of the Element Set. The Selection
Method offers several interpolation algorithms listed below:

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• Ansys Classic: Coordinate system is projected on the elements as defined in Ansys (see Coordinate
Systems).

• Maximum Angle: Coordinate system in which the Z direction has the maximum angle with the
element orientation defines the Reference Direction of the Oriented Selection Set.

• Maximum Angle Superposed: Same as Maximum Angle but all the chosen coordinate systems
are considered and weighted by the maximum difference angle direction.

• Minimum Angle: Coordinate system in which the Z direction has the minimum angle with the
element orientation defines the Reference Direction of the Oriented Selection Set. (default)

• Minimum Angle Superposed: Same as Minimum Angle but all the chosen coordinate systems
are considered and weighted by the minimum difference angle direction.

• Minimum Distance: Nearest coordinate system of the element defines the Reference Direction
of the Oriented Selection Set

• Minimum Distance Superposed: Same as Minimum Distance but all the chosen coordinate
systems are considered and weighted by the distance to the element.

• Tabular Values: Interpolated from the values put in a Look-Up Table (p. 93). The table must in-
clude the location values and a direction column.

Note:

If the determination of an element's Reference Direction fails, an alternate computation

method is used and a warning is issued. In this case, it is recommended to verify the
Reference Directions of the affected Oriented Selection Set.

The bonding laminates of the T-Joint example are a case where a Minimum Angle Selection
Method is suitable.

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Figure 2.69: Reference Direction of a Bonding Laminate Defined by Two Rosettes and a
Minimum Angle Selection Method

2.1.8.2. Selection Rules

The OSS can be intersected with one or several Selection Rules. The intersection of all selected
entities (Element Sets (p. 82) and Selection Rule (p. 100)) defines to new extension of the OSS.

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Figure 2.70: Selection Rules

Note:

Although the Cut-off Selection Rules (p. 105) use the lay-up definition to calculate the
cut location, this Selection Rule has no influence in this case.

2.1.8.3. Draping
If the Draping option is activated, the reference direction of the Oriented Selection Set is adjusted
and all associated modeling plies use this draped reference direction. Note that the model property
Use Draping Offset Correction doesn’t have any effect on the OSS draping. For more information
about draping, see Draping (p. 278) and Draping Simulation (p. 343).

Figure 2.71: Draping

The following parameters control the Internal Draping of the OSS:

• Seed Point: Starting point of the draping process.

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• Auto Draping Direction: Uses the reference direction of the oriented selection set.

• Draping Direction: Sets the primary draping direction for the draping scheme. The secondary
direction is always orthogonal to the primary.

• Mesh Size: Defines the draping mesh size. If this mesh size is defined as negative, ACP uses the
default mesh size.

• Material Model: The material model used in the draping simulation, either Woven (default) or
Unidirectional

• UD Coefficient: A parameter between 0 and 1 that controls the amount of deformation in the
transverse draping direction. This property is active only when Material Model is set to Unidirec-
tional.

2.1.9. Modeling Groups

The ply definition can be organized into Modeling Groups. These Groups do not affect the ply-ordering
and definition, but they provide a way for you to better organize composite definitions and streamline
your workflow. For example, it would make sense to define one Ply Group for each substructure of
a boat project- one for the hull, one for the deck, and one for the bulkhead.

Before working with a Modeling Group, you must specify an Oriented Selection Set and a Material
(Fabric, Stackup, or Sublaminate). Within a Modeling Group, plies can be created. The lay-up is defined
as it would be in production. The first ply is also first in the stacking sequence. The lay-up can be
tailored by specifying the Orientation, Layering, geometrical Selection Rules, Draping Settings, and
Edge Tapering for each ply.

A lay-up can also include an Interface Layer for carrying out a fracture analysis of a composite solid
model in Mechanical. The interface layer is a separation layer in the stacking sequence. It can be used
to analyze the crack growth of existing cracks. The crack topology is defined with an interface layer
in ACP while all other fracture settings are specified in Mechanical. The interface layers are exported
as INTER204 or INTER205 elements and can be used to set up a Cohesive Zone Model (CZM) or a
Virtual Crack Closure Technique (VCCT) analysis. They can also be used to define contacts zones
between two layers. For more information, see Interface Delamination and Contact Debonding in the
Mechanical User's Guide.

Lay-ups can also be defined or changed using the Excel Link interface (p. 21). Changes can also be
made by importing or exporting the lay-up as a CSV file (p. 258).

2.1.9.1. Modeling Group Structure

The Modeling Group node has three sub-levels:

• Modeling Ply (MP): The ACP lay-up is defined at this level. The other two levels are built auto-
matically from information defined in this level.

• Production Ply (PP): Production Plies are generated derived from the Modeling Ply definition
(Material and Number of Layers). A Fabric and Stackup is one Production Ply. A Sublaminate
typically contains more than one Production Ply. In addition the Number of Layers option is
also propagated to this level.

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• Analysis Ply (AP): The analysis plies describe the plies used in the section definition for the Ansys
solver. A Fabric results in one Analysis Ply. A Production Ply without an Analysis Ply indicates
that the resulting Analysis Ply contains no elements and is therefore not generated.

In the example below, there are three different MP separated by one interface layer:

• ModelingPly 1: Defined with a single Fabric

• ModelingPly 2: Defined with a Stackup of two Fabrics

• ModelingPly 3: Defined with a Sublaminate containing three production plies (Stackup, Fabric,
Stackup), which results in five analysis plies.

The interface layer lies between the second and third modeling plies.

Figure 2.72: Object Tree of a Lay-Up Definition

Shortcuts exist to easily navigate through the ply definition. Use the square brackets keys ( [ and ]
) to move up and down through the plies.

2.1.9.2. Modeling Group Tree Object Context Menu

The context menu of Modeling Group in the top level of the object Tree contains the following
options:

• Create Modeling Group: Create a Ply Group with the default name.

• Create Imported Modeling Group: Create an Imported Ply Group with the default name.

• Export to CSV file: Export all plies with all modeling ply definitions to a .CSV file (see Import
from / Export to CSV File (p. 139)).

• Import from CSV file: Import plies from a .CSV file (see Import from / Export to CSV File (p. 139))

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Figure 2.73: Context Menu of Modeling Groups

2.1.9.3. Individual Modeling Group Context Menu

The context menu of an individual Modeling Group has these options:

• Properties: Display the Modeling Ply Properties dialog.

• Create Ply: Create and define a new ply.

• Create Interface Layer: Create and define an interface layer for fracture analysis.

• Create Butt Joint Sequence: Create and define a new butt joint sequence.

• Update: Update the model until all Modeling Plies of this group are up-to-date.

• Paste: Paste a ply from the clipboard.

• Reorder Modeling Groups: Move the selected Modeling Group (or Groups if several are selected)
before or after another group. It's important to understand that the the order of the Modeling
Groups does not affect the stacking sequence. The stacking sequence is based on the Global Ply
Number and the Orientation of the Oriented Selection Set (p. 116).

• Delete: Delete the selected Modeling Group.

• Export to CSV file: Export the whole Modeling Group with all modeling ply definitions to a .CSV
file (see Import from / Export to CSV File (p. 139)).

• Import from CSV file: Import a Modeling Group from .CSV file (see Import from / Export to CSV
File (p. 139)).

• Export Plies: Export the ply offset geometry as a .STP, .IGES, or STL file (see Export Ply Geo-
metry (p. 139)).

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2.1.9.4. Modeling Ply Properties

The following properties are needed for a Modeling Ply definition:

Figure 2.74: General Information

• Name: Name of the Modeling Ply.

• Oriented Selection Sets: Defines the offset and material direction.

• Material: Modeling Ply Material (Fabric, Stackup or Sublaminate).

• Ply Angle: The design angle between the reference direction and the ply fiber direction.

• Number of Layers: Number of times the plies are generated.

• Active: Active plies are considered in an analysis, inactive plies are present but not considered.

• Global Ply Nr: Defines the global ply order. Per default a new Modeling Ply is added after the
last Modeling Ply of the Modeling Group. The order of the Modeling Plies in the Modeling Groups
is equal to this value.

2.1.9.4.1. Draping
It is possible to consider the draping effects which occur during the production process in the
lay-up definition. The draping approach can be specified in the Draping tab of the Modeling
Ply Properties dialog. The following types of draping are available:

• No Draping (default)

• Internal Draping: The draped fiber directions are determined by the internal ACP draping al-
gorithm.

• Tabular Values: Draped fiber directions are interpolated from a Look-Up Table.

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The parameters for Internal Draping and Tabular Values are explained below.

Note:

Draping can also be assigned to an Oriented Selection Set (OSS) (p. 121). In that case,
the Reference Direction of the OSS is adjusted. All associated modeling plies use this
draped reference direction. This avoids running multiple draping simulations on the
same surface. If Internal Draping is applied to a modeling ply associated with a draped
OSS, then an independent draping simulation is started for the Modeling Ply.

Internal Draping

The following parameters control the Internal Draping:

• Seed Point: Starting point of the draping process.

• Draping Direction: Sets the primary draping direction for the draping scheme. The secondary
direction is always orthogonal to the primary.

– Auto Draping Direction: Uses fiber direction of the production ply.

– User-Defined Direction: Uses the defined vector.

• Mesh Size: Defines the draping mesh size. If this mesh size is defined as negative, ACP uses
the default mesh size.

• Thickness Correction: The thickness of the draped ply is corrected based on the shearing (see
Thickness Correction (p. 346)).

Figure 2.75: Internal Draping Definition

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Tabular Values

The tabular value draping options lets you choose the draped fiber directions from vectors in a
Look-Up Table:

• Correction Angle 1: Sets the draped fiber direction.

• Correction Angle 2: Sets the draped transverse direction.

Figure 2.76: Draping with Tabular Values Definition

2.1.9.4.2. Selection Rules

Like in the definition of an Oriented Selection Set, a Modeling Ply can have one or more Selection
Rules (p. 100). The combination of all Element Sets (p. 82) and active Selection Rules (p. 100) defines
the extension of the Modeling Ply. Each rule has its own Boolean operator (intersect, add, or re-
move) which allows you to define arbitrary combinations of rules (see Boolean Operation
Types (p. 116)).

Template Rules

In addition, the Selection Rule parameters can be redefined in the Modeling Ply definition. This
prevents the same Selection Rule from being defined multiple times and allows staggering to be
defined with a single Selection Rule. In the Rules tab, activate Template as True for those selection
rules that have to be treated as template rule and set the values.

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The template parameters for each selection rule type are given in the table below:

Rule Type Parameter 1 Parameter

2
Parallel Selection Rule Lower Limit Upper
Limit
Tube Selection Rule Outer Radius Inner
Radius
Cylindrical Selection Rule Radius -
Spherical Selection Rule Radius -
Cutoff Selection Rule - -
Geometrical Selection Rule (Geometry) In-plane capture -
tolerance
Variable Offset Rule - -
Boolean Selection Rule - -

2.1.9.4.3. Thickness
The thickness of the ply is defined by default by the thickness of the ply material.

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Figure 2.77: Thickness Definition

For Fabrics the ply thickness can also be defined by a CAD Geometry or Tabular Values. The
thickness options are:

• Type: Thickness definition method.

Figure 2.78: Thickness Definition Options

– Nominal: The thickness defined in Fabrics is used for the thickness definition.

– From Geometry: The thickness is calculated from a CAD Geometry (p. 84). In the case of a
complex core ply, it can be helpful to work with a CAD Geometry defining the thickness
distribution of the core. ACP samples through the CAD Geometry for each element and maps
the thickness. The thickness is evaluated in the element normal direction.

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Figure 2.79: Core Geometry

Figure 2.80: Resulting Section Cut

– From Table: The thickness is evaluated from a data field. ACP inter- or extrapolates the
thicknesses for each element. One data point contains the global coordinates and the
thickness values. The values in the table can be used as absolute or relative thickness. See
Look-Up Tables (p. 93) for more information on how to define this table.

• Core Geometry: Thickness of the CAD geometry is mapped to the mesh.

• Thickness Field: Thickness is determined by mapping a value field to the mesh.

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• Thickness Field Type:

– Absolute Values: Values in the Look-Up Table define the thickness.

– Relative Scaling Values: Values in the Look-Up Table are scaling factors.

• Taper Edges: adds an edge tapering to the selected Edge Set.

It is common that core plies are tapered along the boundary. The Taper Edges option allows
you to define a taper angle and a taper offset for each edge. The figure below shows a 15 degree
tapering along the edge on the left. The thickness is 0 at the selected edge and grows with
the specified angle. The Taper Edges option is intended for applying a taper angle to a single
ply, for example a core material. When applied to multiple Modeling Plies the thickness distri-
butions of all plies are superposed. For more information, see Edge Tapering (p. 269) and
Tapering of Multiple Plies (p. 272).

Figure 2.81: Edge Tapering

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Figure 2.82: Taper Edge Example

By default, ACP analyzes ply tapering at the element centers. Each element is cropped from
the ply if the ply thickness at the element center is negative. This binary representation may
not be sufficiently accurate in certain cases. If the Use Nodal Thickness (p. 55) is enabled, the
ply tapering will be refined, which results in a more accurate model. For more information, see
Element- vs. Node-based Thicknesses (p. 58).

2.1.9.4.4. Modeling Ply Context Menu

The context menu for Modeling Ply has the following options:

Figure 2.83: Right-Click Modeling Ply Menu

• Properties: Display the Modeling Ply Properties dialog.

• Update: Updates the selected Modeling Ply.

• Active/Inactive: Activate or deactivate the selected Modeling Ply. Inactive plies are defined in
the database but not considered in the analysis.

• Create Ply Before: Create a new ply before the selected one.

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• Create Ply After: Create a new ply after the selected one.

• Reorder: Move the selected Modeling Ply (or plies if several are selected) before or after another
defined ply.

• Copy: Copy the selected Modeling Ply to the clipboard.

• Paste: Paste a Modeling Ply from the clipboard.

• Paste Before: Paste a Modeling Ply from the clipboard before the selected one.

• Paste After: Paste a Modeling Ply from the clipboard after the selected one.

• Delete: Delete the selected Modeling Ply.

• Export Ply (p. 139)

2.1.9.5. Interface Layer Properties

A lay-up can also include an Interface Layer for carrying out a fracture analysis of a composite solid
model in Mechanical. The interface layer is a separation layer in the stacking sequence. It can be
used to analyze the growth of existing cracks. The crack topology is defined with an interface layer
in ACP while all other fracture settings are specified in Mechanical. The interface layers are exported
as INTER204 or INTER205 elements and can easily be used to set up a Cohesive Zone Model (CZM)
or a Virtual Crack Closure Technique (VCCT) analysis. They can also be used to define contact zones
between two layers. For more information, see Interface Delamination and Contact Debonding in
the Mechanical User's Guide.

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The Interface Layer is defined by two sets of surfaces:

• The first set is the total surface of the open interface. This is the surface along which a crack can
propagate. It is defined by an Oriented Selection Set in Interface Layer Properties dialog under
the General tab.

Figure 2.84: Interface Layer Properties - General

• The second set is the surface of the open interface. It is defined by an Oriented Selection Set in
Interface Layer Properties dialog under the Open Area tab.

Figure 2.85: Interface Layer Properties - Open Area

The Interface Layer can be activated or deactivated with a check box. You can also change the
global number of an Interface Layer (Global Ply Number). Interface Layers are only taken into
consideration in solid model generation and further processes. All shell based analyses ignore any
Interface Layers.

2.1.9.6. Butt Joint Sequence

The Butt Joint Sequence allows you to define butt joints between Modeling Plies. A butt joint
consists of sequences (primary and secondary plies) which specify the lay-up on both sides of a
butt joint. The Butt Joint Sequence object automatically detects where the selected plies join and
generates butt joints instead of drop-offs.

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Figure 2.86: Drop-Off Elements and a Butt Joint Between Two Cores

The Butt Joint Sequence Properties window contains the following options:

• Active: Active plies are considered in an analysis, inactive plies are present but not considered.

• Global Ply Number: Defines the global ply order. By default, a new Sequence is added after the
last one in the Modeling Group. The order of the Plies in the Modeling Groups is equal to this
value.

• Primary Plies: Sequences which pass their thickness on to the other plies of a Butt Joint Sequence.
A Primary Ply can be a Modeling Ply or a Modeling Group. The Level column specifies which
sequence defines the thickness at a butt joint. The sequence with the lower level is dominant
where the other sequence inherits the thickness. Potential differences in the thickness between

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the sequences are graduated over one element within the sequence with the higher level (the
transition zone in the following image). No butt-joint is created between plies with equal level.

• Secondary Plies: Secondary plies inherit the thickness from Primary Plies but do not pass it further.
This means that drop-offs are generated where two secondary plies join.

In most cases, you can define a Butt Joint Sequence without the use of secondary plies. An example
where secondary plies may be necessary would be a butt joint on a cylinder where you need
drop-offs:

2.1.9.6.1. Butt Joint Sequence Notes and Limitations

The following is a list of notes limitations of the Butt Joint Sequence:

• A Modeling Ply can only be used in one Butt Joint Sequence

• Butt Joint Sequences do not affect shell models. They are only considered in Section Cuts (p. 152)

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• Solid model extrusion (p. 158) does not consider butt joints

• A Butt Joint Sequence can only be linked to Modeling Plies with a lower Global Ply Number.

• The butt joint can not be updated if a ply sequenced between the first and last ply of the butt
joint covers the node where the plies join, shown in the following diagram:

• Modeling groups (p. 122) may be easier to work with if a butt joint consists of a large number
of plies

2.1.9.7. Production Ply

The context menu of the Production Ply has the following options:

Figure 2.87: Production Ply Context Menu

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• Properties: Display the Production Ply Properties dialog. These properties cannot be edited,
but can be viewed or printed for informational purposes.

• Export Flat Wrap: Export the flat wrap as a .DXF, .IGES, or .STP file for production or design.
The draping option must be activated to obtain a flat wrap. Refer to Draping (p. 278) for more
information on draping and flat wrap.

• Export Ply (p. 139)

2.1.9.8. Analysis Ply

The context menu of the Analysis Ply has the following options:

Figure 2.88: Analysis Ply Context Menu

• Properties: Display the Analysis Ply Properties dialog. These properties cannot be edited, but
can be viewed or printed for informational purposes.

• Export Ply (p. 139)

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2.1.9.9. Import from / Export to CSV File

The CSV interface allows you to create a comma separated value file to be edited in a spreadsheet
program such as Excel or OpenOffice. This can be efficient if you wish to edit the parameters of
many plies.

For additional information on the format, see CSV Format (p. 258).

2.1.9.9.1. Export
All the information are exported to a .CSV file. This file can be used to give the lay-up information
back to a CAD System or can be modified and imported.

2.1.9.9.2. Import
The modified .CSV file can be imported. There are three different import options to handle the
update of the lay-up:

• Update Lay-up: During the import operation, definitions are updated, additional plies are
generated and deleted according to the .CSV file.

• Update Properties Only: During the import operation, definitions are updated with
properties given.

• Recreate Lay-up: During the import operation, existing lay-up is deleted and generated
from scratch.

Figure 2.89: CSV Import with Update Options

2.1.9.10. Export Ply Geometry

The ply geometry and fiber directions can be exported to a CAD file format. Using this feature, you
can check geometry clashes in CAD assemblies. Other uses may include using the data for CNC
programming or for the projection of orientation vectors of the fibers onto tooling surfaces. It is
possible to export the surfaces or boundaries with an offset. This gives you full control over surfaces
to be exported.

The Export Ply Geometry feature has the following settings:

• Format: The geometry file format (STEP, IGES or STL). The STL format only supports the ply sur-
faces. Directions and boundaries can only be exported in the STEP or IGES format.

• Path: Specify the file name and file path.

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• Ply Level (only available for Export Ply Geometry at Modeling Group level):

– Modeling Ply Wise: Every Modeling Ply is exported.

– Production Ply Wise: Every Production Ply is exported.

– Analysis Ply Wise: Every Analysis Ply is exported.

• Offset Type:

– No Offset: Ply geometry is exported with no offset to the reference surface (Oriented Selection
Set).

– Bottom Offset: Bottom surface of the ply relative to the direction of the reference surface is
exported.

– Middle Offset: Middle surface of the ply is exported. (default)

– Top Offset: Top surface of the ply relative to the direction of the reference surface is exported.

• Export Ply Surface: Ply surface is exported as a shell surface.

• Export Ply Contour: Outlining contour of the ply surface is exported as perimeter lines.

• Export Fiber Directions: Fiber orientations are exported as orientation vectors.

– Export Draped Fiber Direction: Include the draped fiber direction (the fiber direction is included
if draping is not enabled).

– Export Draped Transverse Direction: Include the draped transverse direction (the transverse
direction is included if draping is not enabled).

– Arrow Type: Choose between No Arrow (line without an arrowhead), Standard Arrow and
Half Arrow.

– Arrow Length: Specify the arrow length.

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Figure 2.90: Export Ply Geometry Window

2.1.10. Imported Modeling Group

Imported Modeling Groups organize plies that are independent of the shell reference surface. It is
important to understand that Imported Modeling Groups and the attached Imported Plies do not
contribute to the standard lay-up that is defined by the Modeling Plies applied to a shell reference
surface. The table below, Table 2.1: Key Differences Between a Modeling Ply and Imported Modeling
Ply (p. 142), lists the major differences when compared to a Standard Modeling Ply (p. 125).

The structure of the Imported Modeling Group follows the pattern of the standard Modeling Group
and is described in the section above, Modeling Group Structure (p. 122). The equivalent to Modeling
Ply, Production Ply and Analysis Ply are Imported Modeling Ply, Imported Production Ply and Imported
Analysis Ply, respectively.

An example workflow is available in Chapter 4: 3D Ply Workflow - Imported Plies (p. 337).

2.1.10.1. Tree Object Context Menu

The context menu of the Imported Modeling Group contains the following options:

• Properties: Show the dialog window.

• Update: Update the model until all Imported Modeling Plies of this group are up to date.

• Create Imported Ply: Add a new Imported Modeling Ply.

• Paste: Create a new Imported Modeling Ply by copying the object on the clipboard.

• Delete: Remove all attached Imported Modeling Plies. Then remove the group object itself.

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2.1.10.2. Imported Modeling Ply

An Imported Modeling Ply represents a single ply that has a 3D surface mesh which is independent
of the reference surface. That allows you to model thick and/or complex 3D laminates in ACP based
on separate ply geometries. It can be used in combination with an Imported Solid Model (lay-up
mapping). The section 3D Ply Workflow - Imported Plies (p. 337) in chapter four provides a sample
workflow and instructions on how to work with Imported Plies.

The table below lists the key differences between a standard Modeling Ply and an Imported Mod-
eling Ply:

Table 2.1: Key Differences Between a Modeling Ply and Imported Modeling Ply

Modeling Ply Imported Modeling Ply

Mesh and Scoped to the shell reference Holds its own imported mesh (surface)
Extension surface that is independent of the reference
surface
Orientation The lay-up orientation is defined The orientation is defined by the element
by Oriented Selection Sets normals of the imported mesh and the
offset type (bottom, middle, or top).
Reference The reference directions of the ply Supports the same features as an
Direction are defined by Oriented Selection Oriented Selection Set, but the definition
Sets. is part of the Imported Modeling Ply
object.
Material Supports Fabrics, Stackups and Supports Fabrics only
Sub-Laminates
Shell Model / Contributes to the shell lay-up Is ignored in any shell analysis
Analysis
Solid Model Considered in the standard Solid The standard solid model extrusion
Extrusion Model feature ignores imported plies.
Imported Solid Considered in the lay-up mapping Considered in the lay-up mapping of the
Model / Lay-Up of the Imported Solid Model if the Imported Solid Model if the scope is set
Mapping scope is set to Element Sets to Use Imported Plies.

The context menu of an Imported Modeling Ply contains these actions:

• Properties: Display the ply properties dialog.

• Update: Update the model until this ply is up-to-date.

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• Active/Inactive: Choose whether an Imported Ply is active or suppressed in all subsequent ana-
lyses.

• Copy: Copy into the clipboard.

• Paste: Create a new Imported Modeling Ply by copying the object in the clipboard.

• Delete: Delete the selected ply.

2.1.10.2.1. Imported Modeling Ply Properties

Standard features in ACP are used to define the thickness distribution, reference and fiber direc-
tions. An Imported Modeling Ply contains the properties listed below. Since the meaning is often
identical if compared with an Oriented Selection Set or Modeling Ply, the same wording is used
here.

General Properties

Refer to the figure below, General Properties Options.

• Offset: Determines if the surface mesh defines the bottom, mid or top surface of the ply.

• Mesh Input: Indicates whether the mesh was imported from a HDF5 Composite CAE or from
a CAD geometry. This is automatically set by the application based on the input source and is
therefore read-only.

• CAD Surface: If the Mesh Input is From Geometry, then the selected Virtual Geometry defines
the surface of the ply.

• Selection Method: Defines the mapping algorithm for the Rosettes if more than one Rosette
is used. For more information, see Reference Direction in the section above, Oriented Selection
Sets (p. 116).

• Rosettes: Select which method one or more Rosettes (p. 90) will define the Reference Direction
for each element.

• Reference Direction Field: Defines the direction column of a 3-D Look-Up Table. Only applicable
to the tabular values method.

• Ply Material: Select the Fabric that defines the material of the ply and nominal thickness.

• Ply Angle: Set the design angle between the reference direction and the ply fiber direction.

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Figure 2.91: General Properties Options

Draping Properties

Refer to the figure below, Draping Properties Options.

• Type: Specifies the type of draping

– No draping: Constant thickness defined by the Fabric

– Tabular values: Variable thickness by mapping a LookUp Table field

• Correction Angle 1: Sets the draped fiber direction

• Correction Angle 2: Sets the draped transverse direction

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 Features

Figure 2.92: Draping Properties Options

Thickness Properties

Refer to the figure below, Thickness Properties Options.

• Type: Thickness definition method

– Nominal: The thickness defined in Fabrics is used for the thickness definition.

– From Table: The thickness is evaluated from a data field. ACP interpolates or extrapolates
the thicknesses for each element.

• Thickness Field: Thickness is determined by mapping the selected LookUp Table Column to
the mesh.

• Thickness Field Type:

– Absolute Values: Values in the Look-Up Table define the thickness.

– Relative Scaling Values: Values in the Look-Up Table are scaling factors.

Figure 2.93: Thickness Properties Options

Limitations

• StackUps and Sublaminates are not supported as ply material.

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• The ACP model always needs a reference surface, even if it is not relevant in the lay-up mapping
(Imported Solid Model) workflow in combination with Imported Plies.

• The CAD geometry must be a surface. Solid geometries are not supported.

• Export Composite Definitions to ACP File … does not support Imported Ply objects

• The Excel Interface cannot be used in combination with Imported Plies.

• The features Sensor and Ply Book do not take Imported Plies into account.

• The variable material workflow is not supported. That includes the field definitions and mater-
ial plots.

• The HDF5 Composite CAE Export does not support Imported Plies.

2.1.10.3. Imported Production Ply

An Imported Production Ply is the output of an Imported Modeling Ply update. The context menu
contains the following option:

Properties: Display the Imported Production Ply Properties dialog. These properties cannot be
edited but can be viewed or printed for informational purposes.

Figure 2.94: Imported Production Ply Dialog

2.1.10.4. Imported Analysis Ply

An Imported Analysis Ply is the result of an Imported Modeling Ply update. The context menu
contains the following option:

Properties: Display the Imported Analysis Ply Properties dialog. These properties cannot be
edited but can be viewed or printed for informational purposes.

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 Features

Figure 2.95: Imported Analysis Ply

2.1.11. Field Definitions

During the Variable Material Data (p. 299) workflow, the variation of the scalar variables controlling
the local state of the material properties over the finite element model can be defined using Field
Definition objects. You can scope Field Definition objects to Element Sets, Oriented Selection Sets,
and Modeling Plies.

If your field definition is based on Elements Sets or Oriented Selection Sets, all of the layers within
your scoping are affected. When scoping to Modeling Plies, only the associated Analysis Plies are af-
fected. Therefore, it is possible implement both a “layer-wise” as well as a “element-wise” application
of field definitions in your finite element model. Parts of the finite element model not covered by
Field Definition Objects assume default values of the field variables.

In order to understand the effect of a Field Definition Object, contour plots of the field variables are
available Field Definition Plot (p. 198) topic of the Lay-Up Plots (p. 189) section.

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Figure 2.96: Field Definitions Context Menu

As illustrated below, once you create a Field Definition object, you use the context menu to define
its features. Menu options include:

• Properties: Display the properties window of the selected Field Definition.

• Update: Update the selected Field Definition.

• Active/Inactive: Toggle field definition object active or inactive

• Copy: Copy the selected Field Definition to the clipboard.

• Paste: Paste a table Field Definition from the clipboard.

• Delete: Delete the selected Field Definition.

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 Features

Figure 2.97: Field Definition Context Menu

Field Definition Object Properties

Field Definition objects can be used for element-wise and layer-wise specification of the variation of
a scalar variable controlling Variable Material Data on subparts of your finite element model. You can
scope layer-wise specifications to specific Modeling Plies. The properties dialog is illustrated below.
Properties include:

• Name: Name of the Field Definition. This field is initially populated with an default name.

• Active: This selection indicates that the application processes the Field Definitions during your
analysis. Inactive definitions are ignored.

• Field Variable Name: This drop-down menu provides a list of available Field Variables as
defined in the in the Engineering Data Workspace.

• Scope Entities: Entry field to define the applicable element-wise field definitions. You can use
a combination of Element Sets and Oriented Selection Sets in order to scope the definition to
subparts of your model. For layer-wise field definitions you can use a combination of Modeling
Plies to scope the definition to subparts of your model; the Field Definition will be applied
only to Analysis Plies attached to the Modeling Plies.

• Look-Up Table Column: Select the scalar Look-Up Table column from which the state of the
field variable is interpolated from.

• Include Shell Offset: Specify whether or not to include the shell offset of each analysis ply
for the interpolation process. The default is to interpolate the state of the field variables at the
shell element centroid. For solid elements the actual position of each analysis ply is automat-
ically considered and this behavior cannot be changed.

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Figure 2.98: Field Definition Object Properties

Element-Wise Field Definition Layer-Wise Field Definition

2.1.12. Sampling Points

Sampling Points can be used in postprocessing mode to access to ply-wise results. In addition the
Sampling Point functionality provides Lay-Up Plots, through-the-thickness postprocessing plots, and
laminate engineering constants.

ACP samples through the element near the given coordinates. After the update all plies (Modeling
Ply, Production Ply, and Analysis Ply) are listed and can be selected for postprocessing. In the General
tab of the Sampling Point Properties dialog the sampling point and direction can be defined.

Figure 2.99: Sampling Point Properties - General Tab

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 Features

• Sampling Point: The sampling point in global coordinates. The nearest element to the point is the
sample.

• Sampling Direction: Normal direction of the sampling point. The ply sequence will be given in
this direction.

• Element ID (Label): Element number closest to the defined sampling point. (informational only)

A detailed description of the options Offset is Middle and Consider Coupling Effect can be found
in Analysis Options (p. 383).

Use the [ and ] buttons to navigate easily through the ply definition.

The Analysis tab of the Sampling Point Properties dialog provides extended postprocessing func-
tionality. The lay-up can be visualized and analyzed by evaluating the polar properties and equivalent
laminate stiffnesses based on the classical laminate theory. The distributions of the postprocessing
results (strains, stresses, and failure criteria) are shown in 2-D plots. To view postprocessing results,
the solution and the set of interest must be selected.

The lay-up visualization can be set to display Modeling, Production, and Analysis Plies present in the
Sampling Point. The Material, Thickness, and Angle can be displayed additionally as text labels for
every ply in the plot. The angle displayed for Modeling and Production Plies always matches the
design angle in the Modeling Ply and Material definitions. Note that the angle for the Analysis Ply is
always given in relation to the reference direction of the Sampling Point. This reference direction is
indicated by a yellow arrow at the Sampling Point in the Scene. You can change the reference direction
in the General tab if desired.

Note:

Classical Laminate Theory is described in Classical Laminate Theory (p. 378).

Figure 2.100: Lay-Up Sequence and Enhanced Postprocessing

Stresses and strains shown in the 2-D plot are the values at the element center (interpolated) at the
top and bottom of the layer. The 2-D failure plot shows the worst IRF, RF or MoS factor of all failure
criteria, failure modes evaluated, and integration point level.

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2.1.13. Section Cuts

Section Cuts enable a visual verification of the lay-up definition on an arbitrary section plane through
the model. The lay-up definition at the Section Cut can be exported to Mechanical APDL or BE-
CAS (p. 260).

The Section Cut Properties dialog contains the following options:

Figure 2.101: General Section Cut Properties

• Name: Name of the Section Cut.

• Active: Set to false to suppress the computation of the Section Cut.

• Interactive Plane: If active, modify the section plane directly in the Scene. If inactive, the following
options are required:

– Origin: Origin of the section plane.

– Normal: Normal direction of the section plane.

– Reference Direction 1: First in-plane reference direction (in-plane transverse direction). The
normal and this direction define the coordinate system of the section cut. It is used to compute
the section cut measures and to export the surface section cut.

• Show Plane: Plot the section plane.

• Type: Mode of extrusion (p. 154).

• Scale Factor: Scale the offsets of all plies.

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• Core Scale Factor: Thickness of the core plies are scaled by this factor.

• Section Cut Type: Select which ply type is plotted:

– Modeling Ply Wise: Modeling Plies are plotted.

– Production Ply Wise: Production Plies are plotted.

– Analysis Ply Wise: Analysis plies are plotted.

Figure 2.102: Wire Frame Options

• Interaction Type: Define the intersection of the section plane and the model:

– Normal to Surface: Plies are plotted as normal to the intersected elements.

– In Plane: Plies are plotted in the section plane.

Figure 2.103: Surface Options

• Use Default Tolerance: Use the default tolerance (0.1% of the average element size). If unselected,
you should specify the Tolerance:

– Tolerance: Defines the minimum length of the line segments in a Section Cut. Segments
shorter than the tolerance are merged. Small segments can occur if a Section Cut crosses

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an element corner as shown below. In some cases, the Section Cut can be relocated to avoid
small segments.

Figure 2.104: Section Cut Crossing an Element Corner

Sweep based extrusion:

• Use Default Interpolation Settings: Use default interpolation settings. If unselected, you must
specify Search Radius and Number of Interpolation Points. For more information, see 3-D
Look-Up Table (p. 98).

2.1.13.1. Types of Extrusion

The following extrusion types are available:

• Wire Frame: This type can be used to investigate the lay-up of shell elements. The mid-
surface of the plies are represented by lines, as shown below.

• Surface Section Cut: For this type, the plies are shown as surface elements. A surface Section
Cut generates a continuous mesh that can be used for 2D analyses. Therefore, drop-off ele-
ments are generated by default at the ply boundaries (like the solid model extrusion). If this
does not represent the real structural behavior, then you can use the Butt Joint Se-
quence (p. 134) to control the connectivity of the adjacent plies and drop-off behavior. The
surface Section Cut supports two types of extrusion:

– Surface Normal: The extrusion follows the element normals of the reference surface.
The offset direction does not change during the extrusion.

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– Surface Sweep Based: The offset direction follows the interpolated element normals
(potential field defined by the shell normals). The interpolation is based on a Look-
Up Table (p. 93) that specifies the Search Radius and Number of Interpolation Points.

In general, the sweep-based algorithm is more robust in sharp corners with thick
laminates; however, the extrusion of t-joints may be less accurate. The sharp corner
in Figure 2.99 illustrates the difference between the extrusion algorithms.

• Surface Normal: The plies are illustrated by surface elements. The extrusion follows the
element normals.

• Surface Sweep Based: The plies are shown as surface elements. The offset direction follows
the interpolated element normals (potential field defined by the shell normals).

Figure 2.105: Element Normals

The interpolation is based on a Look-Up Table (p. 98) which specifies the Search Radius
and Number of Interpolation Points.

Figure 2.106: Surface Normal vs. Surface Sweep Based Extrusion

Section Cuts can also be used to plot ply-wise properties such as angles (p. 189). For more information,
see Lay-Up Plots (p. 189).

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Figure 2.107: Ply-Wise Angles on the Surface Section Cut

2.1.13.2. Section Cut Notes

• The line segments are locally enlarged (if necessary) to improve the quality of the surface elements.

• Plies covering more than 3 components cannot be extruded (see figure below):

Figure 2.108: Supported Lay-up for T-Joints

2.1.13.3. Section Cut Export

The Section Cut can be exported in two formats:

Figure 2.109: Export Surface Section Cut Options

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 Features

• The becas.in format includes the 2-D mesh, material properties, and element orientations.

• The mapdl.cdb format supports only the 2-D mesh and the named selections (top and bottom
node sets derived from the element sets of the shell mesh). This can be useful to fill the Section
Cut with a core material (for example).

2.1.14. Sensors
A Sensor provides the evaluation of global results like price, weight, or area. Results can be evaluated
for specific parts, materials or plies.

Figure 2.110: Sensor Properties

The Sensor Properties dialog contains the following options:

• Name: Name of the Sensor.

• Active: Set to false to suppress the Sensor computations.

• Sensor Type: Define the evaluation type.

– Sensor by Area: Select one or several Element Sets or Oriented Selection Sets.

– Sensor by Material: Select Fabric(s), Stackup(s) and/or Sublaminates. If a Fabric is selected, the
plies in the Sublaminates are also considered in the evaluation; plies in a Stackup are not.

– Sensor by Modeling Ply: Select one or more plies.

– Sensor by Solid Model: Select one or more solid models. For a solid model sensor type, only
weight and center of gravity are computed.

• Entities: Select the corresponding entities by clicking them in the Tree.

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• Measure: Display results of different quantities.

– Weight: Mass of the selected entity.

– Covered Area: Surface area of a selected Element Set, Oriented Selection Set, or tooling surface
area that is covered by the composite lay-up of the selected Material or Modeling Ply.

– Modeling Ply Area: Surface area of all Modeling Plies of the selected entity.

– Production Ply Area: Surface area of all Production Plies of the selected entity.

– Price: Price for the composite lay-up of the selected entity. The price per area is set under Ma-
terial Data > Fabrics or Material Data > Stackups.

– Center of Gravity: Center of gravity of the selected entity in the global coordinate system.

2.1.15. Solid Models

ACP knows two different types of solid models: the first type is simply called Solid Model and is based
on an extrusion algorithm that generates a volume mesh from the shell mesh and its Composite
Definitions. The second type is named Imported Solid Model and maps the Composite Definitions
onto an external (imported) solid mesh.

Figure 2.111: Solid Model Folder with a Standard Solid Model and an Imported Solid Model

The context menu of the Solid Models object contains these actions:

• Create Solid Model: creates a new solid model object

• Paste: adds a new solid model object from the clipboard

Note:

The Imported Solid Models can only be created via the Workbench Project Schematic. See
the Solid Modeling (p. 40) workflow section.

2.1.15.1. Solid Model

The Solid Model feature creates a layered solid element model from a composite shell model. The
solid element model can be integrated into a Workbench workflow or exported for use outside of
Workbench. Analysis of a Composite Solid Model (p. 310) explains the Solid Model workflow in
Workbench, and Guide to Solid Modeling (p. 283) provides general information on solid modeling.

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The settings for the solid model generation are adjusted under the Solid Model context menu item
Properties. The Solid Model Properties (p. 159) dialog covers what element sets are extruded, the
extrusion method, drop-off elements handling and numbering offsets among other things.

Extrusion Guides, Snap To, and Cut-off Geometries can be used to shape the Solid Model in a desired
way. They are specified in the respective subfolders in the Solid Model Tree View. The Analysis
Plies sub-folder shows which Analysis Plies are incorporated in the Solid Model.

Figure 2.112: Solid Model Feature in the Tree View

2.1.15.1.1. Properties
The Solid Model Properties dialog is divided into the following tabs:
2.1.15.1.1.1. General
2.1.15.1.1.2. Drop-offs
2.1.15.1.1.3. Export

2.1.15.1.1.1. General

The General tab has the following properties:

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Figure 2.113: Solid Model Properties - General

Element Sets

Starting with a shell model and the lay-up definition, the shell elements are extruded to a
layered solid element model. Select an Element Set to define the region of the extrusion.

Important:

The mid-offset option of Element Sets is not supported for Solid Model extrusion.
The ply definition must be defined without this option to obtain the correct
solid model position.

Extrusion Properties

The lay-up extrusion can be organized in different ways to merge plies with different criteria:

• Extrusion Method:

– Analysis Ply Wise: Extrude each Analysis Ply as one solid element layer.

– Material Wise: All sequential plies containing the same material are grouped in one
solid element layer. A maximum element thickness can be specified that will subdivide
the single element layers if necessary.

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– Modeling Ply Wise: Extrude each Modeling Ply as one solid element layer (for example,
every Stackup or Sublaminate is extruded as one solid element layer).

– Monolithic: Extrude the whole lay-up in one solid element layer.

– Production Ply Wise: Extrude each Production Ply as one solid element layer if possible.
Depending on the model topology, monolithic Modeling Groups may be split in order
to ensure the cohesion of the resulting solid model.

– Specify Thickness: Plies are grouped by iterating through the laminate from the inside
out..

– User Defined: Plies are grouped by iterating through the laminate from the inside
out.

– Sandwich Wise: Plies on either side of a core material are grouped into single element
layers. The core material is extruded as one element layer.

Figure 2.114: Illustration of Solid Model Extrusion Methods

For extrusion methods other than analysis ply-wise, see Material Handling for Different
Extrusion Methods (p. 180).

• Max Element Thickness: Thickness at which a new Modeling Group will be introduced.
If a single ply is thicker than this value it is split into layers of equal thickness no thicker
than this value.

• Start Ply Groups at: A new Modeling Group is introduced each time the iteration meets
one of the plies specified in this option (User Defined Extrusion Method only)

• Offset Direction: With the Surface Normal option, the extrusion direction is re-evaluated
after each row of solid elements. With Shell Normal option, the extrusion direction stays
defined as shell normal.

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Figure 2.115: Extrusion Direction

An example of both options is shown in the following figure:

Figure 2.116: Offset Direction

Solid Model with Surface Normal Direction

Solid Model with Shell Normal Direction

Drop-Offs and Cut-Offs

The Drop-Offs and Cut-Offs section controls the global material handling for drop-off and
cut-off elements in the solid model. The following options are available:

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 Features

• Global Drop-Off Material: This setting is used when the material handling settings for
fabrics and stackups are set to Global.

• Global Cut-Off Material: This setting is used when the material handling settings for
fabrics and stackups are set to Global.

Element Quality

ACP performs shape checks during the solid model generation. The checks are similar to
Element Shape Testing in Mechanical APDL, and bad elements are deleted if they fail the
check. You can adjust some of the limits and tolerances:

• Delete Bad Elements: When enabled, ACP will perform shape checks. Disable this option
to suppress the shape checks.

• Warping Limit: Solid elements with a warping factor above this limit are removed from
the solid model. The default value is 0.4. Twisting the top face of a unit cube by 22.5°
and 45° relative to the base produces warping factors of about 0.2 and 0.4, respectively.

• Minimum Volume: Elements with a volume equal to or smaller than this limit are deleted.
The default value is 0 so only elements with a negative or zero volume are removed.
You can adjust this parameter accordingly should the solver produce error messages
about small elements with a volume close to zero. For instance, the Mechanical APDL
solver logs this error: *** ERROR *** Zero volume in element...

2.1.15.1.1.2. Drop-offs

The Drop-Offs Tab has the following properties:

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Figure 2.117: Solid Model Properties - Drop-Offs

• Drop-Off Method: Define the ply's drop-off before or after the edge.

• Disable Drop-Offs on Top Surface: Deactivates drop-off elements on the top face sheet of
the laminate for the selected (oriented) element sets.

• Disable Drop-Offs on Bottom Surface: Deactivates drop-off elements on the bottom face
sheet of the laminate for the selected (oriented) element sets.

Figure 2.118: Disable Drop-Offs

Disable Drop-Offs option deactivated

Disable Drop-Offs option activated

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 Features

• Connect Butt-Joined Plies: If a composite layer ends away from a mesh boundary it tails
off with a drop-off element. These drop-off elements are degenerated brick elements that
are reduced from bricks into prisms. This option can prevent an element drop-off of two
adjacent, sequential plies in the same modeling group. By default it is active.

The feature is limited to plies that appear sequentially in the same Modeling Group. It is not
possible to connect all butt-jointed plies that are arranged in a circle. This is a known limita-
tion.

An example of a sandwich structure with divided core material is shown below to demonstrate
the use of a ply connection.

Figure 2.119: Connect Butt-Jointed Plies

Connect Butt-Joined Plies activated

Connect Butt-Joined Plies deactivated

2.1.15.1.1.3. Export

The Export Tab has the following properties:

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Figure 2.120: Solid Model Properties - Export

Global Options

• Write Degenerated Elements: Include drop-off elements and cut-off elements in the
solid model export. Deactivating this option can lead to holes in the mesh and prevent
import into Mechanical. Deactivating this option is not advised during a Workbench
workflow.

Figure 2.121: Write Degenerated Elements

Export with Drop-off Elements

Export without Drop-off Elements

• Use SOLSH Elements: Create the model with Solid-Shell elements (SOLSH190).

• Drop Hanging Nodes: Remove hanging nodes from model before solve. (default on)

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 Features

Hanging nodes are nodes which are not connected to all the neighboring elements.
Hanging nodes can occur when quadratic hexahedral, tetrahedral, and prism elements
are connected together. Hanging nodes can lead to discontinuous deformation fields
and are therefore not desirable. When this option is active, element edges containing a
hanging node are described as a linear shape function. The following figure shows a
quadratic tetrahedral element on top of a quadratic hexahedra element. There is a hanging
node on the tet element, highlighted by the red square:

Figure 2.122: Quadratic Tetrahedral Element on Top of a Hexahedral Element

• Use Solid Model Prefix: This option makes element components begin with the name
of the defined solid model. For example, if the solid model is BULKHEAD, the elements
are grouped into components in the following way:

CMBLOCK,BULKHEAD_P9L1_Plies_Top,ELEM, 600! users element compon-

ent definition

Transferred Sets

• Transfer All Sets: All Edge and Element Sets are transferred.

• Transferred Element Sets: Specify Element Sets for transfer. Element Sets become two
separate element components with the designation _TOP and _BOT. One element
component coincided with the original element set and the other one lies at the end of
the extrusion path.

• Transferred Edge Sets: Specify Edge Sets for transfer. Edge Sets are extruded to form
surfaces (an Edge Set transfers to a surface element component).

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Figure 2.123: Transferred Element Sets in Mechanical

Numbering Offset

Entity numbering is performed automatically in ACP within your Workbench project. Entities
of multiple solid models in one ACP setup are automatically renumbered to avoid overlap.
The automatic renumbering also takes place when different ACP or Mechanical models are
combined in a single analysis system.

The automatic renumbering is activated by default and can be deactivated in the properties
of the downstream Mechanical Model cell (see Renumber Mesh Nodes and Elements
Automatically).

The entity numbering offset can also be controlled manually. Deactivate the Default option
to define the offset manually for each of the entities (elements, nodes, materials, sections,
coordinate systems). The numbering starts at the defined index and is incremented by one
at a time.

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 Features

Figure 2.124: Properties of the ACP-Pre Setup Cell in the Project Schematic

2.1.15.1.2. Export Solid Model

The context menu of Solid Model and Imported Solid Model enables you to export the solid
mesh itself or the skin (envelope) of the mesh in different formats.

The skin of the solid model can be exported as STEP, IGES, STL, or Mechanical APDL (CDB). These
representations can be used for instance to construct the geometry of adjacent structures to the

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Usage Reference

solid model or to construct the geometry of filling material in an airfoil structure. Please note
that the STEP and IGES geometries are build from a mesh based tessellation of the skin. Therefore
it might be worth to work with the STL format and the usage of reverse engineering tools (for
instance in SpaceClaim) to construct a proper geometrical representation. The CDB format brings
the benefit to that you work without a geometry.

The analysis solid model itself can be exported as a CDB file. Element shape checking is deactivated
in the exported file. You need to check that the material properties are consistent with the mesh
units of the CDB file.

Midside Nodes: If available and active, the tessellation of the mesh includes the midside nodes
of the quadratic elements. If not, only the corner nodes are considered. This option is only available
for the formats skin:stp, skin:igs and skin:stl.

2.1.15.1.3. Extrusion Guides

Solid Model generation for curved geometries and thick lay-ups can lead to boundary edges
being extruded in undesirable directions. For example, the extrusion of a dome with a hole at
the top results in a solid model with a hole that is not cylindrical. The Extrusion Guide feature
allows you to control the extrusion direction of the edges in order to rectify this. The edge of the
hole can be used as an Extrusion Guide in the vertical direction to create a cylindrical hole.

Figure 2.125: Extrusion with and without an Edge Set Guide

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 Features

Multiple Extrusion Guides can be used for one Solid Model. The extrusion itself is controlled with
an edge set and a direction vector or with a geometry. The Extrusion Guide feature also contains
a Curvature Control. The Extrusion Guide Properties dialog has the following options:

Figure 2.126: Extrusion Guide Properties

• Edge Set: Define the Edge Set along which the Extrusion Guide acts.

• Type: The type of Extrusion Guide.

– Direction: Defines a direction vector of the extrusion direction of the Edge Set.

→ Orientation Direction: By default, the normal direction of the Edge Set is calculated and
defined when an Edge Set is selected. It can also be entered manually.

– Geometry: CAD file of a boundary surface is used to define the extrusion path.

→ CAD Geometry: Select a previously imported CAD geometry

– Free: No extrusion path is defined but a curvature correction can be activated independently.

• Radius: Controls the sphere of influence for mesh morphing.

• Depth: controls the bias of the mesh morphing.

• Use Curvature Correction: Apply a curvature correction during the solid model extrusion
which results in a smoother extruded surface. Under certain circumstances, deactivating
curvature correction can lead to better extrusion results.

You can change the order of Extrusion Guides using the context menu from the Tree View. The
order in which the Extrusion Guides appear in the Tree is their order of execution, which has
significant effects when Extrusion Guides intersect.

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Figure 2.127: Reordering Extrusion Guides

2.1.15.1.3.1. Mesh Morphing

The generation of a solid model is by extrusion of a shell mesh. By default, extrusion is in the
direction of the shell normal direction. The 2-D shell mesh is used as a base for the 3-D solid
element mesh, which can have one or more element layers depending on the ply thickness
and extrusion method.

The Extrusion Guide only affects the extrusion of the element edges that are part of the guided
Edge Set. It is either defined by an Edge Set and direction vector or by an Edge Set and a CAD
geometry. While the CAD geometry already is a surface, the Edge Set and direction vector are
used to define a surface. In both cases, these surfaces serve as target surfaces in the extrusion.

The guided edge is initially extruded in the normal direction and then the nodes on the resulting
free surface are moved to coincide with the target surface of the extrusion guide.

Mesh morphing is a way to control the propagation of the Extrusion Guide effect through the
entire mesh.

Mesh morphing is governed by the morphing law, shown in Equation 2.1 (p. 173). It relates the
displacement of internal nodes to the displacement of a node of the guided free surface. It can
be controlled with the two parameters:

• Radius: All elements within the defined Radius from the Edge Set are extruded with a mesh
morphing correction.

• Depth: Defines the bias of the mesh morphing (linear with 1, quadratic with 2,...).

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(2.1)

where:

m0 is the distance a node on the free surface has to move in-plane to coincide with
the extrusion guide.
mi is the distance the inward node of the ith shell element moves in-plane as a result
of the mesh morphing.
di is the distance between the node in the guided Edge Set and the inward node of
the ith shell element.

Figure 2.128: Mesh Morphing Diagram

2.1.15.1.3.2. Extrusion Guide Examples

The following is an example of a direction-type Extrusion Guide with different mesh morphing
radii. The location of the edge set is indicated by the circle in the bottom left corner. The mesh
morphing is only applied to nodes on the shell surface whose distance to the Edge Set is
smaller than the radius.

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Figure 2.129: Example of a Direction-type Extrusion Guide with Different Mesh Morphing
Radii

The following is an example of a geometry-type Extrusion Guide with different mesh morphing
depths:

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 Features

Figure 2.130: Example of a Geometry-type Extrusion Guide with Different Mesh Morphing
Depths.

2.1.15.1.4. Snap-to Geometry

The Snap-to Geometry feature can alter an extruded Solid Model to align with an imported CAD
geometry. The layered Solid Model is locally stretched or compressed so that its selected faces
coincide with the CAD geometry. Multiple Snap-to Geometries can be assigned to one Solid
Model. The adaptation occurs at the first intersection that is found.

The feature is only applied to the selected Oriented Selection Set and its selected face (top or
bottom). Which face is top or bottom is defined by the normal orientation of the Oriented Selection
Set. The height of all the elements through the thickness is altered to an even distribution.

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In the following example, the first picture shows the extrusion without any Snap-to Geometry
operation. The lay-up is defined from two Oriented Selection Sets which point in opposite direc-
tions. In the second figure, the first Modeling Ply (oriented to the top) is defined to be extruded
to a CAD Geometry. Only the nodes which meet the surface are extruded until the surface. The
other nodes are extruded normally. The second Modeling Ply is extruded to another CAD Geometry
in the last figure. For both cases, the orientation of the Snap-to Geometry operation must be top
as the Oriented Selection Sets both point outward.

Figure 2.131: Extrusion without Snap Operation

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 Features

Figure 2.132: Extrusion with Snap to Geometry at the Top (Shell Geometry also Displayed)

Figure 2.133: Extrusion with Snap to Geometry at the Top and Bottom (Shell Geometry also
Displayed)

Caution:

The Snap to Geometry operation occurs after the Extrusion Guide operations. It is
possible that the nodes moved during the Extrusion Guide operations are translated
again, and do not match with the previous Extrusion Guide definition.

2.1.15.1.5. Cut-off Geometry

The Cut-off Geometry feature uses CAD geometries to shape the Solid Model by cutting off ele-
ments. The operation is analogous to machining a composite part after curing. See Guide to
Solid Modeling (p. 283) for more information. The Cut-off Geometry feature is illustrated in the
following figures:

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Figure 2.134: Extruded Solid Model

Figure 2.135: Cut-off Geometries Shown Alongside Extruded Solid Model

Figure 2.136: Solid Model with Cut-off Features

2.1.15.1.5.1. Defining Cut-off Geometry

A Cut-off Geometry is added by selecting Create CutOffGeometry in the context menu of the
Cut-off Geometry folder.

The cut-off operation can be defined with either a CAD surface geometry of CAD body geometry.
The orientation flag specifies on which side of the surface or the body the elements are cut
off. The up orientation specifies that elements in the reverse normal direction of the geometry
are cut off. A visualization of the surface normal direction of a CAD body geometry can be
displayed with the Show Normals button in the toolbar.

Multiple Cut-Off Geometries can be used for one solid model. The cut offs are applied sequen-
tially in the order of creation of the Cut-Off Geometries.

The following properties must be defined in the Cut-Off Geometry Properties dialog:

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 Features

Cut-off Geometry Properties

• CAD Geometry: CAD geometry for surface or body geometry.

• Orientation: Determines the cutting orientation of a surface/body geometry.

Figure 2.137: Cut-off Geometry Normal Direction

• Relative Merge Tolerance: Set the merging tolerance for neighboring nodes relative to the
element size. If two nodes fall within this tolerance they are merged, which avoids very small
element edges.

Note:

Cut-off operations are computationally intensive, so it is important to define your

geometries efficiently. The cut-off algorithm runs faster if you create a cut-off geo-
metry for each part instead of creating a single geometry containing all parts. This
is because ACP, prior to running the calculation, filters out all extraneous points and
elements. The figure below illustrates the principle: Instead of one large geometry,
three cut-off geometries have been added, one for each feature.

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Figure 2.138: Example of three cut-off geometries

2.1.15.1.5.2. Decomposition of Degenerated Elements

The cutting operation can reshape elements in such a way that they are no longer able to be
handled by the solver. The cut-off elements are therefore decomposed into homogenous prism
and tetrahedral elements following the cut-off operation. An example of such a decomposition
is shown in the figure below. The decomposition takes place automatically during Solid Model
generation.

Figure 2.139: A Degenerated Hexahedral Element (left) is Decomposed into Several

Tetrahedral Elements (right)

2.1.15.1.6. Material Handling for Different Extrusion Methods

The material handling for an analysis ply-wise extrusion follows the rules outlined in Fabric Solid
Model Options (p. 73). The following additional rules apply for other extrusion methods where
plies of different materials are grouped together in one solid element layer.

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Drop-Off Material Handling in Non-Analysis-Ply-Wise Extrusions

• If the material handling option of at least one ply is set to Global, the global Solid Model drop-
off material is used.

• If all ply material handling options are set to Custom and refer to the same custom material,
the custom drop-off material is used.

• In all other cases (for example, a multi-layered solid with material handling options Custom
and Global), the global Solid Model drop-off material is used.

Cut-Off Material Handling in Non-Analysis-Ply-Wise Extrusions

• If the material handling option of at least one ply is set to Global, the global Solid Model cut-
off material is used.

• If all ply material handling options are set to Custom and refer to the same custom material,
the custom cut-off material is used.

• In all other cases, the global Solid Model cut-off material is used.

2.1.15.1.7. Save & Reload Solid Models

ACP Solid Models are saved as .H5 files. An update of ACP (Pre) component initiates a check of
the current and previous laminate lay-up. While the laminate lay-up does not change no new
solid model is generated.

2.1.15.1.8. Node-based Thicknesses

By default, the solid model extrusion and the 3D lay-up representation used for the lay-up mapping
within the Imported Solid Model are based on the ply thicknesses at the element center. On the
basis of those, the average ply thickness per node is evaluated. If the Use Nodal Thickness is on
(see Lay-up Computation (p. 55)), the solid model extrusion and 3D lay-up representation directly
consume the node-based thicknesses, which can improve the accuracy. For more information,
see the Element- vs. Node-based Thicknesses (p. 58) section.

2.1.15.2. Imported Solid Model

The Imported Solid Model feature enables you to map the Composite Definitions of ACP (Pre) onto
the mesh of an external (imported) solid model. This approach can be used if the standard solid
model approach, that is based on an extrusion algorithm and post operations, fails or produces a
mesh of poor quality. In that case, it is more robust to mesh the final composite solid structure
first, independent of the lay-up data and, in a second step, to map the Composite Definitions. See
the Guide to Solid Modeling (p. 283) section for solid model workflows as well as tips used when
working with a solid model.

Currently, the mapping algorithm supports structured elements (linear and quadratic prism and
hexa) which are automatically aligned according to the lay-up normal direction. Degenerated ele-
ments (tetra, pyramid, etc.) can be filled with a homogeneous material. The imported solid mesh
with the mapped lay-up data is exported for downstream analyses using the standard solid model
workflow (p. 40) in Workbench. Structured elements are exported as layered solid or slosh, and
homogeneous elements are oriented according the material direction of the orthotropic material.

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The component sets (nodal and element) that are defined in the external solid mesh are exposed
as Named Selections in the downstream analyses and can be used to maintain associativity.

See the Analysis of a Mapped Composite Solid Model (p. 325) section for an example analysis.

Cut-off Geometries can be used to shape the Imported Solid Model in a desired way. They are
specified in the respective subfolders in the Imported Solid Model Tree View. The cut-off feature
behaves in the same way for the Imported Solid Model as it does for the standard Solid Model. It
is described in Cut-off Geometry (p. 177). The Analysis Plies sub-folder shows which Analysis Plies
are incorporated in the lay-up mapping.

This cut-off feature allows you to shape the imported solid mesh after the lay-up mapping. It gives
you further control of geometry and mesh. You can add details and geometrical features to the
Imported Solid Model. Therefore, the generation of a structured mesh will be easier and more robust
for many cases.

Imported Solid Model Properties

The settings for the imported solid model are adjusted under the Imported Solid Model context
menu item Properties. The properties dialog covers what element sets and plies are taken into ac-
count for the mapping.

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General Tab

Property Description
Format This property specifies the format of the input file. Within a Workbench project, solid
meshes are imported via Mechanical Model (p. 40). The import automatically completes
the Format, Unit System, and File Path properties and as a result, these properties are
read-only.

If you are running ACP in standalone, you can directly import Ansys CDB files in ACP
Pre. For this scenario, you need to specify the Unit System of the volume mesh.
Unit This property specifys the unit system of the external solid mesh.
System
File This property specifys the location of the geometry file to be imported.
Path
Use If enabled, Imported Plies are mapped onto the solid mesh instead of the standard
Imported Modeling Plies.
Plies

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Property Description
Element Starting with a shell model and the lay-up definition, the 3D representation of the
Sets laminate is mapped onto the imported solid mesh. Select one or several Element
Set(s) to define the region of interest.

Note:

The mid-offset option of Element Sets is not supported. The ply definition
must be defined without this option to obtain an accurate mapping.

All By default, this property maps all plies of the selected shell mesh onto the solid mesh.
Plies Uncheck this Boolean to select a user-defined set of plies for the mapping.
User This property enables you to select a set of Modeling Plies and/or Modeling Groups
Defined to specify the plies to be mapped onto the solid mesh.
Set
Scale The thickness of the mapped lay-up and the geometrical thickness of layered elements
Plies can differ due to various reasons (drop-offs, numerical differences etc.). If this Boolean
is checked, the thickness of the mapped laminate is scaled to match the element as
shown below. Note that the scaling is done element-wise and not on a global scope.

Side view of a layered solid with void space and scaled plies is illustrated below.

Global Instead of scaling the laminate, fill the void space with a specific material. For that,
Void un-check the option Scale Plies and define a void material. Since the in-plane material
Material orientation cannot be set, it is recommended you specify a material with isotropic
characteristic.

Note:

The elements with void material can be accessed through the analysis ply
`void_<material id>` within the Analysis Plies folder of the Imported Solid
Model.

There are as many void layers in the analysis plies folder of the imported
solid model as the maximum number of void layers in a layered element.
For instance, there are two in the illustration below.

Void space in a layered solid element is illustrated below.

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 Features

Property Description

Minimum Void space as shown above can be caused for instance by drop-offs or differences
Void between the shell and solid mesh, especially in curved areas. The void handling can
Material be further refined by specifying an adequate `minimum void material thickness` value
Thickness as shown in the figure below. If the thickness of the void space is below this value,
the void space is not filled. In that case the regular layers are scaled to fill the void
space.

Scaled layers and filled void space is illustrated below.

At a glance, it may seem wrong to scale the layers since the option Scale Plies has
been disabled. But as the solver automatically scales the laminate if the total laminate
thickness does not correspond with the element height, the scaling is done already
by ACP. That allows you to visualize and numerically quote the effect already in ACP.

Materials Tab

The handling of lost (filled) and cut-off elements can be specified in this window. If the lay-up
representation does not intersect with all imported solid elements or the solid mesh contains de-
generated elements, solid elements remain without lay-up data. These elements can either be re-
moved or filled with a homogeneous material.

The material handling of the elements that are shaped by a cut-off geometry can also be specified.
More details about the cut-off feature and material handling can be found in Cut-off Geo-
metry (p. 177).

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Property Description
Delete This Boolean is used to control whether the solid elements without mapped
Lost lay-up data are removed or kept. Note that unstructured elements such as tets
Elements or pyramids are ignored in the mapping algorithm and treated as lost elements
(elements without data).
Global If the property Delete Lost Elements is disabled a filler material has to be assigned
Filler to the solid elements without mapped lay-up data. Note that lost elements are
Material handled as non-layered (homogeneous) elements. The characteristic of the filler
material can be of type isotropic or anisotropic.

Note: The homogeneous elements with filler material can be accessed through
the analysis ply `filler_<material id>` within the Analysis Plies folder of the
Imported Solid Model.
Orientation Select one or several rosettes to orient the lost elements. Note that the rosettes
are used to evaluate the fiber directions (local x-axis) and the normal directions
(local z-axis) of the elements. This is slightly different if compared with the
Oriented Selection Sets where the rosettes are used to apply the reference
directions only.
Selection Supported options include Minimum Distance and Minimum Distance Superposed
Method as described in Oriented Selection Set - Reference Direction (p. 118) section.

Export Tab

The export tab options are a limited set of the standard solid model. See the Export (p. 159) topic
in the Solid Model Properties section of the Help.

Mapping Statistics

The mapping statistics tab includes basic information of the result of the lay-up mapping such as
total mass, volume, resin volume content etc. The Ply-Wise Data table shows the volume per ana-
lysis ply and the difference to the lay-up definition based on the shell mesh. The ply volume in the
solid mesh is greater if the difference is positive, else it is smaller.

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 Features

Quality Check
The application offers several options to verify the quality of the mapped lay-up.

• You can examine the fiber directions and element normals using the Orientation Visualizations
options on the Toolbar.

Make sure that the solid elements option is enabled.

• You can use the Thickness Plot (p. 189) to display the ply-wise thicknesses on the solid ele-
ments. You can also select the Component option Relative Thickness Correction to plot
the ply-wise scaling factors.

• lay-up Mapping Plot (p. 189) enables you to plot ply-wise volume contents and the deviation
of the normal direction between the shell mesh and solid mesh.

• You can get a coarse overview using the mapping statistics.

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Miscellaneous
The global model property 'minimum analysis ply thickness' also counts for the lay-up mapping. A
layer is only added to an element if the mapped layer thickness is greater than this value.

The lay-up representation that is evaluated for the mapping always follows the surface normal of
the shell mesh. Since the imported solid model does not support the feature Extrusion Guide (p. 170),
that might cause special handling of free edges in curved areas.

The lay-up representation (shell) is ignorant to the concept of drop-off elements (solid) and this
can lead to 'voids' if you have steps in the lay-up as shown in the figure below. If the drops are
low, this can be neglected, if they are high you might have to refine the tapering or adjust the void
handling of the imported solid model.

The mapping algorithm itself is based on a 3D representation of the Composite Definitions and it
consist 3 main parts: firstly, the structured solid elements are aligned according to the local offset
direction of the 3D representation. Secondly, the ply-wise intersections between the solid elements
and plies are evaluated. Of course it also detects if a ply is completely within a ply. The output of
this operation is the element-wise ply thicknesses and orientations. And finally, this data is stored
for downstream analyses. Note that the intersection is evaluated at the element center of the solid
elements. This means that the ply thicknesses are constant within one element.

In general, the mapping is mesh independent and the shell and solid mesh do not have to be co-
incident. However, too big of a difference in the meshes might cause inaccurate results. Therefore
we recommend to work with meshes with similar element sizes, especially in curved regions.

The shape functions of the shell and solid elements can differ. For instance a Composite Definition
of a linear shell mesh can be mapped onto a quadratic solid mesh.

Use Filler Option only: You can also just assign a material and orient the elements of an external
mesh without mapping any layer. For that, uncheck `All Plies`, leave the `User Defined Set` empty
and complete the Filler options as shown below

Full cross-sections: The mapping might does not work as expected for plies that shrink into a very
small tube as pictured below on the left hand side. In that case it is more robust to have several
plies of moderate thickness instead of one thick ply as shown by the right picture.

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Limitations
The projection of the failure results to the reference surface is not supported. Either do ply-wise
analyses or use the Section Cut feature in Mechanical to investigate results inside the solid.

Laminate failure criteria such as Wrinkling and Shear Crimping are not supported since the recon-
struction of the stacking sequence of the laminate is not possible for mapped lay-up data.

2.1.16. Lay-Up Plots

Lay-Up Plots enable you to verify and visualize element and ply-wise data, such as thickness and
angle, of the Composite Definition in ACP (Pre). Available Lay-up Plots include:

• Thickness Plot (p. 193)

• Ply Angle Plot (p. 194)

• Draping Mesh Plot (p. 194)

• Look-Up Table Plot (p. 196)

• Field Definition Plot (p. 198)

• Lay-Up Mapping (p. 198)

• Material Plots (p. 200)

• User-Defined Plot (p. 200)

2.1.16.1. Interface Options

The right-click context menu for the Lay-Up Plots object provides the following options:

• Create Thickness: plot thicknesses per element or ply-wise

• Create Lay-Up Angle: plot ply-wise angles (fiber, shear angle etc.)

• Create Draping Mesh and Flatwrap: plot draping mesh and flatwrap

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• Create Scalar Look-up Table: plot scalar look-up tables and interpolations

• Create Field Definition: plot field definition data

• Create Lay-Up Mapping: plot lay-up mapping data

• Create User-Defined: plot a custom set of data on the mesh

• Paste: paste a lay-up plot from the clipboard.

The context menu for each individual Lay-Up Plot option includes the following selections:

• Properties: Display the Plot Properties dialog.

• Update: Update the selected plot.

• Copy: Copy the selected plot definition to the clipboard.

• Paste: Paste a lay-up plot from the clipboard.

• Delete: Delete the selected plot.

• Hide: Hide the selected plot.

• Show: Show the selected plot.

All plots can display the information for all or a selection of elements through the data scope. A
thickness and angle plot for all element sets is predefined by default. The plot definition for lay-up
plots follows the same definition as solution plots.

The properties for plots, such as Thickness properties illustrated below, have two tabs: General and
Legend. You use the General tab to configure the plot's basic settings. Once you deselect the Use
Default check box, the Legend tab enables you to specify minimum and maximum values as well
as changing the legend title, range, and color display.

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 Features

General Tab Legend Tab

The following general settings can be Property descriptions include:

found in most of the plots:
• Use Defaults: Uncheck this option
• Name: Name of the plot. to manually configure the color bar.
Otherwise, the default settings are
• Entire Model: If enabled, the scope used.
of the plot is the entire shell- or all
the solid elements of the model if • Min Value: Defines the value of the
Show on Solids is active. Otherwise first label. Disable Auto to set a
you can define the scope through user-defined value.
the Data Scope property. By default,
Entire Model is enabled. • Max Value: Defines the value of the
last label. Disable Auto to specify a
• Data Scope: Determines what user-defined value.
scope is used in the plot. Element
sets, OSS, Modeling Plies & • Use as Threshold: If enabled, the
Sampling Points can be selected in min and max labels become the
the data scope. The data scope of second and second-to-last labels in
a sampling point covers all plies the color bar, respectively.
that are intersected by the sampling
point. • Grey Below Value: Grey is inserted
in the color bar. All values below
• Ply-Wise: Activates a ply-wise plot the min label are then shown in
display. Thickness and angle plot grey. If Use as Threshold is on also,
are only shown if a ply is selected. then the min label becomes the
Angle plots are automatically set to third label, and the second and first
ply-wise. The plies can be selected are evaluated accordingly.
from the Modeling Groups,
sampling points or solid model • Violet Above Value: Violet is
analysis plies. appended to the color bar. All

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General Tab Legend Tab

• Show on Solids: Shows plot data values above the max label are then
on solid elements and for solid shown in violet. If Use as Threshold
elements only. is checked as well, then the max
label becomes the third-last label,
• Component: Allows you to select and the second-last and last are
different components evaluated accordingly.

• Ply Offsets: Visualize the results of • Legend Title: Specifies the title that
a ply-wise plot on the selected plies is shown above the color bar. By
at their true or scaled offset from default, the name of the plot is
the reference surface (Angle Plot used.
only).
• Number of Colors: Sets the number
of colors for the color bar.

• Color Scheme: Chooses one of the

preconfigured color schemes.

• Fixed Color Bar Range: Activates

the Fixed Color Bar Range option
to prevent the color bar from
changing when you switch from
one ply to another. If enabled, the
overall min and maximum values of
the scope are set as color bar min
and max labels. If ply-wise is
enabled as well, the global min and
max are used.

Note:

Only a subset of the plots support Imported Plies. Currently, these are Thickness Plot,
Angle Plot and Lay-up Mapping Plot. To plot data on Imported Plies, the Entire Model
and Ply-Wise options must be enabled.

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 Features

Thickness plot with "Use as Threshold" on for both the Min and Max Value.

Thickness plot with "Grey Below Value" and "Violet Above Value" on.

2.1.16.2. Thickness Plots

The Thickness Plot shows the thickness distribution for an entire lay-up or single plies. The Angle
Plot is purely a ply-wise plot and shows the orientation angle of a selected ply. The Look-Up Table
Plot enables you to explore the interpolation result of scalar columns. Scalar columns can be used
to define thickness, angle, or degradation fields.

Figure 2.140: Thickness Plot

Components

The component of the plot include:

• Thickness: show the element thickness or ply-wise thickness

• Relative Thickness Correction: show the thickness scaling due to draping or lay-up mapping

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2.1.16.3. Angle Plot

The Angle Plot is purely a ply-wise plot and shows the orientation angle of a selected ply. For ex-
ample, an Angle Plot showing the shear angle of a draped ply is illustrated below.

Figure 2.141: Angle Plot

Components

The component of the plot include:

• Design Angle: The angle between the Reference Direction and the Fiber Direction. This is
the angle between the element lay-up reference defined through the Oriented Selection
Set and the user-set Ply Angle.

• Draped Fiber Angle: The angle between the Reference Direction and the Draped Fiber
Direction. This is the angle between the lay-up reference defined through the Oriented Se-
lection Set and the effective fiber direction due to draping.

• Draped Shear Angle: The local ply shear value due to draping.

• Draped Transverse Fiber Angle: The angle between the Reference Direction and the Draped
Transverse Direction. This is the angle between the lay-up reference defined through the
Oriented Selection Set and the effective transverse fiber direction due to draping.

2.1.16.4. Draping Mesh Plot

The Draping Mesh Plot enables you to control if the Draping Mesh or the Flatwrap of a draping
simulation are shown in the active Scene. You need to select a Production or Analysis Ply in order
to show the draping mesh and/or the flatwrap.

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Figure 2.142: Draping Mesh Plot Properties

For this plot type, specific options of the General tab include:

• Show Draping Mesh: Shows the Draping Mesh Plot. The worst distortion is located in red
areas of the draping mesh. If the model property Use Draping Offset Correction (p. 55) is
active, the draping mesh is displayed at the bottom offset (relative to the reference surface
orientation) of the selected ply.

• Show Flatwrap: Shows the Flatwrap surface that is a result of the draping in ACP.

The Draping Plot shows the average shear (distortion) angle of each element. The angles are given
in degrees and they are the average absolute values of the corner angles differing from 90 degrees.
Therefore no distortion is equal to zero degrees. More information on draping can be found in the
section Composite Modeling Techniques under Draping (p. 278).

The following illustrations show examples of Draping Mesh, Draping Plot for a Hemisphere, and
Flatwrap Surface of the Ply.

Figure 2.143: Draping Mesh

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Figure 2.144: Draping Plot for a Hemisphere

Figure 2.145: Flatwrap Surface of the Ply

2.1.16.5. Look-Up Table Plot

The Look-Up Table Plot enables you to explore the interpolation result of scalar columns. Scalar
columns can be used to define thickness, angle, or degradation fields for instance.

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Figure 2.146: Look-Up Table Plot General Properties Tab

For this plot type, specific options of the General tab include:

• Look-up Table Column: Select the Look-up Table column data that is to be plotted.

• Supporting Points:

– Show Points: Visualize the location of the supporting points of the plotted look-up table
data.

– Show Labels: Show labels indicating the row index in the respective look-up table.

– Scale Factor: Scale the size of the supporting points.

• Show Labels: Show labels indicating the row index in the respective look-up table.

• Scale Factor: The supporting points can be scaled in size.

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Figure 2.147: Look-Up Table Plot of a 1-D Scalar Quantity with Supporting Points Shown as
Circles

2.1.16.6. Field Definition Plot

The Field Definition plot enables you to visualize and investigate the effect of a Field Defini-
tion (p. 147). This plot is only available ply-wise.

For this plot type, the specific option of the General tab is the Field Variable Name. You select the
field variable to be plotted from this drop-down menu.

2.1.16.7. Lay-Up Mapping Plot

The purpose of the lay-up mapping plot is to show the result of the lay-up mapping (mapped
Composite Definitions onto a solid mesh). It also allows to check the quality of the mapping result.
Therefore the scope only accepts Imported Solid Models and the property `Show on Solids` is always
checked.

For this plot type, the specific option of the General tab is the Data Scope option. Using this entry
field, you specify one or more Imported Solid Models.

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 Features

Figure 2.148: Lay-Up Mapping General Properties Tab

Components

The component options for this plot include:

• Volume Content: show the ply-wise volume contents

• Deviation in Normal Direction: show the difference between the shell normal and layered
solid normal direction. If ply-wise is disabled, the average normal deviation of the element
is shown.

Figure 2.149: Deviation of the Normal Direction between Shell Elements and Layered Solid
Elements

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2.1.16.8. Material Plots

The Material Plot (p. 212) enables you to visualize ply-wise variable material properties (p. 299). You
must select an Analysis Ply to display the distribution of the material properties.

For additional information, see the Material Plot topic in the Solution Plots (p. 206) section of the
User Guide.

2.1.16.9. User-Defined Plot

The User-Defined Plot allows you a specify arbitrary scalar quantities for plotting. For additional
information, see the User-Defined Plot (p. 214) topic in the Solution Plots section of the User Guide.

2.1.17. Definitions
Failure criteria are used to evaluate the strength of a composite structure. Several failure criteria can
be defined, combined and configured in the Definitions object. Failure criteria definitions can be
used for failure plots and sampling points. The critical failure mode for an element shown in failure
plots and sampling points is the one with the lowest reserve factor.

A list of implemented failure criteria and the associated failure types is shown in Postprocessing (p. 238).
More detailed theory information about failure criteria is provided in Failure Analysis (p. 353).

New failure criteria definitions can be added by selecting the Create Failure Criteria option. In the
context menu of the Definitions object. Failure criteria definition is configured in the Failure Criteria
Definition dialog that distinguishes between failure criteria for reinforced (UD and woven) materials,
sandwich structure, and isotropic materials.

Figure 2.150: Failure Criteria Definition

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Each failure criteria definition can be a selection of any failure criteria. Different failure modes are
activated via the check-boxes and can be set up in the failure criteria configuration.

Individual failure modes for each failure criterion can be activated and be associated with a weighting
factor. The weighting factors can be used to define different factors of safety for certain failure criteria
or specific failure modes. Some criteria also have different levels of complexity. For example, the Puck
criterion can be used in its simplified, 2-D, or 3-D option.

Figure 2.151: Puck Failure Criteria Configuration

2.1.18. Solutions
The Solutions object is only available in postprocessing mode. The individual items under Solutions
objects are used to import and read the solution results into ACP. All postprocessing plots (for example,
deformation, failure, stress, strain, temperature plots) are linked to individual solutions. Several solutions
can be combined into one envelope solution to visualize an overlay of failure results. One solution
holds all the results for each analysis system that is linked to ACP-Post in the Workbench schematic.
The solution has to be up-to-date and the results need to match the mesh before any postprocessing
can be done.

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Figure 2.152: Solutions Object in the Tree View

Details on how to configure the results import, create an envelope solution, and plot results are ex-
plained in the following sections:
2.1.18.1. Solution Object
2.1.18.2. Envelope Solution
2.1.18.3. Solution Plots

2.1.18.1. Solution Object

The solution object controls how results are imported into ACP-Post. Each solution links to a .RST
results file. The import settings can be configured in the Solution Properties dialog. Solution Plots
can be created in connection with a solution object. The solution set (for instance, load step) is
specified for each plot object individually.
2.1.18.1.1. Solution Context Menu
2.1.18.1.2. Solution Properties

In Workbench mode, a solution is created in ACP-Post for every solution component that is linked
to the ACP-Post cell in the project schematic. A solution can also be added by selecting Import
Results in the context menu of the Solutions object in the Tree View. Doing so creates an individual
solution and displays the Solution Properties dialog.

2.1.18.1.1. Solution Context Menu

The context menu of every solution has the following options:

• Properties: Display the Solution Properties dialog.

• Update: Update the specific solution and reload result if changed.

• Reload: Reload the results file.

• Delete: Delete the selected solution.

• Delete Postprocessing Results: Delete all deformations, stresses and strains, computed.

• Export Results: Exports result (deformation, stress, strain, failure results, progressive damage)
as a .CSV file for selected element sets, oriented selection sets, and modeling plies for both
shell and solid elements.

• Create Deformation: Create a deformation plot for the selected solution. (see Solution
Plots (p. 206) for more information on all plots)

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• Create Strain: Create a strain plot.

• Create Stress: Create a stress plot.

• Create Failure: Create a failure plot based on a failure definition.

• Create Temperature: Create a temperature plot if data is available.

• Create Progressive Damage: Create a progressive damage plot if data is available.

• Paste: Paste a plot from the clipboard.

2.1.18.1.2. Solution Properties

Import settings and load step selection can be configured in the Data tab of the Solution
Properties dialog.

The following properties can be set in the Data tab of the Solution Properties dialog:

Figure 2.153: Solution Properties Window Showing Several Solution Sets in the Data tab

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Note that in the previous figure, the solution sets are greyed out; the solution set selection happens
at the plot level.

• Name: The name of the solution, used in postprocessing.

• Format: The format of the solution file to be imported.

– Import an .RST result file from the Ansys solver. All solution information is contained in this
file.

– Import deformation and rotational result file. These files are generated by Mechanical APDL
with the PRNSOL command.

• File Path: When importing a .RST file, the path to that file. When importing individual deform-
ation and rotational result files, the path to the deformation results.

• Rotation Path: When importing individual deformation and rotational result files, the path to
the rotational results (inactive otherwise).

• Automatic Reload: When active, ACP checks for changes to result files and reads new results
automatically.

• Read Strains and Stresses: When importing a .RST file, import stresses and strains calculated
by the solver by default. When this option is inactive and the Use ACP to Compute Strains
and Stresses option is active, ACP calculates stresses and strains from deformation and rotation
information present in the file. When several load steps or substeps are present, you are
prompted to select which set is to be imported. Having ACP calculate stresses and strains can
increase the computational load and time for postprocessing and is only recommended for
linear analyses. Interlaminar stresses and strains cannot be calculated for linear triangular ele-
ments in ACP.

• Temperature Data Available: When active, this option indicates that the results file to be
imported contains a temperature field. When imported, temperature data can be visualized,
and temperature dependent material data can be used in stress and strain analysis.

• Use Solid Results if Available: If this option is active and results for solid elements are present
in the .RST file, the results are mapped onto the reference shell elements. Mapped results are
visible when Solid Models are hidden. Postprocessing can be done on both layered shell and
solid elements.

• Recompute ISS of Solids: When active, ACP recalculates interlaminar shear stresses for solid
models. The recomputation algorithm takes the following two steps:

1. Summation of all shear forces per solid stack.

2. Calculation of interlaminar shear stress by laminate-based approach (see Transverse Shear

Stresses (p. 350)).

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Figure 2.154: Comparison of Imported and Recomputed Interlaminar Stresses

Non-zero boundary conditions are not considered in this recomputation process. The recom-
puted stresses take the place of the imported ones. The results file itself is not altered and the
recomputation can be reversed by un-checking the option and updating the solution.

2.1.18.2. Envelope Solution

The Envelope Solution feature can be used to combine and compare multiple load cases in failure
plots. In this way, the critical load case for a structure can be determined. An Envelope Solution
can be added by selecting Create Envelope Solution from the context menu of the Solutions
object. Existing solutions can be added to the Envelope Solution in the Envelope Solution Prop-
erties dialog.

See Failure Mode Plot (p. 210) for more details on visualizing failure plots using Envelope Solutions.

Figure 2.155: Envelope Solution Properties

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In the Envelope Solution Properties dialog, you can set the Name of the Envelope Solution and
add any results set for the available solutions for the failure analysis comparison.

2.1.18.3. Solution Plots

This section examines available solution plots and their functionality. Refer to the Guide to Composite
Visualizations for the practical application of solution plots (Postprocessing Visualizations (p. 291)).
All analysis results can be visualized as solution plots in ACP-Post. Solution plots are attached to
individual solutions.
2.1.18.3.1. Common Plot Settings
2.1.18.3.2. Visualization Mismatch
2.1.18.3.3. Deformation Plot
2.1.18.3.4. Strain Plot
2.1.18.3.5. Stress Plot
2.1.18.3.6. Failure Mode Plot
2.1.18.3.7.Temperature Plot
2.1.18.3.8. Progressive Damage Plot
2.1.18.3.9. Material Plot
2.1.18.3.10. User-Defined Plot

2.1.18.3.1. Common Plot Settings

Plot settings are largely similar for all plot types. Each plot can be configured through the Plot
Properties dialog. The Plot Properties dialog has two tabs, General and Legend. The General
tab is where the results component and geometry scope are defined. It possible to configure a
plot to display only a particular section of a component. The Legend tab controls the format of
the plot legend. Specific to solution plots is the selection of the solution set of interest.

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The General Tab has the following properties:

• Name: Name of the plot.

• Entire Model: Shows the data of the full shell model or on the solid elements if Show on
Solid is enabled.

• Data Scope: Defines a refined scope if Entire Model is disabled. Determines what scope is
used in the plot. Element sets, OSS, Modeling Plies, and Sampling Points can be selected
in the data scope. The data scope of a sampling point covers all plies that are intersected by
the sampling point.

• Ply-wise: Activates a ply-wise plot display. The plies can be selected from the Modeling Groups,
Sampling Points, or the Analysis Plies folder of the Solid Model. Most ply-wise post-processing
plots only display data if you select an Analysis Ply.

• Show on Solids: Shows plot data on solid elements and for solid elements only.

• Spot: Displays the position through the ply thickness for the result evaluation. Either top, mid,
or bottom.

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• Component: Choose the component available for the chosen plot. For example: usum, s12, or
Inverse Reserve Factor.

• Solution Set: Specifies the time/solution step for which the results are displayed.

• Ply Offsets: Display the results of a ply-wise plot on the selected plies at their true or scaled
offset from the reference surface.

The Legend tab allows you to control titles, labels, and legend ranges:

• The legend is formatted automatically by default but can be customized to suit.

• Limits can be set be set to be min/max limits.

• Limits can be set as thresholds on the penultimate labels on the contour plot scale.

• Values above limits can be colored in non-rainbow scale colors (grey and pink).

2.1.18.3.2. Visualization Mismatch

Failure plots show the critical values for all defined failure criteria (modes) and integration points.
The strain and stress plot illustrates the values at the element center (interpolation). Therefore
the absolute strain and stress peaks are not displayed in the plots and the elements have a con-
stant value. This can cause graphical inconsistency between the strain/stress and failure plot.

2.1.18.3.3. Deformation Plot

Displays nodal deformation results and can plotted for the following:

• ux: Translation in X direction.

• uy: Translation in Y direction.

• uz: Translation in Z direction.

• rotx: Rotation around the X axis.

• roty: Rotation around the Y axis.

• rotz: Rotation around the Z axis.

2.1.18.3.4. Strain Plot

Shows strain values at the bottom, mid, or top position of the ply and at the element center, or
at the bottom, or top of the laminate if ply-wise is disabled. In the Ansys Mechanical application,
this corresponds to the Elemental Mean display option. Strains can be displayed ply-wise or for
an entire laminate. Strain results can be plotted for the following component directions:

• 1: Material 1 direction.

• 2: Material 2 direction.

• 3: Out-of-plane normal direction.

• 12: In-plane shear.

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• 13: Out-of-plane shear terms.

• 23: Out-of-plane shear terms.

• I: 1st principal direction.

• II: 2nd principal direction.

• III: 3rd principal direction.

2.1.18.3.5. Stress Plot

Displays stress values at the bottom, mid, or top position of the ply and at the element center
(or at the bottom or top of the laminate if ply-wise is disabled). This corresponds to the Elemental
Mean display option in the Ansys Mechanical application. There is an option to compute Inter-
laminar Normal Stresses for shell elements as explained in Interlaminar Stresses (p. 347).

Interlaminar Normal Stresses: (see A, below) Activates a separate post-processing step to

compute the interlaminar normal stresses s3 for shell elements. This happens automatically if a
3D failure criterion is active (for example: Puck 3D or Max Stress s3). Note that the s3 stresses are
cached once they are evaluated because the computation can be costly. Use Delete Post-Pro-
cessing Results from the solution’s action menu to clear the cache. By default, s3 stresses are
available for solid elements. See Interlaminar Normal Stresses (p. 347) in the theory chapter for
more information.

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Stress results can be plotted for the following stress component directions:

• 1: Material 1 direction.

• 2: Material 2 direction.

• 3: Out-of-plane normal direction.

• 12: In-plane shear.

• 13: Out-of-plane shear terms.

• 23: Out-of-plane shear terms.

• I: 1st principal direction.

• II: 2nd principal direction.

• III: 3rd principal direction.

2.1.18.3.6. Failure Mode Plot

Failure plots can be used to display the safety factor for first ply failure of a pre-defined failure
criteria definition. Failure results can be displayed in the following ways:

• Ply-wise Failure: Results show the critical failure at each element for the selected Analysis
Ply, calculated over all of its integration points and defined failure criteria.

• Element-wise Failure: Results show the critical failure over all plies, integration points,
and defined failure criteria at each element. This guarantees that the critical results are
shown.

The failure evaluation for each defined failure criterion uses stress or strain results at each integ-
ration point. In contrast, stress and strain plots display the elemental mean results.

There are three kinds of safety factors that can be displayed in a failure contour plot. Text labels
can be activated to show the critical failure mode and in what layer it occurs. In the case of an
envelope solution, the critical load case can also be shown. The toolbar button switches the
display of activated element text labels on and off. For information on failure definitions see
Postprocessing (p. 238).

Available safety factor components:

• Inverse Reserve Factors (IRF)

• Margins of Safety (MoS/MS)

• Reserve Factors (RF)

The failure plot properties have the following additional options:

• Failure Criteria Definition: Drop-down menu for selecting the desired failure criteria definition.

• Show Critical Failure Mode: Show the critical failure mode as an element text label.

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• Show Critical Layer: Show the layer index of the critical failure mode as an element text label.

• Show Critical Load Case: Show the solution index of the critical failure mode as an element
text label (Envelope Solution only).

• Threshold for Text Visualization: Set the threshold so that element labels are only shown for
as of a certain IRF, RF or MoS level.

Note:

The critical layer index counts from the reference surface upwards and starts at layer
1. The sandwich failure criteria top and bottom sheet wrinkling are evaluated for a
sandwich structure as a whole and cannot to be linked to specific layer. The layer index
shows 0 in this case. The critical load case index starts at 0. In the Envelope Solution,
the solution in position n is plotted with number n - 1.

Figure 2.156: Scene with Failure Mode Plot Activated

2.1.18.3.7. Temperature Plot

The temperature plot can display a temperature field results on solid elements if temperature
data is available in the results file.

2.1.18.3.8. Progressive Damage Plot

This plot object can display progressive damage results. The overall damage status can be displayed
indicating whether no damage, some damage, or complete damage has occurred. The damage
variables give an indication of how much the stiffness has reduced for fiber and matrix in tension
or compression. The damage variable scale goes from 0 (no damage, 0% stiffness reduction) to
the maximum stiffness reduction specified. The highest reduction possible is 1 (complete damage,
100% stiffness reduction).

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Note that a failure analysis for this analysis type should be done with care and may not make
sense for damaged elements.

See Damage Results in the Mechanical User's Guide for more information on each result component.

The following components can be plotted:

• Damage Status:

– 0 = undamaged

– 1 = damaged

– 2 = completely damaged

• Fiber Tensile Damage Variable (FT)

• Fiber Compressive Damage Variable (FC)

• Matrix Tensile Damage Variable (MT)

• Matrix Compressive Damage Variable (MC)

• Shear Damage Variable (S)

2.1.18.3.9. Material Plot

The Material Plot enables you to visualize ply-wise variable material properties (p. 299).

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 Features

Figure 2.157: Material Plot General Properties Tab

By default, all available field variables are used to evaluate the selected material property. However,
you can also deactivate some of these variables to inspect the dependency of the selected ma-
terial property more easily with respect to some specific factors. During the evaluation, inactive
variables are kept fixed at their default value.

Available field variables include the Shear Angle (defined by draping simulation (p. 343) in ACP-
Pre), Temperature (if temperature data is available in the results file), and your own variables
defined using Field Definitions (p. 147) in ACP-Pre.

For this plot type, the plot-specific options of the General tab include:

• Material Property: This property displays a list of supported material properties: Engineer-
ing Constants, Density, Strain, and Stress Limits.

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• Component: The options listed for this attribute include dependent variables associated
with the selected material property. Examples include Orthotropic Young's Modulus,
Poisson's Ratio, and Shear Modulus.

• Use All Available Field Variables: By default, the application uses all available field vari-
ables to evaluate the selected material property.

• Internal Variables: If you disable the Use All Available Field Variables option, you can
selectively enable the Shear Angle and Temperature fields.

• User-Defined Variables: If you disable the Use All Available Field Variables option, you
can selectively enable specific field variables defined through a Field Definition.

2.1.18.3.10. User-Defined Plot

This plot object can be used to plot a scalar data set provided as a Python list or numpy.ndarray
, as well as associated custom text labels provided as a list of strings. Once the plot has been
loaded, you can query active element indices, labels, and respective element centroid coordinates
through the plot user interface properties based on the data scope. User-defined plots can be
created as a lay-up plot or a solution plot. The plot is defined using the Python interface. The
code can be placed in the script field of the plot object. This ensures the plot is refreshed following
model updates. Alternatively, the plot definition can be executed through the Python shell. For
more information about the Python interface, see The ACP Python Scripting User Interface (p. 391).

Caution:

The model.update() command must not be executed in the user-defined script

field as it leads to an infinite update loop. Because of this limitation, changes to objects
preceding the user-defined script object cannot be handled within the script field, as
a model.update() would be required.

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Figure 2.158: Script Field in the User-Defined Plot Properties

Python User Interface Properties

user_element_indices

Retrieve a numpy.ndarray with the active element indices in the relevant order.

user_element_labels

Retrieve a numpy.ndarray with the active element labels in the relevant order.

user_element_centroids

Retrieve a numpy.ndarray with the active element centroid coordinates in the relevant
order.

user_data

Retrieve or provide the user data, which must obey the order of the user_element_in-
dices or user_element_labels, respectively.

user_script_enabled

Boolean that controls if a custom script is run on update.

user_script

The body of the script to be executed on update if user_script_enabled = True.

user_text

Access to the user-defined text of the plot. Empty strings can be inserted when no labels are
to be shown for certain elements.

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text_threshold_type

show_all (default), show_only_values_above_threshold, show_only_values_be-

low_threshold. Threshold can be set using the text_threshold property

text_threshold

Threshold used for showing text if text_threshold_type is not show_all.

Example Scripts

A few examples of user-defined plots are shown in this section. The Python scripts are delivered
with the installation of ACP. You will find them in this location:

C:\Program Files\ANSYS Inc\v212\ACP\script_examples

Example 2.1: Show Material Distribution

Script: C:\Program Files\ANSYS Inc\v221\ACP\script_examples\MaterialDis-

tributionPlots\Wizard\material_plot_main.py

This plot shows the material distribution of a specific material in the structure. You can choose
to plot the total thickness of all plies of this material, the number of plies, or just 0/1 per element
as shown below. You make your selection using a simple wizard. To generate the plot, select File
> Run Script… and then choose the script material_plot_main.py. The wizard creates the
user-defined plot. Afterwards, you can use the Script tab to change parameters.

The next examples are based on the class40.wbpz Workbench workshop. Each example
consists of two parts: The first part configures the user-defined plot, and the second part sets
the user-script of the plot. These scripts are also included with your ACP installation: (C:\Program
Files\ANSYS Inc\v221\ACP\script_examples).

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Example 2.2: Plot Material Property Distribution

Script: C:\Program Files\ANSYS Inc\v221\ACP\script_examples\plot_materi-

al_property_distribution.py

The sample code provided shows you how to create an advanced material plot which you can
use to plot variable material data. In this case, the objective is to plot variable material data with
a custom label, using the user-defined Plot to do so. The example below plots the effective
Young's modulus as a function of draping simulation with shear angle labels.

• This project contains a material called E_Glass_shear_dependent.

• This material is contained within cell B5 (ACP) of class40.wbpz.

Open ACP Setup of cell B5 and either run the script (File > Run Script …) or follow the instructions
below to create the user-defined plot.

A. The following commands must be copied and pasted (CTRL-Shift-V) into the Python shell in
ACP.

# get active model

model = db.active_model
# get angle plot
ap = model.layup_plots['Angle.1']
# set the angle plot to display the draped shear angle
ap.component = 'shear'
# set the plot data scope to modeling ply 'outer_skin_1' which uses a draping simulation
scope = model.modeling_groups['hull'].plies['outer_skin_1']
ap.data_scope = scope
# update the model
model.update()

# create a user defined lay-up plot

up = model.layup_plots.create_user_defined_plot(name = 'myplot')
# apply the same scope as before
up.data_scope = scope
# enable the script field
up.user_script_enabled = True
up.show_user_text = True

B. The following code must be placed within the Script field of UserDefinedPlot object myplot:

# get active model, angle plot and data scope

model = db.active_model
ap = model.layup_plots['Angle.1']
scope = model.modeling_groups['hull'].plies['outer_skin_1']
plot.data_scope = [scope]
# get a list of the shear angles of the selected modeling ply
shear_angles = ap.get_data(visible = ap.data_scope, selected = scope)
# get the shear dependent material
mat = model.material_data.materials['E-Glas_shear-dependant']
moduli = []

# loop thru list of shear angles and determine the corresponding

# elastic modulus in 1 direction
for i in shear_angles[0]:
moduli.append(round(mat['engineering_constants'].query('E1', {'Shear Angle' : i}),3))

# set the plot to display the list of moduli

plot.user_data = moduli
# set the user text to display the corresponding shear value as string, rounded to 2 digits

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import functools
plot.user_text = list(map(str, map(functools.partial(round, ndigits = 2), shear_angles[-1])))
# add formatting to the plot
plot.color_table.use_defaults = False
plot.color_table.description = 'E_1 [MPa] with shear angle labels'

This script should result in the following plot:

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Example 2.3: Plot Combined Shear Stress Values- User-Defined Failure Criteria

Script: C:\Program Files\ANSYS Inc\v221\ACP\script_ex-

amples\plot_user_defined_combined_shear_stresses.py

The sample code below shows how you can plot the margin against the combined interlaminar
shear stresses.

Open ACP Setup of cell B5 and either run the script (File > Run Script …) or follow the instruc-
tions below to create the user-defined plot.

A. The following commands must be copied and pasted (CTRL-Shift-V) into the Python shell in
ACP.

# get active model

model = db.active_model
# set data scope to element set
scope = model.element_sets['HULL_BELWL']

# create a stress plot for out-of-plane shear stress s13

sp = model.solutions['Solution 1'].plots.create_stress_plot()
sp.data_scope = scope
sp.component = 's13'

# create a second stress plot for out-of-plane shear stress s23

sp1 = model.solutions['Solution 1'].plots.create_stress_plot()
sp1.data_scope = scope
sp1.component = 's23'
# update the model, to make stress data available
model.update()

# create user defined solution plot

up = model.solutions['Solution 1'].plots.create_user_defined_plot(name = 'myplot.1')
# apply the same data scope as before
up.data_scope = scope
up.user_script_enabled = True

B. The following code must be placed within the script field of the UserDefinedPlot object myplot:

# import numpy extentsion for mathematical operations

import numpy
# get active model, set data scope as before and select core layer
model = db.active_model
scope = model.element_sets['HULL_BELWL']
ply = model.modeling_groups['hull'].plies['core_bwl'].production_plies['ProductionPly.9'].analysis_plies[

# retrieve references to stress plots created before

sp = model.solutions['Solution 1'].plots['Stress.1']
sp1 = model.solutions['Solution 1'].plots['Stress.2']

# get list of s13 and s23 stresses

s13 = sp.get_data(visible = sp.data_scope, selected = ply)[0]
s23 = sp1.get_data(visible = sp1.data_scope, selected = ply)[0]

# take the sqrt of the sum of squares

combined = numpy.sqrt(numpy.power(s13,2) + numpy.power(s23,2))
# define a stress limit
slimit = 1.1

# calculate the inverse reserve factors (irfs)

irf = combined / slimit

# set the plot to display the list of irfs

plot.user_data = irf

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# add formatting to the plot

plot.color_table.use_defaults = False
plot.color_table.description = 'irf_plot'

This script should result in the following plot:

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Example 2.4: Mesh Selections and Queries on a Solid Model

User-defined plots can also show results on solid elements. The sample code below shows how
to execute mesh selections and mesh queries for solids.

A. The following commands must be deployed from within the UI of cell B5:

# get active model

model = db.active_model
# set data scope to element set 'BULKHEAD_ALL'
scope = model.element_sets['BULKHEAD_ALL']

# create a user defined lay-up plot and apply the data scope set before
up = model.layup_plots.create_user_defined_plot(name = 'myplot.2')
up.data_scope = scope
# enable the script field
up.user_script_enabled = True
# activate the solid model display option
up.show_on_solids = True

B. The following code must be placed within the script field of the UserDefinedPlot object
myplot.2:

# get active model

model = db.active_model
# select all elements attached to 'SolidModel.1'
model.select_elements('sel0', attached_to=model.solid_models['SolidModel.1'])
# retrieve the element type numbers for the selected elements using a mesh query
data = model.mesh_query(selection='sel0', name='etypes', position='centroid')
# set the plot to display the element type number on the solid elements
plot.user_data = data.astype(float)

This script should result in the following plot. The prism and brick elements are highlighted
separately:

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Example 2.5: Material-wise Post-Processing

This example shows you how to generate a failure plot that computes the most critical failure
within an element for a specific material or a list of materials. For instance, you could determine
the most critical failure of all uni-directional materials per element.

Script: C:\Program Files\ANSYS Inc\v221\ACP\script_examples\ Material-

WisePostProcessing\material_wise_post_processing.py

To generate the plot, select File > Run Script… and then choose the script fail-
ure_plot_main.py. This opens a wizard which allows you to configure the parameters such
as material, solution, and failure definition. To further customize it, use the Script tab in the
Property dialog of the user-defined plot. For instance, you might choose to select a list of mater-
ials instead of a single material.

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Script: C:\Program Files\ANSYS Inc\v221\ACP\ script_examples\Material-

WisePostProcessing\material_wise_post_processing.py

This script generates a template of a user-defined plot for material-wise post-processing. Within
the script of the user-defined plot, you can adjust the parameters such as the materials and the
solution. In this example, you can also select a list of materials.

2.1.19. Scenes
Scenes are windows that contain the visualization settings of the composite model. New Scenes can
be added or existing ones can be modified by hiding or showing visualization features. The visualiz-
ation of the following features is saved in a Scene:

• Element Sets

• Edge Sets

• CAD Geometries

• Rosettes

• Section Cuts

• Solid Models

In a new Scene, all Element Sets, Section Cuts and Solid Models are shown.

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In the Scene Properties dialog you can set the Name and Title which are displayed in the top right
corner of the Scene.

Figure 2.159: Scene Properties

2.1.20. Views
Views can be used to save a certain view. The selection of a view automatically updates the Scene
and transfers the properties of the View to the active Scene. New Views can be created with the
button in the toolbar (see Scene Manipulation (p. 20)) or via the object Tree. Different parameters
can also defined manually.

2.1.21. Ply Books

A Ply Book is a document you can create which describes the production plies in your model. It is a
convenient way to forward production data to other members of your project such as designers,
manufacturers, and others.

The Ply Book is separated into Chapters. Each Chapter lists the production plies belonging to a selected
set of Modeling Groups or Modeling Plies. If you wish, you can add to the Chapter a Snapshot image
of the plies. For each Chapter you will assign a specific View which determines the camera angle for
the Snapshot.

You can customize the content of the Ply Book by defining templates for the different sections as
described below in Editing the Ply Book Template (p. 226).

The following sections explain the Ply Book in detail:

2.1.21.1. Creating Chapters
2.1.21.2. Chapter Properties

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2.1.21.3. Editing the Ply Book Template

2.1.21.4. Modifying the Ply Book Snapshots
2.1.21.5. Exporting the Plybook
2.1.21.6. Sample Ply Book Page
2.1.21.7. Ply Book Limitations

2.1.21.1. Creating Chapters

Before creating any Chapters for the Ply Book, at least one View must be defined. See Views (p. 224)
for more information.

Next, you create a Chapter or Chapters by selecting the Automatic Setup or the Create Chapter
option found in the Ply Book context menu.

• Create Chapter: This option creates one new Chapter and opens its Chapter Properties (p. 225)
dialog.

• Automatic Setup: This option creates one Chapter for each Modeling Group in your model. If
needed, you can change any of the Chapter Properties later.

2.1.21.2. Chapter Properties

You can set the following properties for each Chapter:

• Name: A descriptive title for the Chapter.

• Chapter View: The View used when the ply Snapshot is taken.

• Modeling Groups / Plies: Select a list of Modeling Groups or Modeling Plies. The Chapter will
contain all production plies contained in these Modeling Groups or Modeling Plies, in the selected
order.

• Show rosettes: If this check box is ticked, the rosettes associated with a given production ply
(through its modeling ply's oriented selection sets) will be shown in the Snapshot images

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2.1.21.3. Editing the Ply Book Template

The format and content of the Ply Book is determined by three templates, each for a different part
of the Ply Book:

• Title page: Information shown at the very beginning of the Ply Book

• Chapter: Information shown at the start of each Chapter

• Ply: Information for each individual production ply

To edit the templates, right-click Ply Book in the Tree View and select Properties. This opens the
Ply Book Properties window shown below. Use the dropdown menu (A) to select the template
for the title page, the chapter, or the ply.

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 Features

When you select the chapter or the ply template from the menu (A), additional menus (as shown
in the image below) appear in the Ply Book Properties window so you can select the specific
Chapter and/or production ply template which will appear in the Preview.

Use the Source panel (B) to edit the template using reStructuredText markup format. Your modi-
fications will appear in the Preview panel below.

• Save: Saves the reStructuredText template to an external text file.

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• Open: Allows you to open an external text file as a reStructuredText template.

• Default: Restores the template to its default format and content.

• OK: Save the templates and close the Properties dialog.

• Apply: Save the template and update the ACP model.

The Scene dropdown menu is explained below in Modifying the Ply Book Snapshots (p. 229).

2.1.21.3.1. Python Expressions

For the Chapter and Ply Templates, you can use Python expressions (p. 391) to print information
about the current Chapter and/or ply.

• A Python statement must be enclosed in vertical bars: |<statement>|

• The following literals must be present in the statement for it to be evaluated as a Python ex-
pression:

– In the Chapter Template: chapter

– In the ply section, any one of chapter, modeling_group, modeling_ply, or produc-

tion_ply

These are also the variables defined in the Python context.

• The statement |chapter.view| has special meaning: It will be replaced by a Snapshot image.

Example:

The following example shows two uses of Python expressions:

• |modeling_ply.draping_seed_point|: Adds information about the Draping Seed Point

to the Ply Book.

• |f"{production_ply.thickness:.4f}"|: Uses Python formatted string literals to set

the precision shown in the ply book.

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2.1.21.4. Modifying the Ply Book Snapshots

The Snapshot images in the Ply Book use the Scene that is linked to the Ply Book. Which Scene is
used can be changed in the Ply Book Properties window (p. 226).

By changing the Scene itself, you can control how the model is rendered, that is, which plots and
supporting information are shown. For details on manipulating the Scene, see the following sections:
Scene (p. 20) and Scene Preferences (p. 16).

You can define the size of the image in the Ply Book using Scene Preferences (p. 16). If you do not
specify its size, it will default to the size of the Scene in the ACP window.

2.1.21.5. Exporting the Plybook

To export the Ply Book, right-click the Ply Book object in the Tree View and select Generate the
Ply Book from the context menu. You can export Ply Books in .html, .pdf, .odt or .txt formats. The
export operation can take several minutes, depending on how many Snapshots are taken.

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For the .pdf output, the paper orientation and size can be selected.

Note:

See the section below, Ply Book Limitations (p. 232), regarding exporting to .odt.

2.1.21.6. Sample Ply Book Page

Below, a sample Ply Book page is shown. The Scene displays the fiber directions, flat wrap, and
rosette used for the ply.

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2.1.21.7. Ply Book Limitations

.odt export: When exporting to .odt format, the page numbers in the table of contents will be in-
correct. To generate the correct page numbers, open the file in a word processor and update the
table of contents. For example: In Microsoft Word, right-click the table of contents and choose
Update Field. In LibreOffice Writer, the command is Update Index.

2.1.22. Parameters
The Parameter feature connects inputs and outputs to the parameter interface in the Workbench
project schematic (see Working with Parameters in the Workbench User's Guide). You can use this, for
example, for creating parametric studies and for optimizing a model.

Figure 2.160: Connection of ACP and Workbench Parameter Interface

A Parameter is created by selecting Create Parameter... in the context menu of the Parameters
object in the ACP Tree View.

The Parameter connection is then defined in the Parameter Properties dialog:

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 Features

Figure 2.161: Parameter Properties

• Category:

– Input: Input parameter taken from the Workbench Parameter interface

– Unbound Input: Input parameters that are not directly linked to other ACP objects. They are
mainly used in combination with Scripts (p. 235). Note that unbound inputs do not have the
Object or Property properties.

– Output: Output parameter given to the Workbench Parameter interface

– Expression Output (p. 234): Output parameter that can contain a regular ACP script

• Object: The object on which the parameter acts.

• Property: The property of the object to be parameterized.

• Type: The parameter format. Determined automatically if there is only one possible option. Units
are not transferred from ACP to Workbench. Parameters appear as dimensionless numbers in the
Workbench interface.

– Bool: Boolean (true or false).

– Float: Real number.

– Int: Integer.

– None: Default selection if multiple options are available.

– String: Text string from a list of strings. The values in the string list can be called up via an index
number in the Workbench interface. The first entry in the string list has the index value 1. The
rest follows sequentially.

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• Value: The current value of the parameter. This option can be modified depending on if a parameter
is an Input or an Output.

Caution:

The ACP systems do not automatic convert Parameter units in the Parameter Manager.
Always verify that the units of any ACP-related Parameter are consistent with the unit
system selected in the ACP system.

For Parameters in ACP (Post), linked to an object in ACP (Pre), the Parameter will become
invalid if you rename the ACP (Pre) object. To correct, redefine the source object for the
Parameter.

2.1.22.1. Settings for an Expression Output

The formulation of an expression output requires a basic understanding of The ACP Python
Scripting User Interface (p. 391).

The Parameter Properties dialog displays a Source field that accepts Python code. Various inform-
ation stored in the ACP database can be accessed. It is possible to enter a script and perform most
of the operations available within ACP's Shell View.

The script's result can be returned by assigning a value to the global return_value variable.

Example 2.6: Simple Expression Output

An example of a simple expression output is shown here. In it, the maximum inverse reserve factor
is retrieved from the active contour plot.

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Example 2.7: Complex Expression Output of Maximum Thickness in the Kiteboard Model

# Get active model

model = db.active_model

# Create new selection of all elements attached to a specific ply

modeling_ply = model.modeling_groups['Core'].plies['mp_4']
model.select_elements(selection='sel0',op='new',attached_to=[modeling_ply])

# Get total thickness of the first entity of selection sel0

thicknesses = list(model.mesh_query(name='thickness',position='centroid',selection='sel0', entities=[modeli

# Get maximum thickness

max_thickness = max(thicknesses)

# Pass the found maximum thickness as the script's result.

return_value = max_thickness

2.1.23. Scripts
Scripts enable more complex parametrization than is possible with Input Parameters (p. 232) alone.
You can use scripts to execute arbitrary Python code (p. 391) as part of updating the model. Scripts
are marked for execution whenever a parameter or the script itself changes.

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To create a script, select Create Script... in the context menu of the Scripts object in the ACP Tree
View.

The following sections describe Scripts in detail:

2.1.23.1. Executing Scripts
2.1.23.2. Script Properties
2.1.23.3. Limitations
2.1.23.4.Tips and Best Practices
2.1.23.5. Sorting Scripts

2.1.23.1. Executing Scripts

By default, scripts are marked for execution whenever a parameter or the script itself changes. The
Unbound Input parameter category is meant for parameters that are used inside a script.

For scripts that should execute with every model update even if no parameters have changed, set
the Update Mode property to Always.

For scripts that should never execute automatically, set the Update Mode property to manual.
These scripts can be run manually either from the properties dialog, or the context menu of the
script as shown below.

2.1.23.2. Script Properties

You can edit a script and set its execution properties in the Properties dialog:

• Active: Activates or suppresses the script. Only active scripts can be executed.

• Update mode: Determines when the script is executed. Possible options are:

– On Triggers: Execute when updating the model, if a parameter or the script has changed.

– Manual: Execute only when instructed by the user.

– Always: Execute on every model update.

• Source: Contains the Python code to be executed.

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 Features

2.1.23.3. Limitations
Because scripts can execute arbitrary Python code, it is important to be aware of their limitations:

• Scripts are executed only when a parameter or the script itself changes. If the script implicitly
depends on values in other parts of the model, they will still be shown as up-to-date when these
values change.

• New objects created by a script are not tracked. If the script runs again, objects created in a
previous execution are not deleted.

2.1.23.4. Tips and Best Practices

Based on the above limitations, adhere to the following guidelines for writing scripts to ensure
consistent behavior:

1. Dependencies: The values set by the script should only depend on the input parameters.

2. Idempotency: If the script is designed to execute multiple times, the model should not change.
For example, if the script generates new objects, it must also delete those objects created during
the previous execution.

2.1.23.5. Sorting Scripts

When updating the model, out-of-date scripts are executed in the order shown in the Tree View.
You can change this order in two ways:

1. From the context menu of the Scripts folder, sort the scripts alphabetically:

2. From the context menu of an individual script, choose Reorder Scripts … to place it before or
after another script as shown below.

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2.1.24. Material Database

It is possible to build a Material Database which can be used in different projects. The database can
also be saved on an intranet drive for sharing to other ACP users.

The structure of the Material Database is exactly the same as in the model. For more information, see
Material Data (p. 61). The database is stored as .acpMdb and it can be managed through the context
menu:

Figure 2.162: Material Database

The units of the database and the model can be different. Use Copy and Paste to transfer a material
from one to the other. Values of the materials are converted automatically to the correct unit system.

A default Material Database is installed with ACP: ANSYS_INSTALL_DIR\v221\ACP\databases.

2.2. Postprocessing
Layered composites are typically made of various materials (reinforced plastics, foams, and honeycomb,
for example) which often have an orthotropic characteristic. The post-processing system in ACP takes
that into account. ACP implements many different failure criteria which are applied to specific materials.
For instance, Puck evaluates the safety margin for uni-directional materials (UD) only where Max Stress
is applied to UD and weave materials. The table Failure Criteria vs. Ply Type (p. 377) explains the relation-
ship between specific failure criteria and material types. Also, the different failure criteria account for
the numerous failure modes (fiber failure, delamination, and wrinkling for example) which can occur in
layered composites. (See the section below Failure Criteria (p. 239).)

In ACP you can easily combine failure criteria. (See Failure Criteria Defintion (p. 200).) This allows you to
post-process and optimize complex layered composites efficiently because the most critical failure value
and failure mode are readily accessible. For additional background information on ACP post-processing,

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see Failure Analysis (p. 353) and Interlaminar Stresses (p. 347). Also, you can visualize and configure post-
processing using the Solutions Object (p. 202) and Solution Plots (p. 206).

Note:

ACP’s post-processing system computes the most critical failure and does not estimate any
residual strengths, subsequent failures, or stress redistribution. This method is also called
first ply failure (FPF). In other words, it assumes the laminate fails when the first ply fails.
Therefore, ACP’s post-processing is not suitable for any solution (such as impact or damage
analysis) which goes beyond FPF. The section on Supported Analysis Types (p. 38) describes
which analysis types ACP Post supports. The opposite of an FPF analysis is a final failure
analysis which is part of a progressive damage or explicit analysis, both of which are supported
by Ansys products.

2.2.1. Failure Criteria

2.2.2. Failure Mode Measures
2.2.3. Principal Stresses and Strains
2.2.4. Linearization of Inverse Reserve Factors
2.2.5. Postprocessing of a Composite Solid Model
2.2.6. Postprocessing of Drop-off and Cut-off Elements
2.2.7. Evaluating Custom Failure Criteria
2.2.8. Limitations & Recommendations

2.2.1. Failure Criteria

All available failure criteria are listed together with their failure mode abbreviations as used in failure
mode plots.

Terms:

• e = strain, s = stress

• 1 = material 1 direction, 2 = material 2 direction, 3 = out-of-plane normal direction, 12 = in-plane

shear, 13 and 23 = out-of-plane shear terms

• I = principal I direction, II = principal II direction, III = principal III direction

• t = tension, c = compression

Criteria:

• Maximum Strain: e1t, e1c, e2t, e2c, e12

• Maximum Stress: s1t, s1c, s2t, s2c,s3t, s3c, s12, s23, s13

• Tsai-Wu 2-D and 3-D: tw

• Tsai-Hill 2-D and 3-D: th

• Hashin: hf (fiber failure), hm (matrix failure), hd (delamination failure)

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• Puck (simplified, 2-D and 3-D Puck implementations are available): pf (fiber failure), pmA (matrix
tension failure), pmB (matrix compression failure), pmC (matrix shear failure), pd (delamination)

• LaRC 2-D and 3-D: lft3 (fiber tension failure), lfc4 (fiber compression failure under transverse com-
pression), lfc6 (fiber compression failure under transverse tension), lmt1 (matrix tension failure),
lmc2/5 (matrix compression failure)

• Cuntze 2-D and 3-D: cft (fiber tension failure), cfc (fiber compression failure), cmA (matrix tension
failure), cmB (matrix compression failure), cmC (matrix wedge shape failure)

• Sandwich failure criteria:

– Wrinkling: wb (wrinkling bottom face), wt (wrinkling top face)

– Core Failure: cf

– Shear Crimping failure criteria: sc

• Isotropic failure criteria - Von Mises: vMe (strain) and vMs (stress)

Weighting factor: The inverse reserve factor of each failure mode is multiplied by the accordant
weighting factor.

• 1: no safety

• 2: safety of two

An overview of all available failure criteria is given in the Section Failure Analysis (p. 353).

2.2.2. Failure Mode Measures

Three failure mode measures are available:

• IRF = Inverse Reserve Factor (IRF) defines the inverse margin to failure. Load divided with IRF is
equal to the failure load. IRF >1 discloses failure.

• MoS = Margin of Safety (MoS) defines the margin to failure. MoS is defined as (1/IRF - 1). MoS < 0
discloses failure.

• RF = Reserve Factor (RF) defines the margin to failure. Load multiplied with RF is equal to the failure
load. RF < 1 discloses failure.

2.2.3. Principal Stresses and Strains

For strains, only the first (eI) and second (eII) principals are evaluated. The principal strain (e) and
stress (s) values are ordered in descendent order.

2.2.4. Linearization of Inverse Reserve Factors

Failure criteria are functions that describe a failure envelope and the output of the function is the
inverse reserve factor (IRF). IRF is a measure of where the load point is in relation to the failure envel-
ope. IRFs calculated in ACP-Post can differ from those determined in Mechanical APDL. This is because
IRFs in ACP-Post are linearized.

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For failure criteria without quadratic terms, such as maximum strain or maximum stress, the failure
output from Mechanical APDL should match closely with IRFs from ACP-Post. For those involving
quadratic terms, however, IRFs output from ACP are normalized and will thus not match those output
from Mechanical APDL. Because of this normalization of IRFs, an increase of twice the force does not
result in four times the IRF in ACP-Post.

The determination of failure criteria being exceeded does not change as a result of the linearization
(because ). However, the numerical values for failure criteria involving nonlinear differs between
ACP-Post and Mechanical APDL.

The implementation of some failure criteria (Puck, LaRC, etc.) differs between ACP-Post and Mechan-
ical APDL.

2.2.5. Postprocessing of a Composite Solid Model

ACP supports failure analysis for composites for shell and solid models. These analyses are based on
the same theory, including for sandwich criteria where the entire laminate stack is evaluated for in-
stances of wrinkling.

In the case where a solid model (p. 158) is generated in ACP-Pre and a solution (p. 201) is available for
the solid model, failure analysis for a solid model can be performed in two ways.

Figure 2.163: Failure Plot Dialog

If the Show on Solids option is enabled, the worst failure value and mode per solid element is shown
on the solid mesh. This plot can give you an overview about the general safety of the part, but may
overlook some hot spots since the worst failure can occur inside the laminate and be obscured. In
layered structures a critical failure may not occur in every layer, as opposed to isotropic parts where
critical stresses are on the surface.

If the Show on Solids option is disabled, the worst failure per solid stack is projected onto the shell
mesh. This makes internal failures visible, giving you a more detailed view of how the composite
structure reacts under stress. The following figure shows the difference between the two graphical
evaluation modes. The failure plot on the solid mesh (left) appears less critical when compared to
the shell mesh (right), however, the overall maximum failure value is equal for both plots.

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Figure 2.164: Failure Analysis of a Solid Model. Show on Solids (left) and Show on Shells (right)

For an Imported Solid Model (p. 181), both the Show on Solids option and the Entire Model scoping
option must be enabled in order to show the failure results on the solid mesh. This also means the
failure plot cannot be projected onto a shell mesh, as is the case for a standard Solid Model.

In addition to the failure plot (p. 210), strain (p. 208), stress (p. 209), and progressive damage (p. 211)
plots can be created with the Show on Solids option.

2.2.6. Postprocessing of Drop-off and Cut-off Elements

A structured layered element is turned into one or several homogeneous elements if it is cut or it
represents a ply drop-off. As a result, these drop-off and cut-off elements do not hold any layered
information. These elements are represented with one (isotropic or orthotropic) material.

In ACP-Post, the stresses and strains of the homogeneous elements (prisms and tetrahedrons) are
read from the .RST file. The failure evaluation is equivalent for homogeneous and layered elements.
The failure results can be displayed on the solid models and the critical (maximum) IRF can be projected
on to the shell mesh.

The evaluation of stress and strain distributions is not the same for homogeneous and layered elements.
The stresses and strains of the homogeneous elements can be displayed on the solid models but
cannot be mapped back on to the shell mesh. In this case, zero stress and strain are displayed where
cut-off and drop-off elements are present.

For more information, see Drop-off and Cut-off Elements (p. 285).

2.2.7. Evaluating Custom Failure Criteria

User-defined plots (p. 214) and the Python scripting interface (p. 391) allow you to implement custom
postprocessing evaluations. The following example shows how a custom core failure criterion is
evaluated.

This script should be executed within an ACP-Post analysis system. The ACP-Post should be linked to
a solution. The script should be copied into a text editor and saved as a .py file, and then executed
from ACP-Post using File > Run Script.

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The script evaluates the following failure function for homogeneous and honeycomb core material
types:

# Background Information
########################
# This script serves as an example on how to evaluate custom failure criteria.
# The failure criteria evaluation is based on stresses or strains at integration point level.
# The script shows how stresses at integration point level are accessed. It is worth noting that stress
# and strain plots shown in the scene or the sampling point are elemental averages.

# The script requires two inputs: the name of an element set as a data scope for the evaluation as
# well as the name of the attached solution.

# The script loops through all analysis plies of the model and checks whether there is core material.
# For plies containing core material the s13 and s23 stresses are retrieved. The maximum stress per
# element across its integration points is used to calculate the inverse reserve factor (IRF)
################################
element_set_name = 'All_Elements'
solution_name = 'Solution.1'

# Start of Script
# NO INPUT NECESSARY!
#####################

# Loading Python modules

import numpy
import os
import logging

# initialize logger
log = logging.getLogger(__name__)

# num_ip dictionary maps the element type to the number of integration points
num_ip = {125: 1, 128: 3, 123: 1, 124: 4, 126: 4}

# get active ACP model and update it

model = db.active_model
model.update()

# Define Data Scopes

####################

element_set = model.element_sets.get(element_set_name)

if element_set is None: log.error("element set %s not found!" % element_set_name)

elem_scope = [element_set]
model.select_elements(selection='sel0', op='new', attached_to=element_set)
labels = model.mesh_query(name='labels', position='centroid', selection='sel0')

# create a dictionary that maps element labels to element indices

label2index_map = {}
for i, v in enumerate(labels):
label2index_map[v] = i

# results array initialization with -1. This means areas that do not contain core can be shown in grey in the plot
irf = numpy.ones(len(labels)) * -1

# Create shear stress plot

##########################
solution = model.solutions[solution_name]
if solution is None: log.error("solution %s not found!" % solution_name)

# Within the script, the stress plots are only used to retrieve element labels of an analysis ply.
# They can also be used to retrieve stress values at averaged at element level.
s13_plot = solution.plots.create_stress_plot(

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name='s13_plywise',
ply_wise=True,
solution_set=-1,
active=True,
component='s13',
show_ply_offsets=False,
ply_offset_scale_factor=1.0,
spot='bot',
interlaminar_normal_stresses=False,
show_on_solids=False,
data_scope=[element_set])
s13_plot.update()

s23_plot = solution.plots.create_stress_plot(
name='s23_plywise',
ply_wise=True,
solution_set=-1,
active=True,
component='s23',
show_ply_offsets=False,
ply_offset_scale_factor=1.0,
spot='bot',
interlaminar_normal_stresses=False,
show_on_solids=False,
data_scope=[element_set])
s23_plot.update()

# Loop thru all analysis plies

##############################

# Loop thru Modeling Groups

for mg_name in model.modeling_groups.keys():
mg = model.modeling_groups[mg_name]
# Loop thru Modeling Plies
for mp_name in mg.plies:
mp = mg.plies[mp_name]
# Loop thru Production Plies
for pp in mp.production_plies.values():
# Loop thru Production Plies
for ap in pp.analysis_plies.values():
material = ap.ply_material.material
is_core = False
# Check if the analysis ply material is a core material
if material.ply_type.find('core') > -1 or material.ply_type.find('honeycomb') > -1:
is_core = True

log.info("evaluate core failure for analysis ply %s of type %s" % (ap.id, material.ply_type))

# Get stresses and eval irf

###########################

# Common analysis ply properties

ap_elem_labels = s13_plot.get_element_labels(visible=s13_plot.data_scope, selected=[ap])
ap_material = model.material_data.materials[ap.material.name]
ap_s13_stress_limit = ap_material['stress_limits'].get('Sxz')
ap_s23_stress_limit = ap_material['stress_limits'].get('Syz')

model.select_elements(selection='sel0', op='new', labels=[int(v) for v in ap_elem_labels])

etypes = model.mesh_query(name='etypes', selection='sel0', position='centroid')

# ip-wise stresses for bot, mid and top

for spot in ['bot', 'mid', 'top']:

s13 = solution.query(
definition='stresses',
position='integration_point',
component='s13',
selection='sel0',
entity=ap,
spot=spot)
s23 = solution.query(

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 Postprocessing

definition='stresses',
position='integration_point',
component='s23',
selection='sel0',
entity=ap,
spot=spot)

ap_irf_absolute = numpy.absolute(s13 / ap_s13_stress_limit) + numpy.absolute(

s23 / ap_s23_stress_limit)

# need to check whether both element labels arrays are the same
if len(s13) != len(s23): log.error("s13 and s23 are of different shape!")

index = 0
for i, et in enumerate(etypes):
elem_irf_max = -1.
for n in range(0, num_ip[et]):
elem_irf_max = max(elem_irf_max, ap_irf_absolute[index])
index += 1

# insert results into the global irf results array

global_index = label2index_map[ap_elem_labels[i]]
irf[global_index] = max(irf[global_index], elem_irf_max)

# Delete shear stress plots

del (solution.plots[s13_plot.name])
del (solution.plots[s23_plot.name])

# Create user defined plot for IRFs

###################################

plot_name = "Core Shear Failure"

# User defined plot basic settings

udp = solution.plots.create_user_defined_plot(name=plot_name)
udp.user_script_enabled = False
udp.user_script = ""
udp.show_ply_offsets = False
udp.ply_offset_scale_factor = 1.0
udp.show_on_solids = False
udp.data_scope = [element_set]
# plot color settings
udp.color_table.use_defaults = False
udp.color_table.auto_lower_value = False
udp.color_table.auto_upper_value = False
udp.color_table.upper_value_as_threshold = True
udp.color_table.grey_values_below = True
udp.color_table.lower_value = 0.0
udp.color_table.upper_value = 1.0
# load irf data in plot
udp.user_data = irf
udp.update()

# End of script
log.info("End of script")

2.2.8. Limitations & Recommendations

Interlaminar shear strains of linear triangular shell elements can not be evaluated. Interlaminar shear
stresses of linear triangular shell elements can be evaluated by Ansys but not by ACP. By default, the
Ansys .RST results file contains stress and strain data, however, they may be excluded. In the case
of excluded stresses and strains, ACP can evaluate stresses and strains on the basis of the deformation
and rotation fields in the results file. Nonlinear effects are not considered by ACP and can induce in-
accurate stresses and strains. In general, it is recommended to include the stress and strain data in
the .RST data. More information can be found in Solutions (p. 201).

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ACP provides a unique method to evaluate interlaminar normal stresses (INS) for shell elements. This
calculation of the INS requires the evaluation of the shell curvature. It is therefore recommended to
use quadratic shell elements when INS are of interest. The quadratic elements contain the curvature
information per element and offer a better approximation than linear elements. The curvature for a
linear shell element is determined from its neighboring elements. This evaluation does not consider
INS induced by edge effects or out-of-plane loads (e.g. inserts, pressures, etc.).

2.3. Exchanging Composite Definitions with Other Programs

This section describes how data can be exchanged between ACP and other programs. The following
interfaces are available:
2.3.1. HDF5 Composite CAE Format
2.3.2. Mechanical APDL File Format
2.3.3. Import of Legacy Mechanical APDL Composite Models
2.3.4.Tabular Data Format for Excel
2.3.5. CSV Format
2.3.6. ESAComp
2.3.7. LS-Dyna
2.3.8. BECAS

2.3.1. HDF5 Composite CAE Format

HDF5 Composite CAE is a vendor independent specification that allows an accurate exchange of
composite lay-ups between different CAE and CAD packages. The specification uses HDF5 for data
storage, an open and widely used file format that efficiently stores binary data (http://www.hdf-
group.com/).

The import and export interfaces are accessible through the Model Context Menu (p. 52).

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 Exchanging Composite Definitions with Other Programs

Figure 2.165: Export and Import Options in Model Context Menu

Note:

The HDF5 Composite CAE format does not take the Fabric Fiber Angle (p. 65) property
into account. As a result, if the Fabric Fiber Angle property is active in ACP when the
composite lay-up is exported, Mechanical properties might not be accurate.

2.3.1.1. Export
Only the effective lay-up in ACP is extracted during the HDF5 Composite CAE export. This means,
for example, ACP will export the ply's thickness distribution but not the taper definitions that affect
the ply’s thickness. Neither will it export the reference shell surface. It will, however, extract Inform-
ation on the ply’s material, coverage, dimensions, thickness distribution, reference direction field,
as well as the overall ply sequencing. All this information gets stored in the .H5 file.

You can then import the extracted data into a program such as FiberSIM for further design and
production management.

For Export Settings, refer to the dialog box below and the explanations which follow.

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Figure 2.166: HDF5 Composite CAE File Export Settings

• File Path: Specify the destination file name and file path.

• Remove Midside Nodes of Quadratic Elements: By default, midside nodes of the quadratic
elements are not exported.

• Scope:

– All Elements: Uncheck this option to restrict the lay-up export to a region of interest.

– User Defined Set of Elements: Here you can limit the exported plies to the specific Element
Sets and/or Oriented Element Sets that interest you.

– All Plies: By default, all plies of the scope are exported. Uncheck this option to select a user-
defined set of plies to be exported.

– User Defined Set of Plies: Specify the set of Modeling Plies and/or Modeling Groups to be
exported.

2.3.1.2. Import
When importing an HDF5 Composite CAE, you must have a model already loaded in ACP. This is
because ACP will take the lay-up definitions from the HDF5 Composite CAE and apply them to the
model as explained in the next section.

When using ACP within Workbench, the model of the upstream Mechanical component is automat-
ically loaded in ACP as described in Basic Workflow (p. 32). You can use the External Model com-
ponent in Workbench to import an external mesh model of almost any format, and then you can
transfer it to ACP as shown here.

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 Exchanging Composite Definitions with Other Programs

Figure 2.167: The External Model Component in Workbench

If ACP runs in standalone mode, you can load a mesh model from a .cdb file (Mechanical APDL
format) as shown in Figure 1.41: Switch Between ACP Pre and Post (p. 49) which you will find in
the section Workflow in Stand Alone Operation (p. 47). It is important to understand, the mesh(es)
from a HDF5 Composite CAE cannot be loaded directly as a model.

2.3.1.2.1. Import Projection Types

The HDF5 Composite CAE Import supports two types of projections. The first one maps lay-up
data onto the shell mesh (reference surface) in ACP. The second option directly converts the ply data
from the Composite CAE H5 into Imported Plies Objects (p. 142) in ACP. Below is a more detailed ex-
planation of each projection type.

Mapping onto The Reference Surface

During the import process, the mapping algorithm in ACP begins by computing the ply extent
with respect to the reference surface in ACP. It then maps the fiber directions, thicknesses, and
other properties onto the surface. Ply material information gets transferred to the Material Data
object in ACP, and Oriented Selection Sets are generated based on ply coverage. Finally, thickness
distributions and reference direction fields are stored in Look-Up Tables which are then used to
define the modeling plies in the lay-up reconstruction.

A ply in the Composite CAE H5 has its own mesh that typically differs from the reference surface
in ACP, requiring an adjustment to the mapping parameters. For example, different mesh sizes
on curved surfaces can cause element normals to deviate. Nodal locations in the out-of-plane
and in-plane directions can also vary, depending on mesh sizing

You can manage these effects with appropriate import tolerances. Large tolerances can result in
mapping issues, especially with convergent meshes, as with a T-joint. If the tolerances are too
large, ply boundaries cannot be accurately replicated.

Exposed as 3D Plies (Imported Plies)

Instead of mapping the composite data of the HDF5 Composite CAE onto the reference surface
in ACP, the data is directly converted into Imported Ply objects if the projection is set to Expose
as 3D Plies. Since each Imported Ply has its own mesh that is independent of the reference surface,
the meshes of the HDF5 and Imported Plies are identical.

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Usage Reference

This enables you to build complex 3D lay-up models in a CAD environment and load it into ACP
for detailed analyses.

The remaining data, such as Thicknesses and Reference Direction, are stored in the same manner
as the Mapping onto the Reference Surface import option.

Ply material information gets transferred to the Material Data object in ACP. Thickness Distributions
and Reference Direction Fields are stored in look-up tables which are then used to define the
Imported Plies.

2.3.1.2.2. Import Settings

A number of settings and tolerances control the import of the composite model. Refer to the
dialog box below and the explanations which follow.

Figure 2.168: HDF5 Composite CAE File Import Settings

Path

Specify the path to the .h5 file you wish to import.

Import Mode

• Append: Imported data and objects will be appended to the existing model/lay-up.

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 Exchanging Composite Definitions with Other Programs

• Overwrite: Replaces existing objects that have the same id, unless objects are locked. Note:
To preserve the ply ordering specified in the HDF5 Composite CAE file, imported plies will
be added to the top of the existing lay-up, or moved to the top if they already exist.

Projection

For additional information on Projection types, see the detailed explanation above. (p. 249)

• Map onto Reference Surface: This option maps the plies onto the shell surface in ACP
and exposes them as Modeling Plies.

• Expose as 3D Plies (Imported Modeling Plies): This option converts the plies into Imported
Modeling Plies, uncoupled from the reference surface.

Ply Angles

• Minimum Angle Tolerance: Minimum angle tolerance for which tabular correction angles
are computed for plies.

• Recompute Reference Directions: When this option is selected, reference directions are
recomputed from tabular angle data.

Mapping Scope

• All Elements: By default, the lay-up data specified in the .h5 file is mapped onto all the
elements of a reference shell mesh in ACP. Uncheck this Boolean to restrict the lay-up
mapping to a user-defined region of interest.

• User-Defined Set: The lay-up data is mapped onto the Element Sets specified here.

Ply Area Mapping

Refer to the Figure below (p. 252) for an illustration of the Tolerance Settings.

• Relative Thickness Tolerance: This sets the mapping tolerance in the element thickness
direction relative to a minimum element edge length. In the dialog box (p. 250) shown
above, assuming a minimum edge length of 1mm, elements will be mapped if their deviation
in the element thickness direction is between -0.5 and 0.5 mm.

• Relative In-Plane Tolerance: This sets the mapping tolerance in the element in-plane
direction relative to a minimum element edge length. In the dialog box (p. 250) shown
above, assuming a minimum edge length of 1mm, elements will be mapped if their in-
plane coordinates are within the shell mesh with a maximum allowable tolerance of 0.01mm.

• Angle Tolerance: Mapping tolerance for angles between element normals (in degrees).

• Small Hole Threshold: Holes in plies/element sets with an area smaller than this threshold
times the area of the element set/ply are filled.

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Figure 2.169: Schematic of Tolerance Settings for a Single Element

Coordinate Transformation

The imported composite definitions are transformed according to the inputs given here. The
transformation order is as follows:

1. Rotation around X-Axis

2. Rotation around Y-Axis

3. Rotation around Z-Axis

4. Translate X, Y, Z

The X, Y and Z rotation happens around three axes of ACP’s global coordinate system. All
angles must be specified in degrees.

Show/Update Mesh Preview

Clicking this button displays a preview of all the meshes in the hdf5 file after the coordinate
transformation has been applied.

2.3.2. Mechanical APDL File Format

A Mechanical APDL input file requires specific element settings if it is to be used with ACP in Stand
Alone mode. This applies to preprocessing models that are used to define a composite lay-up as well
as postprocessing models where reading stresses and strains in future analyses is required. For more
information, see Workflow in Stand Alone Operation (p. 47).

Nodal solutions can be loaded from:

• PRNSOL file formats. An example export could be:

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 Exchanging Composite Definitions with Other Programs

/format,10,G,25,15,1000,1000
prnsol,u
prnsol,rot

• The .RST file interface allows ACP to load nodal and element results directly from the Ansys result
file.

Use these options for element result import:

– SHELL181: Keyopt(8) = 2 (See Figure 2.170: SHELL181 Keyopts (p. 253) )

– SHELL281: Keyopt(8) = 2 (SeeFigure 2.171: SHELL281 Keyopts (p. 254) )

– SOLID185/SOLID186: Keyopt(3) = 1 (See Figure 2.172: SOLID185 Keyopts (p. 254) and Fig-
ure 2.173: SOLID186 Keyopts (p. 254))

Keyopt(3) must be defined via the command line: KEYOPT,ET_NUM,3,1

– SOLSH190: Keyopt(8) = 1

– ERESX,NO (copy integration point results to nodes)

Supported shell and solid (for post-processing only) element types: SHELL181, SHELL281, SOLID185,
SOLID186

Supported element property definition commands: SECTYPE, SECOFFSET, SECCONTROL, RLBLOCK

Figure 2.170: SHELL181 Keyopts

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Figure 2.171: SHELL281 Keyopts

Figure 2.172: SOLID185 Keyopts

Figure 2.173: SOLID186 Keyopts

2.3.3. Import of Legacy Mechanical APDL Composite Models

Composite shell models with section definitions created in Mechanical APDL can be imported to ACP.
Upon import, the lay-ups are converted into ACP composite definitions (Rosettes, Oriented Selection

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 Exchanging Composite Definitions with Other Programs

Sets and Modeling Plies). The converted model can be subsequently used in Workbench projects. See
the Special Cases (p. 256) and the Known Limitations (p. 257) sections for more information.

Review the following import scenarios. The scenarios are different based upon whether or not you
are working with the mesh of the legacy model in ACP.

Equal Meshes
In this case the section definitions of the legacy model are mapped according to the element labels
and it assumes that also the element normals are equal.

To import a legacy model that can be used in Workbench projects:

1. Add an External Model system to the Workbench project page and load the legacy file.

2. Add a new ACP (Pre) system to the Workbench project page.

3. Link the External Model system with the Engineering Data cell of the ACP system. This
loads the materials (cells A2-B2).

4. Link the External Model system with the Model cell of the ACP system in order to load the
mesh (cells A2-B3).

5. Refresh the ACP system Setup cell. Launch ACP.

6. Make sure that the unit system in ACP and the legacy model are the same.

7. From the action menu of the Model folder in ACP, select the option Import Section Data
from Legacy Model. Select the file you have opened in the External Model system (see
Import Section Data from Legacy Model (p. 58)). Verify that you have the correct material
mapping mask.

Figure 2.174: Configuration Overview

Note:

• Engineering Data renames the materials. The pre- and suffix masks enables the automatic
mapping between legacy material IDs and WB material IDs.

• Because the mapping is based on the element labels, we recommend that you import
each legacy model separately. You can assemble the legacy files in a downstream
Mechanical Model as needed.

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To import a legacy model in ACP standalone mode:

1. Start ACP in ACP standalone.

2. Load the file using the Import Model option from the Models action menu or File tab in the
application toolbar and select the Convert Section Data check box.

Different Meshes
If you are working with different meshes, you have to convert the legacy model by using the Com-
posite CAE H5 file format.

To convert a legacy model onto a different mesh:

1. In Workbench, import and convert the legacy model as described above (system A and B)

2. Update ACP Setup cell (A4) and export the lay-up to a HDF5 Composite CAE file (p. 58).

3. Create the ACP system (C) where you want to map the legacy lay-up to.

4. Link the External Model with the Engineering Data component to load the materials (A2-
C2).

5. Open the ACP Setup cell (C5) and import the Composite CAE H5 file (p. 58).

Figure 2.175: Configuration Overview

2.3.3.1. Special Cases

Lay-ups in ACP are either stacked on the top or the bottom of a shell surface. If the shell offset
direction of a Mechanical APDL model is not set to top or bottom then the ply lying on the shell
surface is split into two plies on either side of the shell surface during the conversion.

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 Exchanging Composite Definitions with Other Programs

Figure 2.176: A Four Ply Mechanical APDL Lay-up Where a Ply Crosses the Reference Surface
is Converted to a Five Ply ACP Lay-up

2.3.3.2. Known Limitations

The conversion of the composite lay-up of legacy Mechanical APDL models to ACP models only
works for shell models.

The proper translation of Mechanical APDL sections to ACP modeling plies can only be guaranteed
if the Mechanical APDL section points to a connected region of elements where all element normals
are oriented the same way. If this is not the case, a warning is issued on export and the resulting
lay-up may not be entirely correct.

The material transfer from External Model to Engineering Data is not supported on Linux. Alternatively
you can load the model in ACP standalone and export the materials in the Ansys Workbench XML
format (p. 62) and import from this file.

2.3.4. Tabular Data Format for Excel

A definition block starts with a cell value of BEGIN TABLE and ends with END TABLE. This cell is in the
first column (A) of the worksheet. The block DEFINITION is used to identify the type of tabular data
defined in the block. ModelingGroup, LookUpTable3D, and LookUpTable1D are currently the only
supported definition types.

Empty lines are not allowed inside of sub-blocks. Lines between sub-blocks are ignored. The formatting
of existing cells is not changed when the lay-up is pushed from ACP. Missing field in the DATA block
are ignored and not set when synchronized with ACP. Hidden cells are not ignored and are synchron-
ized with ACP.

Figure 2.177: ModelingGroup Tabular Format in Excel

In the case of Look-Up Tables, if you add the text string "(Read Only)" to the column name, the cor-
responding Excel column is ignored.

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Usage Reference

Figure 2.178: Look-Up Table Tabular Format in Excel

References to other objects (ply material, oriented selection sets, etc.) are defined by the object's ID.
In the case of ply material, the type of material and the material's ID are joined with a forward slash
(for example, fabrics/E-Glass). For the angle and thickness fields, the column name and the ID of the
lookup table must be provided (LookUpTable.1/Angle).

Communication to Excel is accomplished through the COM interface. The identifier used to connect
to Excel is Excel.Application.

You can find more information on how to exchange model data with Excel in Edit Entities with Ex-
cel (p. 21).

2.3.5. CSV Format

Materials, Look-Up Tables, Selection Rules definitions, and Modeling Groups can be exported and
imported using a .CSV format (comma separated value file).

The .CSV file format for the import and export of Look-Up Tables and Modeling Groups follows the
same format as the Tabular Data Format for Excel (p. 257).

Caution:

The CSV format uses a '','' as list separator. In some Regional Options in Windows, the list
separator is defined by another character (very often '';''). In this case, the .CSV files will
not be properly read and written by Excel. Change the list separator in Windows Settings.

2.3.6. ESAComp
Model format: ESAComp XML files.

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 Exchanging Composite Definitions with Other Programs

The following operations are available:

2.3.6.1. Export
2.3.6.2. Import

2.3.6.1. Export
Material data (Fabrics, Stackups and Sublaminates) and Sampling Points can be exported to ESAComp
XML. A Fabric represents a Ply in ESAComp and Stackups, Sublaminates and Sampling Points are
exported as Laminates.

To be sure that the imported values in ESAComp are in accordance to the ACP model, the FE import
units in ESAComp should be checked first.

• Open FE import and export units in ESAComp.

• Adjust units in the Model Properties dialog (see ACP Model (p. 55)).

2.3.6.2. Import
Import
As for the export, check that the units match in ESAComp and Ansys Composite PrepPost.

In ESAComp, there are 2 ways to export the data:

Script Format (recommended)

In ESAComp, you can export Plies and Laminates through the FE Export / ANSYS ACP option in the
menu. It generates a Python script, in which all the information is stored in ACP format.

XML Format
In ESAComp, export your data as .XML file using the File menu. Import this data in Ansys Composite
PrepPost with the context menu for the Material object in the Tree (see Material Data (p. 61)).

Only material data can be imported.

Important:

The Import from ESAComp XML operation does not create the material in Ansys Com-
posite PrepPost. It only changes the properties. So the material must be created before
with the same name as in ESAComp.

2.3.7. LS-Dyna
There are three ways to exchange an ACP composite model with LS-Dyna:

• LS-DYNA (Extension Library): This approach allows you to convert a Workbench model, including
composite definitions, to an LS-Dyna model. This is the recommended approach.

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Usage Reference

• LS-Dyna Interface (ACP Add-on): Allows you to define composite definitions for LS-Dyna
meshes/models.

• LS-Dyna Solid Model (ACP Add-on): Allows you to export to the solid model in the .K file format.

Caution:

The add-on features described in this section are not recommended for general use. It is
strongly suggested that you use the Workbench interface to transfer information between
ACP and LS-Dyna.

2.3.8. BECAS
ACP can export the 2-D mesh of a surface section cut to the cross-section analysis tool BECAS. This
enables you to derive a beam model from an ACP shell model.

The 2-D mesh is built with linear elements and includes material information as well as lay-up orient-
ations. As a result, geometric and material-dependent coupling can be taken into consideration.

The 2-D mesh can also be exported to Mechanical APDL. In this case, no lay-up information is trans-
ferred.

For more details on exporting surface section cuts, see Section Cuts (p. 152).

For more information on the BECAS tool, see the BECAS website.

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Chapter 3: Composite Modeling Techniques
The various composite modeling techniques available in ACP are described in the sections below:
3.1.T-Joint
3.2. Local Reinforcements
3.3. Ply Tapering and Staggering
3.4. Variable Core Thickness
3.5. Draping
3.6. Guide to Solid Modeling
3.7. Guide to Composite Visualizations
3.8. Guide to Composite Failure Criteria
3.9. Element Choice in ACP
3.10. Variable Material Data in Composite Analyses

3.1. T-Joint
T-joints are used to bond a primary structure to a secondary one. A good example is a frame with a
stringer of a boat hull. Oriented Selection Sets (OSS) allow you to define complex laminates by an in-
tuitive approach. For an example of a T-Joint analysis, see Workshop 2: T-Joint.

The laminate of a T-joint can be split into several sublaminates:

• Base plate (skin)

• Stringer (frame)

• Bonding

• Cover

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Figure 3.1: T-Joint Lay-Up

The laminate is modeled by defining different Oriented Selection Sets for the different regions. The
modeling plies are then associated with the OSS and their order defines the stacking sequence of the
laminate.

The first OSS is defined for the base. The offset direction of this OSS shows from top to bottom as shown
in Figure 3.2: OSS for the Base Plate (p. 262).

Figure 3.2: OSS for the Base Plate

The OSS of the string has an orientation parallel to the global X-direction as shown in Figure 3.3: OSS
for the Stringer (p. 263).

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 T-Joint

Figure 3.3: OSS for the Stringer

The OSS feature allows you to define several offset directions for one element: OSS can overlap and
can have different orientations. This functionality is used to define the offset direction for the bonding
layers as shown in Figure 3.4: OSS for Bonding Plies (p. 263). The offset direction of the base plate is
different if compared with Figure 3.2: OSS for the Base Plate (p. 262).

Figure 3.4: OSS for Bonding Plies

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Composite Modeling Techniques

In addition, the OSS feature allows you to define the reference directions for complex shapes (twisted
surfaces, right angles). The reference direction is computed from one or several reference coordinate
systems (CSYS) as shown in Figure 3.5: Reference Direction (p. 264). In this case two CSYS are selected.

Figure 3.5: Reference Direction

After all the necessary OSS are defined, define the Modeling Plies in the same order as the structure is
produced later. First, the base lay-up is defined using the OSS of the base plate.

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 T-Joint

Figure 3.6: Laminate of the Base Plate

The next plies are added to the stringer.

Figure 3.7: Laminate of the Base Plate and Stringer

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Composite Modeling Techniques

It is important to define the base plate and stringer laminate before the bonding plies are defined because
the order is responsible for the final offset. As shown in Figure 3.8: First Bonding Laminate (p. 266), the
bonding layers are applied to the top of the base plate and onto the plies of the stringer.

Figure 3.8: First Bonding Laminate

On the other side, the second bonding laminate is offset to the top (base plate) and to the left (stringer).

Figure 3.9: Second Bonding Laminate

Cover plies complete the lay-up definition of the T-joint. Figure 3.10: Cover Plies (p. 267) shows that ACP
can also handle drop-offs.

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 Local Reinforcements

Figure 3.10: Cover Plies

3.2. Local Reinforcements

Regions with cut-outs, holes or load introduction elements are normally highly stressed and require
local reinforcements to prevent failure. ACP offers different ways to define local patches. Selection
Rules can be used to apply reinforcements to selected areas of the structure's geometry. The shape of
a reinforcing ply is defined by the intersection of an Oriented Selection Set and the selected Selection
Rules.

The examples Class40 and Tutorial 2 use Parallel Selection Rule and Tube Selection Rule to define
patches. Tutorial 2 describes how a Tube Selection Rule can be defined to add a ply following an edge.
The procedure involves these steps:

1. Define an Edge Set from the boundaries of an Element Set.

2. Create a Tube Selection Rule along the defined Edge Set with a certain inner and outer radius.

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Composite Modeling Techniques

Figure 3.11: Tube Selection Rule

3. Create a new ply and configure the Selection Rules in the Rule tab of the Modeling Ply Properties
dialog.

Figure 3.12: Rules Tab of the Modeling Ply Property Dialog

The selection rule parameters can be modified for each Modeling Ply. This allows you to work with
one Selection Rule to define the staggering of a laminate. You can activate a template and set the
new parameters. The final result can be double-checked with Section Cuts or a thickness contour
plot as shown in the figure below.

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 Ply Tapering and Staggering

Figure 3.13: Resulting Local Reinforcements

Selection Rules can also be combined with Oriented Selection Sets and other Selection Rule types
like Parallel, Spherical, or Cylindrical are also implemented in ACP. Any combination of these selection
rules allows you to create plies with complex shapes.

3.3. Ply Tapering and Staggering

Ply tapering and staggering can be quickly defined within ACP. Several examples are shown below.

3.3.1. Ply Tapering

Core plies are generally much thicker than regular or woven plies. This means that core edges must
be tapered for structural and manufacturing reasons. When a taper is applied to an edge of a ply in
ACP and the corresponding thicknesses are evaluated and mapped automatically onto the finite ele-
ments.

3.3.1.1. Edge Tapering

This section gives an overview of how the edge tapering feature works. The Taper Edges option
can be applied to modeling plies (p. 128). Its definition requires a constant taper angle along an
edge set. Optionally, a taper offset can be specified. Based on this definition, a virtual taper plane
is evaluated to taper the thickness of plies. The effective tapering or thickness distribution over the
taper is further dependent on the resolution of the mesh.

Figure 3.14: Simple Edge Tapering (p. 270) shows a schematic of a simple edge tapering. An edge
set runs along the side of a square of elements. Ply tapering is evaluated at each element along
the edge set. The taper edge offset specifies the normal (thus out-of-plane) distance from each
element adjacent to the element set. This offset forms a plane parallel to the underlying element.
The taper angle specifies the angle between this offset plane and the resulting taper plane. In the
figure, the resulting taper plane is the same for the whole edge set. The resulting taper planes are
oriented differently if the edge set follows a curved path. The offset direction is set to be positive
in the orientation direction of the oriented selection set of the modeling ply. Depending on the
mesh and application, it may have to be specified as a negative value.

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Composite Modeling Techniques

Figure 3.14: Simple Edge Tapering

3.3.1.2. Class40
The Class40 example uses a tapered core. Open the model and check the Modeling Ply core_bwl
in the Modeling Group Hull. In the Thickness tab of the properties dialog a taper angle of 15
degrees is defined for the edge edgeset.2. A Section Cut or thickness contour plot illustrates
the final result as shown in Figure 3.15: Tapered Edge (p. 270).

Figure 3.15: Tapered Edge

3.3.1.3. Tutorial 2
In Tutorial 2, a ply tapering is defined along 2 edges. The procedure involves these steps:

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 Ply Tapering and Staggering

1. Define an Edge Set. In this case, the Edge Set is defined through a Named Selection in
Mechanical.

2. Open the Thickness tab in the Modeling Ply Properties dialog.

Figure 3.16: Tapering in Ply Definition

3. Select the edge and define the taper angle.

Figure 3.17: Thickness Distribution After Core Tapering

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Composite Modeling Techniques

3.3.1.4. Tapering of Multiple Plies

The Taper Edges option for Modeling Plies is suitable for defining individual taper angles for
specific modeling ply. Its intended purpose is for use with a single tapered ply, such as a core,
however it can be used for tapering multiple plies. If the Modeling Ply tapering option is used for
multiple layers the taper angle is applied to each Modeling Ply and the vertical ply thickness dis-
tribution is superimposed. In such a case, the total taper angle of the lay-up is generally higher
than the individual taper angles. The total taper angle scales non-linearly with the number of plies
and their thicknesses. Furthermore, the taper size is a dependent on the size of the mesh. For this
reason, care should be taken when using the Taper Edges option for multiple plies. When modeling
a composite with a defined total taper angle a Selection Rule definition may be more suitable.
The trailing edge of an airfoil blade is an example for such an application.

The example below shows the effects of superposing multiple modeling plies that have the same
taper angle. The middle column shows a lay-up schematic while the right column displays the
corresponding representation of a section cut in ACP. The superposition of two different ply thick-
nesses results in two taper angles of which one is steeper than the nominal angle.

Figure 3.18: Superposition of Modeling Plies with Identical Taper Angles. Schematic (Middle)
and Section View Illustration (Right)

3.3.2. Ply Staggering

Cutoff Selection Rule

A Cutoff Selection Rule is used to cut plies and is suitable to define a ply staggering. This feature is
not limited to an edge because the staggering is derived from a CAD Geometry. The intersection
between the ply and geometry defines where the plies are cut. The ply offsets are taken into consid-
eration. This allows you to define a laminate where the total thickness follows a 3D shape.

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 Variable Core Thickness

Figure 3.19: Thickness Distribution of a Laminate with a Cutoff Selection Rule

Template Selection Rule

The template selection rule feature of the Modeling Ply allows you to use one Selection Rule to
define plies of different extensions. You can redefine the parameters of a selection rule in the Modeling
Ply Properties dialog. A wind turbine blade, for example, has hundreds of similar plies that only differ
in their the axial extension. Such plies can be defined with one Oriented Selection Set and one
Parallel Selection Rule and the use of template parameters. The template parameters are easily ad-
justed using the Import from / Export to CSV file feature in the context menu of the Modeling
Group.

Figure 3.20: Template Selection Rule Definition

3.4. Variable Core Thickness

In many cases, the thickness of a sandwich panel is constant or single plies have a constant thickness.
For structural efficiency, cores with variable thickness are used more often since CNC milling allows the
production of core plies with complex shapes.

In ACP there are three different ways to define a laminate with variable thickness:
3.4.1. Solid CAD Geometry

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Composite Modeling Techniques

3.4.2. Look-Up Table

3.4.3. Geometry Cut-off Selection Rule
3.4.4. General Application

3.4.1. Solid CAD Geometry

An external core geometry can be used to define the variable core thickness. The 3-D shape of the
core is modeled in a CAD tool as a 3-D solid or a closed shell. This CAD Geometry can be imported
directly into ACP or via Workbench.

Figure 3.21: Imported Core Geometry

In the Thickness tab of the Modeling Ply Properties dialog, the thickness definition can be changed
from Nominal to From Geometry. In this case, ACP samples through the geometry in the normal
direction and evaluates the thickness of the core for each element. The original thickness defined in
the Fabric definition becomes obsolete. This method is used in the Class40 example..

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 Variable Core Thickness

Figure 3.22: Modeling Ply Thickness Definition

Figure 3.23: Section with Variable Core Thickness

3.4.2. Look-Up Table

The variable core thickness can also be defined with a Look-Up Table. A Look-Up Table is used to
define a data field or tabular values. Thicknesses, angles and directions can be defined in a Look-Up
Table and the 3D mapping function of ACP inter- or extrapolates the values for each element. You
define the thickness of the ply material for certain support points. The figure below shows a list of
different angles and thicknesses for selected data points.

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Composite Modeling Techniques

Figure 3.24: Table Definition

Following on, the corresponding tabular field can be selected in the Thickness tab of the Modeling
Ply Properties dialog.

Figure 3.25: Thickness Definition Through Tabular Values

The final result can be investigated with Section Cuts or a thickness contour plot as per usual.

3.4.3. Geometry Cut-off Selection Rule

Another way of achieving a variable core thickness is to use a Cut-off Selection Rule. Even if the
cutting operation only applies to a core layer, it is dependent on the entire lay-up. If the thickness of
the bottom laminate is changed, the thickness of the core is cutoff at a different height. In this way,
a laminate thickness limit can be set. This can be a very useful in places where the laminate thickness
is limited, near a trailing edge of a blade for example.

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 Variable Core Thickness

Figure 3.26: Section Cut and Thickness Contour Plot

The core thickness can be set to be cut in different ways depending on the Ply Tapering option of
the Selection Rule. It can either follow the exact intersection with the CAD Geometry or can be cut-
off to two discrete size - its nominal thickness or no thickness at all.

The Cut-off Selection Rule has to be used with precaution as any modification of the underlying
plies might modify the core.

An example of a Cut-off Selection Rule can be found in Tutorial 2.

Figure 3.27: Imported Cut-off Geometry

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Composite Modeling Techniques

Figure 3.28: Resulting Thickness Distribution (Ply Tapering Activated)

3.4.4. General Application

The described features can also be used in combination with regular or woven materials and are not
restricted to core materials. The selection of the method is often derived from the manufacturing
process. Tabular values can be used for a winding process and CAD geometries for a CNC milling
process. A Cut-off Selection Rule (p. 276) is often used in regions of sharp tapered edges (trailing edge
of a wind turbine blade).

3.5. Draping
The ply application (draping) on doubly curved surfaces changes the theoretical fiber orientations. In
many cases the effect is small and can be neglected. On the other side it is important to know how big
this effect can be and if it has to be considered. ACP allows you to evaluate the draped fiber directions.
These angles can be visualized and are considered in all analyses, resulting in more accurate evaluations.
The draping is evaluated on the Production Ply level. In addition the draping algorithm of ACP evaluates
the flatwrap of the Production Plies which can be exported for manufacturing purposes.

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 Draping

Figure 3.29: Flatwrap (Boundary)

3.5.1. Internal Draping Algorithm of ACP

The draping algorithm is described in Draping Simulation (p. 343).

Draping Method Definition

The draping effect depends highly on the manufacturing process. Process-relevant values can be
defined in the ACP draping algorithm.

Seed Point
The Seed Point is the starting point where the ply is laid into the mold. At this location the fiber
direction is unchanged and the draped fiber direction is equal to the theoretical one. The Seed Point
can have a big influence on the final result of the draped fiber angles. Assuming a half sphere and a
Seed Point located on the pole, the maximum draped fiber angle is much smaller than the same
evaluation with a Seed Point on the equator. The Seed Point corresponds to the first element of the
draping mesh (left representation in Figure 5.1: Draping Scheme (p. 344)).

Draping Direction
After the first point is applied on the mold, the Draping Direction defines along which route the ply
is laid into the mold. The draping algorithm first walks along the Draping Direction, then orthogonal
and finally proceeds with the 45-degree zones. Figure 5.1: Draping Scheme (p. 344) shows the scheme
in which the ply is applied.

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Composite Modeling Techniques

Draping Mesh
The draping algorithm minimizes the shear energy dissipation where an internal Draping Mesh is
used for the evaluation. This mesh is independent from the structural mesh and has its own size.
Analog to the structural mesh, the optimal Draping Mesh size is established by balancing the precision
of the draping evaluation and the computational cost.

In the case of an incomplete draping, select another Seed Point, define a different Draping Direction
and/or change the Draping Mesh size. The draping mesh is built as shown in Figure 5.1: Draping
Scheme (p. 344).

Figure 3.30: Draping Mesh with Shear Energy

Draping Definition on OSS Level

The draping can be activated in the Draping tab of the Oriented Selection Set Properties dialog.

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 Draping

Figure 3.31: Draping Definition in OSS

If draping is activated on the OSS level, the Reference Direction of the OSS is adjusted and all associated
modeling plies use this draped reference direction. If the Modeling Ply also has an active draping
definition, then an independent draping simulation is started for the modeling ply.

Draping Definition on Modeling Ply Level

Just like OSS, draping can be activated on the Modeling Ply level. To activate the draping you toggle
the Draping check box and define a Seed Point. By default, the Mesh Size and Draping Direction
are evaluated automatically.

By default, during the draping simulation the draping mesh is laid on the reference surface of the
model independently of the lay-up thickness. If the model property Use Draping Offset Correction
is enabled, the draping mesh follows the bottom offset (relative to the reference surface orientation)
of the selected ply, thus taking into account the lay-up thickness.

An additional feature, Thickness Correction, is implemented in the Internal Draping algorithm. Due
to the shear deformation, the fiber direction and thickness of the ply change. This change can also
be considered by activating the Thickness Correction option.

3.5.2. User-Defined Draping

ACP can also handle user-defined draping results. The draped fiber directions can be imported as a
Look-Up Table and used instead of Internal Draping.

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Figure 3.32: Tabular Values Definition of Draping

The first angle Correction Angle 1 defines the correction of the material reference direction and is
also considered in the analysis. The second value Correction Angle 2 can be used to define the cor-
rection angle of the material 2 direction for woven materials. In ACP, the second correction is not
considered in any evaluation and is just for information or third party products.

3.5.3. Visualization
The result of the draping evaluation can be visualized on the Production Ply and the Analysis Ply
level. The flatwrap and the draping mesh can be visualized through the use of a Draping Mesh
Plot (p. 189). The contour plot of the draping shows the average shear (distortion) angle of each element
(in degree). Zero means no shear deformation. Depending on the Scene configuration the flatwrap
is also available in the Ply Book (p. 224). In addition the Production Ply functionality allows you to
export the flatwrap as a .dxf file.

The last result of the draping are the draped fiber directions which are considered in the analysis.
These directions can be visualized with the Show Draped Fiber Directions button. This visualization
combined with Show Fiber Directions highlights the influence of the draping.

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 Guide to Solid Modeling

Figure 3.33: Fiber and Draped Fiber Directions

3.6. Guide to Solid Modeling

This section describes when and how to work with the Solid Model (p. 283) feature in ACP (Pre). In this
context we are talking about the solid model extrusion and not the lay-up mapping feature within the
Imported Solid Model.

In the case of thick composites, the layered shell theory can cause significant errors in the obtained
results. In some cases it is necessary to work with 3-D models (solid models). ACP has the advanced
features to generate layered solid models based on the shell lay-up definitions. Based on the shell mesh
and the ACP composite definitions, ACP generates layered solid elements representing one-to-one the
composite part. Drop-offs, staggering and tapering are also considered. In addition the solid model
extrusion allows to define extrusion directions, boundary curves, and cut-outs. Finally, virtual cracks
(fracture analysis) and contacts between plies can be modeled by Interface Layers (p. 133).

In general we recommend working with the "standard" Solid Model because the extrusion approach
allows you to generate a one-to-one solid model. If this is not feasible, then the lay-up mapping approach
within the Imported Solid Model (p. 181) is a great alternative. Modeling full cross-section composites
such as composite springs or turbine blades, for instance. Example analyses for both approaches are
available: Composite Solid Model (p. 310) and Analysis of a Mapped Composite Solid Model (p. 325).

The following sections give a brief guide to Solid Modeling:

3.6.1. When to Use a Solid Model
3.6.2. How to Use the Solid Model Feature

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3.6.3. Principles of Solid Model Generation

3.6.4. Drop-off and Cut-off Elements
3.6.5. Workflow
3.6.6. Practical Tips
3.6.7. Known Limitations

3.6.1. When to Use a Solid Model

From an analysis point of view, the choice between a shell or solid element analysis models largely
depends on the structure and the type of structural investigation.

Solid models are inherently larger and computationally more expensive than shell models. It is
therefore wise to start an analysis with a shell model before moving on to a solid model. It provides
a basis for comparison but it is also a good check on whether the model is solvable.

Typically, a solid model describes the behavior of a structure more precisely when its out-of-plane
response becomes significant. ACP has the unique feature of representing the 3-D stress state for a
shell model. Shell model stress behavior can therefore be taken as a first indication of the 3-D stress
state. If the out-of-plane stresses are significant then it may be worthwhile analyzing the structure as
a solid element model.

The following list shows cases where are a solid element model can be used. The solid modeling
feature is not limited to these examples.

• Analysis of thick structures

• Investigation into 3-D stresses (high element resolution necessary)

• Investigation into debonding

• Investigation into edge effects

• Buckling analysis of sandwich structures

There are no hard rules on this matter. It remains entirely the choice of the designer when to use a
solid model in addition to or instead of a shell model.

3.6.2. How to Use the Solid Model Feature

The intention of the solid model feature is to generate analysis models for structures that are built
in one piece.

The feature itself makes no distinction between generating solid element models that are analyzed
in isolation or ones that are analyzed in combination with other components. There is however a
distinct difference in how the analysis of a solid element model of multiple components can be ap-
proached. The components of an assembly can either be extruded individually or extruded as one
assembly. Both approaches are possible within ACP yet they both have advantages and limitations.

The recommended approach is to generate individual components and connect them using contacts
in a Workbench Analysis System. This follows the intention that Solid Models are only created for

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 Guide to Solid Modeling

components that are to be built in one piece. Additional connecting structures can be also fully
modeled or dimensioned with the help of substitute model.

The other approach is the extrusion of an entire assembly in one solid model generation. This method
is not only limited by the topological complexity of a geometry but also by a reduced stiffness at
transitions as a result of drop-off elements. On the other hand, this approach offers the ability to
model all connecting structures in full.

3.6.3. Principles of Solid Model Generation

The solid model feature requires a reference shell geometry and a composite definition to construct
a solid element model.

Solid model settings control how the solid model is divided into elements in the thickness direction
and how drop- and cut-off elements are handled. The level of detail required in the solid model de-
pends on how accurate certain features are to be modeled. This depends on the judgment of the
designer.

The feature has additional ways to enhance the resulting solid model to be as detailed as necessary:
ply staggering and tapering are transferred from the composite definitions. Extrusion guides add
more complex possibilities in shaping the model. The snap-to functionality makes an alignment with
an external CAD geometry possible. Arbitrary cut-outs or cut-offs can be created with Cut-off Geomet-
ries. The cut-off operation is analogous to machining a composite part after curing.

Geometry operations (extrusion guides, snap-to and cut-off geometries) help to shape a solid model
into the desired shape. These operations are applied sequentially to the solid model. You should explore
all possibilities of shaping the solid model first with the help of extrusion guides and snap-to geometries
before moving on to cut-off features. While cut-off geometries allow great freedom in shaping a solid
model, they also introduce degenerated elements which are limited in representing a layered com-
posite. For more information, see Drop-off and Cut-off Elements (p. 285).

Details of the solid model feature are explained in the Usage Reference (p. 51).

3.6.4. Drop-off and Cut-off Elements

Drop-off and cut-off elements cannot store any layered information and therefore must be associated
with a homogenous material.

Drop-off elements are created when ply boundaries exist inside the part. When the plies come to an
end, the solid model extrusion creates a drop-off element in the shape of a triangular prism. The
drop-off elements can be modeled with either the ply (or core) material, a different material such as
resin, or as a void.

Cut-off elements are created when a hexahedral element is diminished by a cut-off operation and
decomposed into prism or tetrahedral elements. These elements can also be modeled with different
homogenous materials.

The cut-off features offer great freedom in shaping a solid model. The trade-off when using the cut-
off feature is that elements diminished by the cutting operation are decomposed into homogenous
tetrahedral and prism elements. These elements cannot store any layered information and the post-
processing results for cut-off regions must be interpreted with care.

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Composite Modeling Techniques

Both drop- and cut-off elements can cause steps in the structural stiffness, which may lead to stress
peaks and higher IRFs. This affects the homogenous elements as well as the layered elements in their
proximity.

For information on the postprocessing of stresses and strains of homogeneous elements, see Postpro-
cessing of Drop-off and Cut-off Elements (p. 242).

3.6.5. Workflow
A solid model is easily created alongside an existing shell model in Workbench. Once a solid model
has been generated in ACP-Pre it can be linked to new Analysis System. A single ACP-Pre system can
be used to create a shell and a solid model analysis. This workflow is shown below:

Figure 3.34: Analyzing a Solid Model Alongside a Shell Model

The analysis of an assembly requires multiple solid model components to be connected in a Workbench
system. The components can be connected with contacts in Mechanical, for example. As a consequence,
the connections can be modeled and analyzed in detail. The Composite Failure Tool in Mechanical
permits the analysis of all composite parts at once or for a selected scope of interest. The post-pro-
cessing of ACP Post supports more features with respect to composites but it is limited to a single
component (ACP Pre system).

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 Guide to Solid Modeling

Figure 3.35: Solid Model Assembly Workflow

3.6.6. Practical Tips

The solid modeling process is generally more complicated than shell modeling is. The shape and
mesh of a structure have a strong influence on the robustness of the solid modeling process. Generally
speaking, the less complex the model the more robust the process. The challenges of composite
modeling can vary greatly. Following composite design principles for structural concepts will aid the
solid modeling process. Abrupt changes in shape and sharp edges are not advisable in composite
design and also cause problems in composite modeling.

You can use Named Selections to define boundary conditions, contacts, and much more. Named Se-
lections also contribute to making your model associative which automates the update process. For
this reason Named Selections of the shell geometry are converted and maintained in the solid model
workflow as shown in the figure below. An edge becomes a wall (edge_1 ⇒ EDGE_1_WALL) and a
surface is converted into a bottom and top surface (face ⇒ FACE_BOT and FACE_TOP) in the solid
of the downstream Mechanical system.

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Composite Modeling Techniques

Figure 3.36: Conversion of the Named Selections in the Solid Model Workflow

3.6.7. Known Limitations

Awareness of the limitation of solid modeling can help you build a better solid model. It is worth
spending time thinking about aspects of your model such as mesh sizing, extrusion methods, and
geometry operations. For example, it can often be more robust to extrude from the inside out.

This section gives an overview of the limitations of these advanced modeling features:

Mesh Extrusion

The solid model relies on the extrusion of a shell geometry mesh. As the extrusion directions and
operations increase the solid model generation reaches a limit of how heavily a shell mesh can
be distorted. If the topology of the structure is complex then the extrusion operations can result
in ill-formed elements which are subsequently deleted in the element check.

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 Guide to Solid Modeling

Drop-Off Elements

There are transition regions where an edge of a solid model extrusion is reduced to a series of
drop-off elements. This reduction in thickness will result in a local reduction in stiffness that should
not be overlooked.

Cut-off Elements

Cut-off elements are decomposed into homogenous tetrahedral and prism elements. These ele-
ments can cause abrupt changes in the structural stiffness which may lead to higher stresses and
IRFs. The results in the proximity of cut-off elements should be evaluated with care.

Connect Butt-Jointed Plies

The ability to connect adjacent plies is currently restricted to plies that appear sequentially in the
same Modeling Group. Consequently, there a certain arrangement where a ply drop-off cannot
be evaded.

Solid Model Extrusion Offset

The solid model extrusion starts from a reference shell and the lay-up definition. An extrusion
with an offset to the reference geometry is not possible.

Sampling Points, Section Cuts, and Sensors

Sampling points, Section Cuts, and Sensors give information about the lay-up as it was defined
in the Modeling Ply Group. The changes as a result of geometric operations in the solid model
are not reflected in these features. While cut-off plies still appear in the sampling point, these
plies show zero stress and strain during postprocessing.

Recomputation of ISS

The recomputation of interlaminar shear stresses only corrects the stresses of layered elements.
Homogenous elements (drop-off and cut-off elements) retain the interlaminar shear stresses of
the .RST file.

Interface Layers / Elements

Element faces located above and below an interface element must have the same shape (quadri-
lateral or tetrahedral). If their shapes are not the same, the interface element is removed. This can
happen due to the effect of drop-off elements (p. 285) (as shown in the figure below). It can also
happen when interface elements intersect a cut-off geometry (p. 285) and the interface element
is not updated. As a result, the interface element does not conform to the new shapes of the
adjacent top and bottom elements.

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Composite Modeling Techniques

Figure 3.37: A quadrilateral interface element surrounded by a brick element and two
tetrahedral elements created when the drop-off is split

Node Merge Operations on Composite Solid Model Assemblies

The use of node merge operations in Mechanical on composite solid models can lead to incorrect
deformation results in ACP-Post deformation plots. When node merge operations are used, the
Read Strains and Stresses option in the Solution Properties (p. 203) should be active. Appropriate
warnings are issued.

3.7. Guide to Composite Visualizations

There are several features available in ACP that help in visualizing a composite model. Some features
aid in the verification of the lay-up definition. Others provide an insight into the stresses, strains, and
failures and can thus help in the optimization of a structure.

This section aims to be a brief guide to the some of the available functionality.

3.7.1. Model Verification

Two features are very useful for checking the lay-up definition before solving the model. One is the
Orientation Visualization, the other is the Section Cut feature.

The Orientation Visualization can display the direction and/or orientation of the elements, Oriented
Selection Sets, and plies. Refer to Scene Manipulation (p. 20) for more information.

After the whole definition of the lay-up, a visual verification of the lay-up sequence can be very useful.
Section Cuts offer a useful visual check once the lay-up has been determined. By defining one or
several Section Cuts, the ply position (number in the sequence) and orientation can easily be verified.
Refer to Section Cuts (p. 152) for more information.

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 Guide to Composite Visualizations

Figure 3.38: T-Joint Section Cut

Figure 3.39: Class40 Section Cut

3.7.2. Postprocessing Visualizations

There are several features that can be used for viewing the results of a simulation. They all can give
a different insight into the behavior of the composite structure. The different postprocessing visualiz-
ations mentioned below are also described in the last part of Tutorial 1.

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Deformation
The deformation of a structure can be visualized with deformation plot for a specific solution (see
Solution Plots (p. 206)). The plot can be scaled by setting the deformation scale factor in the Solution
Properties dialog.

Figure 3.40: Activate Deformed Geometry in the Solution Properties Visualizations

Figure 3.41: Activate the Deformation Plot for Total Deformation

Failure Criteria
The failure plot displays the critical safety factors (reserve factors, inverse reserve factors & margin of
safety) to first ply failure for a given failure criteria definition.

The safety factors are evaluated for every element and every layer and the critical value through the
thickness of the lay-up is then projected on to the reference shell mesh. A failure plot for an envelope
solution works in the same way and is a display of the most critical failure of all included solution
sets. Alternatively, the safety factors can be displayed ply-wise for each analysis ply.

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 Guide to Composite Visualizations

A failure criteria definition must be defined before creating a failure plot (see Definitions (p. 200)). A
failure plot can be inserted under a normal solution or an envelope solution and the predefined failure
criteria definition can be selected. Additionally, critical failure modes, critical plies and critical load
case (in case of solution envelope) can be displayed as element labels.

Figure 3.42: Activate the Failure Criteria Plot with Failure Mode and Critical Ply Information

Figure 3.43: IRF Value and Text Plot for Each Element (Tutorial 1)

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Composite Modeling Techniques

Figure 3.44: Zoom on Critical Area (Class 40)

Ply-Wise Results
The structural behavior throughout the lay-up at each layer is of great interest in composite design.
Ply-wise information helps to identify and optimize layers that are critical and ones that are not.

All the solution plots except the deformation plot have the option of displaying results ply-by-ply
(see Solution Plots (p. 206)). The plot will only display results if a ply is selected. Plies can be selected
in the Modeling Groups, Sampling Point, or Solid Model Analysis Plies.

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 Guide to Composite Visualizations

Figure 3.45: Activate the Ply-Wise Results in the Plot Properties

Figure 3.46: Select an Analysis Ply in the Modeling Groups or Sampling Points

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Composite Modeling Techniques

Figure 3.47: Ply-Wise Stress (Tutorial 1)

The Sampling Points (p. 150) are an alternative way of analyzing a lay-up on a ply level. A point of
interest on the composite part is selected and its local lay-up is sampled. The feature can display
failure criteria, stresses and strains through the thickness of the laminate. In this way, the Sampling
Point gives a detailed insight into the laminate behavior ply-by-ply.

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 Guide to Composite Failure Criteria

Figure 3.48: Stress Analysis for Selected Sampling Point

3.8. Guide to Composite Failure Criteria

ACP-Post provides a number of failure criteria for the strength assessment of composites. Both established
and basic as well as recent and advanced failure criteria are included in the program. This section
provides some guidance on the selection of failure criteria.

• It is advised that you use failure criteria that distinguish between different failure modes (for example,
fiber failure or matrix failure).

• The use of all-inclusive quadratic failure criteria is not advised (for example, Tsai-Wu, Tsai-Hill, or
Hoffman). In most situations, these criteria are less accurate than others and provided minimal inform-
ation on any failure.

• It is more conservative to combine different failure criteria (Puck, Max Stress, and LaRC) than using
any single criterion.

• In general, failure criteria that consider all in-plane stresses (s1, s2, s12) and the out-of-plane interlam-
inar shear stresses (s13, s23) should be used, as these results are available in a shell model.

• 3-D stresses (s3) can often be ignored in thin laminates with moderate curvature. Otherwise, Puck 3-
D can be used to investigate delamination.

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Composite Modeling Techniques

• 3-D solid models can be used to get more accurate results, especially if out-of-plane stresses are being
investigated.

• Wrinkling and Core Failure should be evaluated for sandwich structures.

• The use of Puck 2-D is recommended over the use of Puck Simplified.

For more information, see Failure Analysis (p. 353) and Postprocessing (p. 238). A comprehensive compar-
ison of composite failure criteria was carried out in the worldwide failure exercise [ 38 (p. 551) ].

3.9. Element Choice in ACP

This section describes the composite modeling techniques for the use of shell, solid, and solid-shell
elements.
3.9.1. Introduction
3.9.2. Shell Elements
3.9.3. Solid Elements
3.9.4. Solid-shell Elements

3.9.1. Introduction
The underlying principle of ACP is that a composite lay-up is defined on a shell geometry. The model
of the lay-up that is passed from the ACP preprocessor to the solver can be a shell element mesh but
also a solid or a solid shell element mesh. The solid model mesh is an extrusion of the shell element
input mesh. If this input shell mesh uses linear elements (SHELL181) the solid model mesh generated
in ACP can have either layered solid elements (SOLID185) or layered solid shell elements (SOLSH190).
If it is quadratic (SHELL281) the solid model mesh can only have quadratic layered solid elements
(SOLID186).

The geometry and loading of the engineering problem ultimately dictate what element type is best
suited for the analysis. The following sections outline a few general considerations about the element
types in ACP. For more detailed information, see Element Library in the Mechanical APDL Theory Ref-
erence.

3.9.2. Shell Elements

Shell elements are suited for modeling thin-walled to moderately thick-walled structures. Shell elements
are compliant in bending and give good deformation results while being computationally inexpensive.

3.9.3. Solid Elements

Solid elements are aimed at modeling thick walled structures. As laminate thicknesses increase, out-
of-plane stresses become more significant; Solid elements are better at approximating these effects.
Furthermore, layered solid elements allow the incorporation of composite parts in larger solid model
assemblies.

A shortcoming of these element types is that they are typically too stiff in bending when elements
are thin. Displacements can be wrong by an order of magnitude as the elements undergo a phenomen-
on called locking. Element technologies such as Enhanced Strain Formulation try to remedy this nu-

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 Variable Material Data in Composite Analyses

merical locking but are not sufficient to do so in linear 3-D solid elements. Quadratic solid elements
(SOLID186) offer a better solution, however, this comes at an increased computational cost.

3.9.4. Solid-shell Elements

Solid-shell elements cover the spectrum between shell and solid elements and are best suited for
modeling thin to moderately thick structures. Thin solid-shell elements do not undergo locking and
are able to give good results for out-of-plane stresses and strains.

3.10. Variable Material Data in Composite Analyses

Composite modeling in Workbench provides the possibility to account for variability in the mechanical
properties of composite materials due to any scalar user-defined quantity. Temperature, Shear Angle
(defined through ACP-Pre draping (p. 278)), and Degradation Factor are predefined variables in Workbench
Engineering Data to be used for refining a composite material's behavior. You are free to define your
own field variables.

The following mechanical properties can be defined as variable:

• Isotropic elasticity

• Orthotropic elasticity

• Orthotropic stress limits

• Orthotropic strains limits

Dependencies are specified in tabular form in Engineering Data.

An interpolation scheme is used to evaluate the locally effective properties given the local field variable
states in the model. For information on how the interpolation scheme is controlled, see Variable Data
Interpolation Settings (p. 301).

Once the dependencies are defined in Engineering Data, they are accounted for in subsequent composite
analyses and postprocessing. The Shear Value is defined by draping simulation in ACP-Pre, the Temper-
ature is computed or defined in Structural, Transient Thermal, or External Data systems. The state of all
other fields should be defined in ACP-Pre. The state of all other fields can be defined by means of Field
Definitions in ACP-Pre or External Data systems.

Variable material data is compatible with both shell and solid elements.

An example analysis using variable material data is given in Analysis Using Variable Material Data (p. 319).

3.10.1. Element- or Layer-wise Field Definition

You can specify the distribution of any variable used in the definition of a Variable Material in ACP.
This is done by means of Look-up Tables. A scalar Look-up Table column can be associated with with
a field variable. The state of the field variable is interpolated from the scalar Look-up Table column
over the finite element model. To this end, you can specify whether this interpolation is applicable
for the entire model or only specific parts of it. The field definition can be scoped to a combination
of:

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• Element Sets

• Oriented Selection Sets

• Modeling Plies.

Element Sets or Oriented Selection Sets as scope of the field definition always affect all layers of their
underlying finite elements. In contrast, scoping Modeling Plies refines the selection to specific layers
of their underlying finite elements. The Field Definition then applies to the layers of the covered finite
elements associated with the Analysis Plies of each Modeling Ply. Elements and layers not covered
with a field variable definition assume the default value for this variable.

Altogether, a Field Definition can be scoped to the full FE-model or refined to affect only subparts
and, furthermore, only layers.

See the Field Definition (p. 147) for additional information about the object as well as object set-up.

3.10.2. Draping Shear

Ply draping on arbitrarily shaped surfaces leads to local shearing of the plies. This manufacturing-in-
duced artifact can lead to significant deviation between the assumed and effective mechanical
properties. This is because the shearing can be in the order of several degrees before ply wrinkling
becomes an issue. Thus, the configuration of the composite can vary considerably from point to point,
as can the mechanical properties.

In order to reflect the mechanical properties’ dependence upon draping shear, ACP-Pre provides a
draping simulation tool. Upon specifying shear-dependent material properties in Engineering Data
and enabling draping (p. 278) in ACP-Pre for individual plies or Oriented Selection Sets, downstream
analysis systems take this effect into account.

The draping shear angle is defined as:

|draped_transverse_angle - draped_fiber_angle| - 90

Where "draped_fiber_angle" and "draped_transverse_angle" denote the angles of the draped fiber
and transverse directions with respect to the reference direction, respectively. Thus, a shear angle of
0 degrees indicates that the ply at the corresponding location is unsheared.

3.10.3. Degradation Factors

Composite parts can exhibit a number of artifacts leading to local degradation of mechanical properties.
Such flaws can be the result of a manufacturing process or can develop during operation. Examples
of these types of flaws include voids, imperfect resin impregnation of fibers, deviation of the fiber
alignment from the design angle, and resin traps.

If such artifacts are known, you can account for them using degradation factors. The typical assumption
is that a degradation factor of 1.0 indicates a sound material, while a degradation factor of 0.0 implies
a disintegrated material. Degradation-dependent material properties can be specified in Engineering
Data.

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 Variable Material Data in Composite Analyses

3.10.3.1. Definition of the Degradation Factor Field

The degradation factor fields are defined by means of a Field Definition object. If Degradation Factor
has been used to define one of the materials in Engineering Data for the current composite analysis,
you can select it from the drop-down menu under Field Variable Name, as shown in the Figure
below. The scope of applicability of this Field Definition is set under Scope Entities to a combination
of Element Sets, Oriented Selection Sets and Modeling Plies. The degradation factors are interpolated
from the selected Look-up Table Column upon update of the ACP system: for shell elements the
field state values are evaluated at the element centroid taking into account the actual ply offsets
if Include Shell Offset is activated; for solid elements the actual ply position is always considered
and this behavior cannot be changed.

All downstream analysis systems will make use of the information provided for the Degradation
Factor in the Field Definition object.

Figure 3.49: Field Definition Properties to Set Up a Degradation Factor Field

3.10.4. Definition of General User-Defined Fields in ACP-Pre

The Engineering Data enables you to define Isotropic and Orthotropic Elasticity as well as Stress and
Strain limits as a function of up to nine user-defined scalar field variables. Engineering Data pre-defines
Temperature, Degradation Factor and Shear Angle fields. If necessary, you can add a custom field
variables. From within ACP, the custom field variables have to be defined as described by Field
Definition Object Properties (p. 147) for Element- or Layer-wise definitions. From the Workbench-level,
External Data components can be used to define custom field variables. Please note, however, that
External Data components do not permit layer-wise field definitions.

3.10.5. Variable Data Interpolation Settings

The interpolation algorithm and its settings can be controlled from Workbench Engineering Data. For
details on the interpolation schemes available and settings of the interpolation engine, see General
Interpolation Library (p. 383).

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Chapter 4: Example Analyses
The following examples demonstrate some of the most commonly used features of ACP:
4.1. Analysis of a Composite Shell Model
4.2. Analysis of a Composite Solid Model
4.3. Analysis Using Variable Material Data
4.4. Analysis of a Mapped Composite Solid Model
4.5. Shear Dependent Materials in Composite Analysis
4.6. 3D Ply Workflow – Imported Plies

4.1. Analysis of a Composite Shell Model

The tutorials 1 & 2 (Introduction) give a good insight into the ACP functionality. While the tutorials always
start with an existing model this section outlines the generic build-up of a composite shell model. Se-
lected steps are explained in more detail below and highlighted with a link.

• Preprocessing

– Add ACP (Pre) Component to the project (p. 304)

– Define Engineering Data (p. 305)

– Import or construct Geometry (Units) (p. 307)

– Open the Model and

→ Define Named Selections/Element Sets (p. 307)

→ Generate Mesh

– Open ACP (Pre) (p. 307) and

→ Define Fabric

→ Define Rosettes and Oriented Selection Sets

→ Create Modeling Plies

• Workbench Analysis System

– Add Analysis System to the project (p. 308)

– Open the Analysis System and

→ Define Analysis Settings

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Example Analyses

→ Define Boundary Conditions

– Solve model (update the project)

• Postprocessing

– Add ACP (Post) component to the project (p. 309)

– Open ACP (Post) and run the post-processing

4.1.1. Preprocessing
The steps involved in pre-processing are described in the sections below:
4.1.1.1. Workbench Integration
4.1.1.2. Adding ACP Components to the Project
4.1.1.3. Engineering Data
4.1.1.4. Properties
4.1.1.5. Geometry and Units
4.1.1.6. Named Selections and Elements/Edge Sets
4.1.1.7. Starting and Running ACP

4.1.1.1. Workbench Integration

The Workbench Add-in of ACP installs two additional Component Systems to the Workbench
Toolbox: ACP (Pre) and ACP (Post). These systems allow transferring the composite definitions of
ACP between ACP and Mechanical on the Workbench schematic level. ACP is now fully integrated
in the data structure of Ansys Workbench and the update and refresh logic.

It is important that the user updates (refresh) the upstream data to pass the modifications to the
ACP components. The update symbols can be used to check the up-to-date status of each compon-
ent.

4.1.1.2. Adding ACP Components to the Project

The components ACP (Pre) and ACP (Post) are available in the Toolbox menu.

Figure 4.1: ACP Components

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 Analysis of a Composite Shell Model

These components are handled in the Project Schematic like the other standard components (drag-
and-drop or right mouse-click menu).

4.1.1.3. Engineering Data

With the installation of ACP a new material catalog named Composite Materials is available in the
databank. This catalog contains typical materials used in composite structures like unidirectional
and woven carbon and glass, or core materials. Within the Workbench workflow of ACP, the mater-
ials have to be defined in Engineering Data and not in ACP (Pre).

Figure 4.2: Engineering Data Sources

Figure 4.3: Outline of Composite Materials

4.1.1.4. Properties
To fulfill the ACP requirements, the materials in Ansys Workbench have some additional properties
which are highlighted below.

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Example Analyses

Figure 4.4: Material Properties for ACP

The new properties are:

• Ply Type: Physical behavior of the material like core, unidirectional or woven ply.

• Strengths:

– Orthotropic Stress Limits

– Orthotropic Strain Limits

– Isotropic Strain Limits

• Composite Failure Parameters:

– Tsai-Wu Constants

– Puck Constants

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 Analysis of a Composite Shell Model

– LaRc03/04 Constants

– Additional Puck Constants

– Woven Specification for Puck.

More information about the ACP material definitions are described in Section Material Data (p. 61).

4.1.1.5. Geometry and Units

A shell geometry is required for building any composite model in ACP. The geometry can either
be constructed in the Ansys DesignModeler or imported as a CAD file.

The ACP unit system is independent from the unit system in the Mechanical application (User Inter-
face or Solver). The transfer from the Mechanical application to ACP and vice versa automatically
converts the data. The current unit system is displayed in the status bar of ACP at the bottom of
the screen.

4.1.1.6. Named Selections and Elements/Edge Sets

Named Selections based on bodies, surfaces and edges defined in the DesignModeler or the
Mechanical application are transferred to ACP as Element Set and Edge Set, respectively. They are
necessary for building a composite model.

4.1.1.7. Starting and Running ACP

First, an ACP (Pre) component has to be defined in the Workbench project. Double-click Setup to
open ACP (Pre). You can also use the context menu and select Edit, or run a Python script in which
the ACP commands are included, from the context menu. After defining the composite data in ACP
(Pre), the user can return to the Workbench Project to proceed. The ACP data is saved with Save
in the Workbench Project or any other Save Project command in the different components.

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Figure 4.5: Context Menu of ACP (Pre) Setup

4.1.2. Workbench Analysis System

The Workbench analysis system is described in the sections below:
4.1.2.1. Adding an Analysis System to the Project

4.1.2.1. Adding an Analysis System to the Project

The ACP components are handled in the Workbench Project Schematic like any other standard
components. The components can be connected by drag-and-drop operations or using the context
menu. The Mesh, Engineering Data, Named Selections and Coordinate Systems are transferred to
the Analysis System.

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 Analysis of a Composite Shell Model

Figure 4.6: Connecting a Static Structural Analysis to ACP (Pre) using a Drag and Drop
Operation

4.1.3. Postprocessing
Postprocessing the analysis is described in the following sections:
4.1.3.1. Adding an ACP (Post) Component to the Project

4.1.3.1. Adding an ACP (Post) Component to the Project

The ACP (Post) component can be linked to one or several solutions and allows postprocessing of
composite shell and solid structures. As ACP (Post) is linked with the Engineering Data, Geometry,
and the Model of the ACP (Pre) component, the composite definitions (Section Data) are transferred
to ACP (Post) automatically.

As before, the ACP (Post) component can be added to the project by a drag and drop operation.
Pick the ACP (Post) component from the toolbar and drop it on the Model cell of the ACP (Pre)
analysis system.

Figure 4.7: Adding ACP (Post) by Drag and Drop Operation

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Example Analyses

In the second step, one or several solutions can be linked to the ACP (Post) component by dragging
and dropping the Solution cell into the Result cell of ACP (Post).

Figure 4.8: Linking a Solution with ACP (Post)

The complete composite shell model is now ready to be analyzed in ACP (Post).

Figure 4.9: Complete Composite Shell Analysis Model

4.2. Analysis of a Composite Solid Model

In the case of thick composites, the layered shell theory can cause significant errors in the obtained
results. In some cases, it is necessary to work with 3D models - also referred to as Solid Models. ACP
has the unique feature to generate layered solid models based on the shell lay-up definitions. ACP
generates layered solid elements based on the shell mesh and the ACP Composite Definitions thus
representing one-to-one the composite part. Drop-offs, staggering and tapering are also considered.
In addition, the Solid Model extrusion allows to define extrusion directions and boundary curves.

In this section, the workflow of modeling a composite solid is outlined as it differs to some extent from
shell modeling. Selected steps that differ from shell modeling are explained in more detail below and
highlighted with a link.

• Preprocessing

– Add ACP (Pre) component to the project

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 Analysis of a Composite Solid Model

– Define Engineering Data

– Import or construct Geometry

– Open the Model and

→ Define Named Selections/Element Sets

→ Generate Mesh

– Open ACP (Pre) and

→ Define Fabric

→ Define Rosettes and Oriented Selection Sets

→ Create Modeling Plies

→ Create Solid Model (p. 311)

• Workbench Analysis System

– Choose an Analysis System (WB Mechanical/Mechanical APDL) (p. 313)

– Add Analysis System to the project (p. 314)

– Add other systems (p. 317)

– Open the Analysis System and

→ Define Analysis Settings

→ Define Boundary Conditions

– Solve model

• Postprocessing

– Post-process complete assembly (p. 317)

– Add ACP (Post) component to the project (p. 317)

– Open ACP (Post) and run the post-processing for composite parts

4.2.1. Preprocessing

Creating a Solid Model

You can generate a Solid Model by performing a mesh extrusion which converts the shell-based lay-
up definition into a layered, solid-element mesh. The configuration of the extrusion happens in ACP
(Pre) with the Solid Model feature. (For details, see Solid Models (p. 158) in the Usage Reference
chapter.) The options and advanced settings of the Solid Model feature control the extrusion, shape,
and mesh quality. See Guide to Solid Modeling (p. 283) for practical tips and recommendations.

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Example Analyses

The Export settings of the Sold Model control how it is exported for downstream analysis. For instance,
you can choose between different element types (layered solid185 or solsh190). Within Workbench,
the element and node labels are automatically handled to avoid numbering conflicts. (See the section
on Assembly (p. 42).) If automatic numbering is disabled, then the numbering options can be used
to specify the initial labels.

In addition, element sets and edge sets are transferred from ACP (Pre) to the downstream analysis
system (Mechanical Model) where they appear as Named Selections. This aids the definition of
boundary conditions and contacts, for instance, and makes your model associative. (See the section
on Solid Model Properties (p. 159) for more information.) The figure below shows how Named Selections
of the shell geometry are converted into Named Selections of the solid mesh (geometry). An edge
becomes a wall (edge_1 ⇒ EDGE_1_WALL) and a surface is converted into a bottom and top surface
(face ⇒ FACE_BOT and FACE_TOP) in the solid of the downstream Mechanical system.

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 Analysis of a Composite Solid Model

Figure 4.10: Conversion of the Named Selections in the Solid Model Workflow

4.2.2. Workbench Analysis System

Within Ansys Workbench, there are two ways to analyze composite solid models. On the one hand
the analysis can be done in Workbench Mechanical, on the other hand it can be carried out in
Mechanical APDL (Ansys Classic). The functionality is identical, the user interface is very different
however. Alternatively, the composite solid models can be exported from ACP for processing outside
of Ansys.

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Example Analyses

Analysis with Mechanical

The composite layered solid element model appears in Mechanical as a meshed body. Any other
bodies in the ACP (Pre) component are not carried forward. The user can define loads, boundary
conditions and connections to other parts in the usual Mechanical fashion. An example of such a
solid model workflow is shown below:

Figure 4.11: Workbench Workflow for Composite Solid Modeling with Mechanical

Analysis with Mechanical APDL

A further option is to link solid models to a Mechanical APDL where the boundary conditions and
loads are defined. Typically, an APDL script is used to set boundary conditions and analysis settings
for a workflow with Mechanical APDL. An example of a solid model workflow with Mechanical APDL
is shown below:

Figure 4.12: Workbench Workflow for Composite Solid Modeling with Mechanical APDL

Adding an ACP (Pre) Component to the Project

The solid modeling workflow in Ansys allows the assembly of many pre-processing components into
one Analysis System. In some cases, it may be desirable to analyze thick-walled composites in isolation
but, often enough, it is of interest to see the interaction between multiple bodies. The connection
procedure is explained with the help of two examples for both analysis methods (WB Mechanical and
Mechanical APDL).

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 Analysis of a Composite Solid Model

Link with Workbench Mechanical

The procedure for building an analysis model is illustrated with a Static Structural Analysis system
as an example. A composite tube connected to two metal inserts is subjected to torsion. A Project
Schematic is shown below:

Figure 4.13: Analysis of a Composite Tube with Metal Inserts Modeled with Mechanical

In the case of this example, the geometry consists of one shell and two metal inserts. The link between
ACP (Pre) (B5) and the Static Structural (C2) only transfers the generated layered solid element
model. The link between the Mechanical Model (F4) and the Static Structural (C2) transfers all
active bodies. As such, the shell geometry has to be suppressed. Consequently, all three parts appear
as solid bodies in the Static Structural (C2) component. The connections, boundary conditions and
all other pre-processing definitions can be defined in the Setup (C3) in the usual fashion. The global
solution can be determined and analyzed in Workbench Mechanical while the composite component
can be analyzed in detail in ACP (Post) (D5).

Figure 4.14: Suppressed Shell in Mechanical Model

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Example Analyses

Figure 4.15: Assembly of Composite and Metal Solids

Link with Mechanical APDL

Two composite components serve as an example for the Mechanical APDL workflow procedure - a
plate and a t-joint. A Project Schematic is shown below:

Figure 4.16: Analysis of Composite Plate and T-joint Modeled with Mechanical APDL

The sequence of connecting the system is to always connect an ACP (Pre) component first. In this
case, it is not important because both inputs are ACP (Pre) solid models.

In the Mechanical APDL component the boundary conditions, loads and all other pre-processing
definitions can be defined through APDL macros. These macros can be linked with the Mechanical
APDL cell which will be integrated in the automatic update functionality of Workbench. A macro file
can be added to the component through the right-click context menu (see figure below). Add Input
File... appends the APDL running sequence with an additional macro. Check the order of the files of
the Mechanical APDL component. The macros should be listed after the Solid Model Process Setup
file(s).

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 Analysis of a Composite Solid Model

Figure 4.17: Add Reference File

Figure 4.18: List of Used Files and Their Order in Mechanical APDL

Multiple Parts (Adding Other Systems)

It is possible to add multiple components to one Analysis System. Two composite parts or a composite
part connected to two isotropic parts, for example.

4.2.3. Postprocessing

Global Postprocessing
In general, the global solution of all parts can be viewed in Workbench Mechanical or in Mechanical
APDL. Analyzing the results of a multi-part assembly is not possible in ACP (Post) for Solid Models.

Adding an ACP (Post) Component to the Project

The post-processing functionality for Solid Models of ACP allows the mapping of ply wise results on
to the reference surface of the solid model. This ensures that also failures occurring inside the laminate
can be observed and investigated.

The connection between an Analysis System and ACP (Post) always requires the same two steps re-
gardless of whether the Analysis System is Workbench Mechanical or Mechanical APDL. First of all,
the ACP (Post) system has to be associated with an ACP (Pre) system. Subsequently, a solution from
an Analysis System can be linked with the ACP (Post) Results. There are other ways of connecting
ACP (Post) with an Analysis System, yet they all fall short when it comes to linking the Analysis
Solution cell with the ACP (Post) Results cell. This is a known limitation of the Workbench integration.

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Example Analyses

Figure 4.19: Step 1: Drag and Drop an ACP (Post) System on to an ACP (Pre) System

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 Analysis Using Variable Material Data

Figure 4.20: Step 2: Drag and Drop the Static Structural Solution Cell into the ACP (Post) Results
Cell

When multiple ACP (Pre) solid model systems are linked to an Analysis System, then every ACP (Pre)
system has to have a corresponding ACP (Post) system. See Figure 4.16: Analysis of Composite Plate
and T-joint Modeled with Mechanical APDL (p. 316) for an example workflow.

4.3. Analysis Using Variable Material Data

This simple example of a race car nose and wing demonstrates a possible workflow for composite
analyses using variable material data, ACP draping simulation, and temperature dependence. Variable
material data is used to simulate incomplete curing of the composite material in the model. Note that
the wing geometry, composite lay-up, and material data are fictitious and are not to be used in any
real world analysis or application.

The following figure shows the Workbench setup. Cell D (External Data) contains the results of a Fluent
analysis which provides the surface pressure distribution on the race car nose and wing. The composite
lay-up, draping, and incomplete curing field are defined in ACP-Pre in cell A. Cell E (External Data)
defines the temperature field. The structural effect of the airflow around the race car nose and wing

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Example Analyses

are analyzed in cell B (Static Structural). Cell C (ACP-Post) contains the failure analysis of the composite
race car nose and wing.

The model used in this example analysis is available by downloading this file.

A general overview of the use of variable material data can be found in Variable Material Data in Com-
posite Analyses (p. 299).

Figure 4.21: Race Car Workbench Setup

4.3.1. Workbench Engineering Data: Setup Variable Data

Variable data for composite materials are configured in Engineering Data. The following properties
can be functions of up to nine field variables:

• Density

• Elasticity parameters

• Stress limits

• Strain limits

Temperature, Shear Angles and Degradation Factor are predefined field variables. User-defined field
variables can also be created. In this example, the effect of incomplete curing across the parts is
modeled. As a first step, the field variable Incomplete Curing is defined and specified as dimensionless.
A value of 1.0 indicates perfect curing while a value of 0.0 indicates that no curing took place.

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 Analysis Using Variable Material Data

Figure 4.22: Predefined and User-Defined Field Variables in Engineering Data

In the next step, the field variables are assigned to the material properties. Make the elasticity para-
meters of the Epoxy_Carbon_Woven_230GPa_Prepreg material a function of Temperature, Shear
Angle, and Incomplete Curing. To accomplish this, select the material and then select the Ortho-
tropic Elasticity property. Double-clicking a field variable assigns it to the Orthotropic Elasticity
property. Fill the table for the Orthotropic Elasticity property by manually entering values or by
importing a CSV file.

Figure 4.23: Assigning a Field Variable to Material Property

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Example Analyses

Figure 4.24: Populating the Tabular Material using the CSV Interface

During finite element computations and postprocessing, the effective material properties are interpol-
ated from these tables based on the local field variables state. The interpolation scheme can be
controlled when selecting Interpolation Options (p. 384). When selecting the Material Field Variables
property, the unit, default data, lower, and upper limit can be set. The software suggests program
controlled values for some of the options. The default data defines the assumed state of the field
variable, if it is not specified in the model.

In this way, you can have full material specifications in Engineering Data, but only use a subset of
the specified dependencies during the simulation. For more details, see ACP-Pre: Define Fields for
Shear Angle, Degradation Factor, and User-Defined Field Variables (p. 323).

Figure 4.25: Setting Interpolation Options

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 Analysis Using Variable Material Data

4.3.2. ACP-Pre: Define Fields for Shear Angle, Degradation Factor, and User-
Defined Field Variables
ACP-Pre provides the ability to set up fields for Shear Angle (draping), Degradation Factor, and all
user-defined field variables for a complete composite model. The Shear Angle can be defined as a
result of ACP draping simulation or imported via look-up tables (p. 93). Degradation Factor and user-
defined field variables can be defined per shell or solid element as an interpolation result from a
scalar look-up table column. For example, you can define the state of a field variable at various spatial
positions in a .CSV file and import it as a 3-D look-up table (p. 93). By creating a Field Definition (p. 147)
object in ACP-Pre, you can assign the imported scalar look-up table column to the field variables
previously specified in Engineering Data and scope them to part of your model, even to single Mod-
eling Plies. See the Element- or Layer-wise Field Definition (p. 299) section.

The application automatically considers the result of the draping simulation when evaluating the ef-
fective material properties in downstream analyses and postprocessing.

Figure 4.26: Draping Results

Use look-up tables to define scalar fields on composite models. The interpolation result from the look-
up tables can be visualized using Scalar Look-up Table plots and the Field Definition objects in turn
can be visualized using Field Definition plots. The following figure shows Curing Degree over the race
car nose and front wing (upside down).

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Example Analyses

Figure 4.27: Curing Degree Plot

To activate a 3D look-up table as the Curing Degree field, you need to assign it in the ACP-Pre by
setting up a respective Field Definition. Note that you must maintain unit consistency between the
Look-up Table column values and the active unit system in Mechanical (units of the look-up table
column are not converted to the active unit system). See the Field Definitions (p. 147) section for ad-
ditional details. The following figure shows this process:

Figure 4.28: Activating a Look-up Table to Define Curing per Modeling Ply (layer-wise)

4.3.3. Mechanical, Thermal Loading, and External Data

Thermal loading through the Temperature field variable can be accomplish by:

• Transient Thermal analysis

• External Data analysis component in Workbench

• Setting the environmental or part temperature directly in Mechanical

The resolution of the temperature field is per element node.

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 Analysis of a Mapped Composite Solid Model

Figure 4.29: Using External Data to Define Temperature Field

4.3.4. ACP-Post: Analysis Effect of Variable Data

Stress and strain limits can be defined in Engineering Data as a function of field variables. These de-
pendencies are fully reflected in ACP-Post when evaluating respective failure criteria.

The following figure shows inverse reserve factor plots of combined Maximum Stess, Hashin, Face
Sheet Wrinkling, and Core Failure failure criteria. The structure is viewed from the bottom. On the left
is the result with constant material properties, and on the right the effect of Temperature, Shear
Angle, and Incomplete Curing is shown. The color bar ranges are the same. The maximum IRF is about
18% higher on the right.

Figure 4.30: Inverse Reserve Factor

4.4. Analysis of a Mapped Composite Solid Model

In the case of thick composites, the layered shell theory can cause significant errors in the obtained
results. In some cases, it is necessary to work with 3D models, also referred to as Solid Models. ACP has
the feature to map the ACP Composite Definitions onto external solid meshes.

In this section, the workflow of modeling mapped composite solid meshes is outlined. To a large extent
the workflow is the same as that of a standard solid model (p. 310), except there are two main differences:

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Example Analyses

• The solid mesh is imported via Mechanical Model and not generated in ACP (Pre) itself. See
Solid Modeling (p. 40).

• The composite post-processing is only available in Mechanical Model via the composite failure
tool.

An exemplary complete workflow contains these steps:

1. Pre-Processing: Define the Composite Definitions in ACP (Pre) as described in the Analysis of
a Composite Solid Model (p. 310) section.

2. Mapping of the Composite Definitions: Import the external volume mesh and configure the
Imported Solid Model object in ACP (Pre).

3. Analysis: Transfer the solid composite data to a downstream analysis (p. 313) (structural, modal,
etc.).

4. Post-Processing: run the composite failure analysis for the composite structures in Mechanical.

This example examines how a full cross-section composite spring can be modeled with the approach
of mapping Composite Definitions from ACP (Pre) onto an existing mesh. You can get the Workbench
archive for this example by downloading this file. A video that demonstrates this capability can be
found here.

Figure 4.31: Full Cross-Section Composite Spring

Note:

This example assumes that you have properly completed your composite definitions. The
example begins by creating the external solid mesh and transferring it to ACP Pre.

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 Analysis of a Mapped Composite Solid Model

4.4.1. Import External Solid Mesh

In the case of this example, the geometry was imported via DM (System E) and passed to Mechanical.
The geometry contains both the molding surface that is used to specify the Composite Definitions
in the ACP (Pre) (System C) and the volume of the composite spring that is used to generated the
solid mesh in Mechanical (System F).

Figure 4.32: Complete Workbench Project Schematic

The geometry is passed to Mechanical Model F5. Since only the volume is used in System F, the shell
geometry is suppressed in Mechanical.

A cross section view of the composite spring shows the lay-up of the composite spring. It contains
3 sections: ±45 layers, core and a roving in the center of the section.

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Example Analyses

Figure 4.33: Lay-Up of the Composite Spring

The lay-up mapping algorithm in ACP (Pre) is currently designed for structured meshes where degen-
erated elements can be filled with an orthotropic material. Therefore, the solid mesh that gets lay-up
data from ACP (Pre) should mainly consist of structured elements (hex). The approach here is to
generate a structured mesh for the two outer sections (±45 layers and core).

In this example, the inflation and sweep mesh options are used to get the appropriate mesh. The
inflation feature allows us the define the total thickness of the inflation layers and therefore indirectly
defines the radius of the roving section. With this approach the roving section is not a strict structured
mesh. This does not matter because we will use the filler option of the Imported Solid Model feature
to define the material and orientations of this section.

Figure 4.34: Mesh Features and Solid Mesh with the Inflation Layers and Roving Cross Section

In the next step the solid mesh is passed to the ACP (Pre) system by transferring F4 to C5.

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 Analysis of a Mapped Composite Solid Model

4.4.2. Lay-Up Mapping

An Imported Solid Model object is automatically generated in ACP (Pre) as soon as a Mechanical
Model is linked to an ACP Setup component. The file format, unit system and file path are automat-
ically set and cannot be changed.

First the scope of the lay-up mapping has to be defined where the scope distinguish between elements
and plies. In that case here we select all elements (element set All_Elements). As mentioned above,
we map only the ±45 and core plies onto the external solid mesh. Thus we deselect `All Plies` and
select the Modeling Group `Laminate` that contains the ±45 and core plies.

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Example Analyses

The remaining elements are filled with carbon roving and the orientations of these elements are
defined by two edge-wise rosettes as shown below. The result of the mapping is shown in the figures
below. The first figure shows the solid elements of the ±45 and core plies and the second figure the
filler elements and their fiber directions.

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 Analysis of a Mapped Composite Solid Model

Figure 4.35: Selection of the ±45° and Core Plies

Figure 4.36: Filler Elements and Fiber Directions

4.4.3. Analysis of A Mapped Composite Model

The Imported Solid Mesh is passed to a structural system to analyze the nonlinear compression of
the composite spring. Solid meshes with mapped Composite Definitions can only be post-processed
in Mechanical. For that, a Composite Failure Tool is set up to address the different material types
(woven and UD fabrics and core materials). This can be achieved by selecting the Max Stress, Puck
and Core Shear failure criteria.

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Example Analyses

Figure 4.37: Composite Failure Analysis in Mechanical that Shows the Maximum Failure per
Element

4.5. Shear Dependent Materials in Composite Analysis

This example demonstrates a possible workflow for composite analyses using homogenized material
data (with shear dependency) for a woven composite provided by Material Designer. To this end, a
simple model consisting of an inflated half-sphere is considered. The effect of ACP draping simulation
combined with shear-dependent material properties will be shown.

The following figure shows the Workbench setup. The material data of a Carbon/Epoxy woven fabric
are computed by Material Designer (Cells A and B) as illustrated in the Material Designer Woven
Composite Tutorial. The composite lay-up and draping options are defined in ACP-Pre (Cell C). Finally,
the structural effect of an internal pressure load is analyzed in Cell D (Static Structural).

Figure 4.38: Workbench Project Setup

If desired, you can download the model used in this example analysis and perform the steps yourself.

Homogenized Material Data

Following the Material Designer Woven Composite Tutorial, we generate homogenized material data
for a Carbon/Epoxy woven fabric. In particular, we use an RVE whose material directions are aligned
with the yarns bisectors, so that the resulting homogenized material remains orthotropic in presence
of shear (see Fabric Fiber Angle (p. 65) in the Material Designer User's Guide).

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 Shear Dependent Materials in Composite Analysis

Figure 4.39: Woven RVE defined in Material Designer

We set up two analyses in Material Designer (Cell B in the Workbench project): a constant material
analysis and a variable one with a shear angle between -30° and 30° as parameter. The resulting mater-
ials are then transferred to the Engineering Data component of the ACP system.

Figure 4.40: Materials in the Engineering Data Component of the ACP system

Note that the constant material has a constant Fabric Fiber Angle equal to 45°, while the variable ma-
terial has a shear dependent Fabric Fiber Angle.

Figure 4.41: Shear Dependent Fabric Fiber Angle

Fibers and Material 1 Directions in ACP

In ACP, we define a ply with a variable woven fabric and a ply angle of 0°.

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Example Analyses

Figure 4.42: Ply Definition

The effect of the Fabric Fiber Angle property can be highlighted by comparing the ply fiber directions
with the material 1 direction.

Figure 4.43: Fiber (Light Green), Transverse (Dark Green) and Material 1 (Red) Directions

The material 1 direction identifies the direction in which the material properties are specified. However,
the fiber direction is still the nominal modeling direction in ACP, that is, the Ply Angle still defines the
orientation of the fibers with respect to the reference direction.

Draping
The Shear Angle can be defined as a result of ACP draping simulation (see Draping (p. 278)).

You can enable the Internal Draping algorithm in the Draping tab of the Modeling Ply Properties (p. 125)
dialog.

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 Shear Dependent Materials in Composite Analysis

Figure 4.44: Draping Definition

Figure 4.45: ACP Draping Mesh

You can plot the local ply shear value due to draping using an Angle Plot (p. 189) with Draped Shear
Angle as component.

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Example Analyses

Figure 4.46: Shear Angle Plot

In addition, you can further investigate the shearing effect due to draping by plotting the draped fiber
and transverse directions, as well as the material 1 direction.

Figure 4.47: Draped Fiber Direction (Light Blue), Draped Transverse Direction (Blue) and Material
1 Direction (Red)

Plot of Shear Dependent Material Properties

The application automatically considers the result of the draping simulation when evaluating the effective
material properties in downstream analyses and postprocessing. In ACP, you can plot the effective
material properties (for example, the Young's modulus) as a function of the Shear Angle using Material
Plot (p. 212).

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 3D Ply Workflow – Imported Plies

Figure 4.48: Shear-Dependent Young's Modulus

Analysis
The composite model is passed to a structural system to analyze the effect of a uniform pressure load.
It is worth comparing the result with the one obtained considering a constant material and no draping:
in the latter case the maximum deformation is underestimated by more than 30%.

Figure 4.49: Deformation Plot (variable material on left, constant material on right)

4.6. 3D Ply Workflow – Imported Plies

Many different manufacturing processes are available to build composite structures. Traditional processes
are mainly used to fabricate thin or moderately thick laminated structures which can be modeled based
on a reference surface, also called a mold surface. In ACP Pre, this is covered by the Oriented Selection
Set (p. 116) and Modeling Ply (p. 125)features.

New and alternative processes, such as 3D printing and winding, can produce thick and complex
structures. In such cases the approach of building the entire laminate on only one reference surface
often proves unfeasible or results in an inaccurate model. The Imported Modeling Ply (p. 142) feature
allows you to model laminated structures independent of a reference surface, where the geometrical
information (ply extent and so on) is imported from an external source. The lay-up mapping capability,
which is part of the Imported Solid Model (p. 181), is then used to map the Imported Modeling Plies (3D
plies) onto a solid mesh. You can employ this workflow in combination with thermal and structural
analyses such as linear, transient, or explicit for example.

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Example Analyses

4.6.1. Inputs
The 3D Ply Workflow requires two additional inputs, compared to the standard workflow. One is a
finite element mesh of the solid that represents the 3D composite part, and the other is the 3D rep-
resentation of the lay-up. The figure below shows how their data can be transferred to ACP Pre.

In this example, the solid geometry is meshed in Ansys SpaceClaim by using block meshing (see A3).
The solid mesh is then transferred to ACP Pre-Setup by linking the Ansys Mechanical model (the A4-
B5 link). Another option is to mesh the solid geometry in Mechanical. You can import meshes from
third party applications (such as HyperMesh) via an external model. Note: Named Selections (NS) of
the finite element mesh of the solid get transferred to the downstream systems. These Named Selec-
tions can be used to define boundary conditions, contacts, and so on, to make the model associative.

Figure 4.50: 3D Ply Workflow (Courtesy of 9T Labs)

There are two ways to create the 3D ply representations in ACP Pre. Option A: By geometry. Or option
B: By loading an HDF5 Composite CAE (p. 246) in ACP Pre.

Option A: The ply surfaces are represented by CAD faces and are transferred to ACP Pre by linking
one or more geometrical components with ACP Pre (see D2-B5). All the additional information, such
as fiber directions and material, can be defined in ACP Pre using the standard ACP features- such as
Fabrics, Rosettes, and so on.

Option B: This option allows you to import ply definitions from a third-party application. The HDF5
Composite CAE file includes all the information of a layered composite, so the imported ply objects,
their fiber directions, and their thicknesses are created automatically on import. Currently, many CAE
applications support the HDF5 Composite CAE. Contact your Ansys Support Team for further inform-
ation about this format. The figure below shows you how an HDF5 Composite CAE is loaded using
the context menu of the ACP model.

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 3D Ply Workflow – Imported Plies

Figure 4.51: HDF5 Composite CAE Imported as 3D Plies (Imported Modeling Plies)

4.6.2. Example of Use - HDF5 Composite CAE

The following example has been provided by 9T Labs (https://www.9tlabs.com/) who automates and
digitizes composite manufacturing. It shows how a 3D printed composite structure, designed with
Fibrify, can be imported into Ansys Workbench/ACP for simulation. This workflow allows you to import
a 3D composite lay-up definition and convert it into a solid FE model with minimal effort.

You can download the Workbench project archive here. You will find the required HDF5 Composite
CAE file in the following location:

user_files\200401_Rocker_PA_print_2NEW.hdf5cc

The model is already fully configured, and the description below highlights the most important steps.

Figure 4.52: 3D Printing with Endless Fiber Reinforcement and Final Part (Courtesy of 9T Labs)

The following figure shows the Workbench Project Schematic. The 3D geometry of the printed com-
posite part (shown above) is loaded into system A (Solid Mesh) and meshed in SpaceClaim. Three
Named Selections are defined in Model A4 which are used to define the forces and supports later in
the analysis system C3. This is important if you want to have an associative model. The material
properties (such as stiffness and strengths) are defined in the Engineering Data component (B2) of
the ACP Pre system. The solid mesh is transferred to ACP Pre by linking Model A4 with ACP Setup B5
which results in an Imported Solid Model in ACP Pre.

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Example Analyses

Figure 4.53: Simulation of a 3D Printed Composite (Courtesy of 9T Labs)

At this point, only a few mouse-clicks are needed in ACP Pre to load the 3D plies and to configure
the mapping. You can perform the import using the context menu of the ACP Model as shown above
(Figure 4.51: HDF5 Composite CAE Imported as 3D Plies (Imported Modeling Plies) (p. 339)). The imported
plies are accessible in the object Tree and are displayed when selected. To see the Fiber Directions
and other properties, enable the options in the display’s toolbar. Of course, the input data can be
modified as well if needed.

The solid mesh on which the plies are mapped is already available (mesh transfer from A4-B5). The
mapping algorithm must be switched over to Imported Plies (3D plies) by enabling the Use Imported
Plies option in the Imported Solid Model Property Dialog. By default, all plies are mapped and the
result can be verified by selecting the plies of the solid model. The figure below shows a few plies
which are visualized on the solid mesh. (Enable the Show on Solid option in the display toolbar
and select the plies.)

You can now transfer the solid mesh downstream for many different types of analyses, such as a
static structural analysis as shown in System C in the workflow above ( Figure 4.53: Simulation of a
3D Printed Composite (Courtesy of 9T Labs) (p. 340)). After solving the analysis, you can employ the
Composite Failure Tool to predict the safety margin of the composite part. As an example, the figure

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 3D Ply Workflow – Imported Plies

below shows the maximum Inverse Reserve Factor per element. Of course, you can easily generate
ply-wise plots for a more detailed assessment.

Figure 4.54: Distribution of the Inverse Reserve Factors in the Mapped Composite Solid Model

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Chapter 5: Theory Documentation
The theory chapter consists of the following sections:
5.1. Draping Simulation
5.2. Interlaminar Stresses
5.3. Failure Analysis
5.4. Classical Laminate Theory
5.5. General Interpolation Library
5.6. Nomenclature

5.1. Draping Simulation

Draping simulation is explained in the following sections:
5.1.1. Introduction
5.1.2. Draping Procedure
5.1.3.Thickness Correction
5.1.4. Limitations of Draping Simulations

5.1.1. Introduction
Layered composite structures are typically formed by placing reinforced plies against a mold surface
in desired orientations. In the case of flat and singly curved surfaces, the orientation of the ply stays
practically unchanged over the whole application area. When it comes to doubly curved surfaces, a
ply can follow the surface only by deforming. In particular, dry and pre-impregnated woven fabrics
can adapt to the shape of a doubly curved surface without use of excessive force. Deformation occurs
with in-plane shear and up to a certain deformation level the shear stiffness of a fabric is insignificantly
small ([ 2 (p. 549) ]).

When a ply deforms by shearing to follow the surface, the fiber orientation changes. Different ap-
proaches have been developed for the simulation of the draping process [ 3 (p. 549) ]. The need for
draping simulation is twofold. First, the manufacturability of the composite product can be assessed.
Areas where the reinforcement cannot follow the surface are indicated and hence measures can be
taken in design to avoid this. Second, the draping simulation gives the actual fiber orientations at
any location in the model. This information is needed for accurate finite element analysis of the
structure.

5.1.2. Draping Procedure

The draping simulation in ACP uses an energy algorithm. In this approach, a reinforced ply is idealized
with a pin joint net model ([ 1 (p. 549) ] and [ 6 (p. 549) ]). The net consists of unit cells which can un-
dergo different types of deformation depending on the selected draping material model.

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Theory Documentation

5.1.2.1. Propagation Strategy

During the simulation, the unit cells are laid one by one on the surface of the model to ensure full
contact with the surface. The simulation starts from a given seed point and progresses in the given
draping direction. In this phase, each draping cell initially has two known node points. Draping
cells are laid until the model edge is reached. Then, the procedure is repeated in the opposite dir-
ection (if applicable) and in the orthogonal directions as shown below in Figure 5.1: Draping Scheme
(p. 344). After the main draping paths have been determined, the cells with three known nodes are
populated. The algorithm resolves if the whole model is draped or if there are areas where the
draping simulation needs to be restarted..

Figure 5.1: Draping Scheme

Note:

Above figure represents draping of a cell that has two (left) or three (middle) known
node points and propagation scheme using orthogonal directions (right).

The draping procedure involves the search for two types of draping cells: those with two known
nodes or three known nodes as shown above. When two node points are known and the locations
of the other two must be determined, the search algorithm is based on the minimization of the
shear strain energy [ 4 (p. 549) ]:
(5.1)

where G is the elastic shear modulus of the uncured reinforcement. The shear deformation is related
to the angle α between the originally orthogonal fibers [ 3 (p. 549) ]:
(5.2)

The total shear strain energy of the draping cell is defined as the sum of energy computed at the
four corners. The two constants can be excluded and the minimization problem becomes:

(5.3)

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 Draping Simulation

Figure 5.2: Angle Notation for the Draping Energy Algorithm

From this, the locations of the two node points can be determined with an iterative minimization
algorithm. In the case of three known points, the search algorithm seeks the fourth node point in
different ways depending on the material model in use.

5.1.2.2. Woven Material Model

In the woven material model, unit cells are made of inextensible bi-directional fibers pinned together
at crossover node points. The deformation of the fabric takes place by pure rotation of the fibers
around the pins as illustrated in Figure 5.3: Deformation of the Draping Unit Cell (p. 345).

Figure 5.3: Deformation of the Draping Unit Cell

When using this model, in case of three known node points the search algorithm seeks the fourth
one from the surface so that the distances (along the surface) to the adjacent node points are equal
to a unit cell side length.

The model is specifically developed for woven fabrics, but it has been proven to work for cross ply
prepreg stacks and also for single unidirectional plies when the deformation is moderate [ 8 (p. 549)
].

5.1.2.3. Unidirectional Material Model

In the unidirectional model, the inextensibility assumption in the transverse direction is removed.
Still, due to the high modulus of individual fibers, cell edges along the fiber direction are assumed
to be inextensible.

As a result, given three node points the fourth one is not uniquely determined by geometrical
considerations. In fact, the length of the missing edge in the transverse direction is a degree of

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freedom. This unknown length (l) (and therefore the position of the fourth node) is computed by
minimizing an energy function featuring two contributions weighted by the UD coefficient ω ∈
[0,1]:

(5.4)

The first term promotes low shear energy, while the second term favours edge lengths (in the
transverse direction) close to the reference unit cell length (lref). By varying and possibly fitting to
experimental or manufacturing data the UD coefficient, you can control the amount of deformation
allowed in the transverse direction.

It is worth noting that the unidirectional model reduces to the woven material model when the
UD coefficient is set to zero.

5.1.2.4. Output of the Draping Simulation

The simulation determines fiber principal directions. These directions are mapped to the finite ele-
ment model to correct laminate lay-ups accordingly. The shearing angle β is defined as
(5.5)

It expresses the deviation from the ideal non-sheared case. The visualization of β values over the
model surface is useful for depicting problem areas. For most fabric reinforcements, the maximum
deformation angle α is 30-40 degrees [ 7 (p. 549) ]. When a fabric is sheared to a specific deformation
level, the shear force starts to increase radically with little increase in the shear deformation. This
limit is called the locking angle, and beyond it buckling is observed. The locking angle of a rein-
forcement can be determined experimentally [ 5 (p. 549) ].

5.1.3. Thickness Correction

The thickness correction option of the internal draping feature changes the thickness of a draped ply
when it is sheared. The draping mesh is laid down on top of the finite element mesh and its size is
independent of the finite element mesh. Thickness correction algorithm is based on conservation of
volume per draping element. For that purpose, the ratio of the area of the distorted draping element
to its plane reference is computed and the thickness of the analysis plies being considered is corrected
accordingly.

5.1.4. Limitations of Draping Simulations

The draping simulation approach has the following limitations:

• The surfaces to be draped must be smooth. No sharp edges are allowed.

• The draping procedure does not change mechanical properties of the ply by default. However,
mechanical properties can be altered if a shear-dependent material is defined. For more information,
see Variable Material Data in Composite Analyses (p. 299).

• Ply thickness does not automatically change as a result of a draping procedure. A thickness correction
can, however, be activated in the modeling ply properties.

• It is assumed that fabric transverse direction is initially perpendicular to the principal direction 1.

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 Interlaminar Stresses

• The fiber slippage is a phenomenon that takes place after the locking limit and is noticeable only
at relatively high deformation levels. The fiber slippage is not considered in this draping approach.

• It is known that some geometries can lead to flawed or deficient results, for example draping across
a complete cylinder. This issue can be rectified by subdivision of the draping geometry.

5.2. Interlaminar Stresses

This section contains detailed background information on the evaluation of interlaminar stresses. A
short general overview of the stress, strain, and failure analysis can be found in Postprocessing (p. 238).
5.2.1. Introduction
5.2.2. Interlaminar Normal Stresses
5.2.3.Transverse Shear Stresses

5.2.1. Introduction
In the analysis of layered composite structures, shell elements are widely used to keep the computa-
tional effort reasonable. In-plane stresses and even transverse shear stresses can be predicted with
accuracy using shells based on the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT). However, in the ana-
lysis of thick-walled curved structures, interlaminar normal stresses (INS) can play a significant role.
The normal stresses may affect the failure mode or even cause delamination failure. INS computation
is not commonly available in shell element formulations, which leads to use of computationally ex-
pensive solid modeling instead.

The approach by Roos et al. ([ 14 (p. 549) ]) for INS computation of doubly curved laminate structures
represents an alternative for solid modeling. The basis for the INS calculation is the displacement
solution obtained from a shell based model. In conjunction with the INS approach, transverse shear
stresses are computed with the approach presented by Rohwer ([ 11 (p. 549) ]) and Rolfes ([ 12 (p. 549)
]). When considered at layer interfaces, transverse shear stresses are referred to as interlaminar shear
stresses (ISS).

5.2.2. Interlaminar Normal Stresses

This section is a brief description of the post-processing algorithm which computes the interlaminar
normal stresses for layered shell elements based on the laminate deformations and geometrical
curvature.

A cylindrical coordinate system is used for describing an arbitrary doubly curved shell [ 9 (p. 549) ].
Curved shell geometry, illustrated in Figure 5.4: Doubly Curved FE Geometry (p. 348), is described by
the coordinates and it is subdivided into angular segments with the apex angles and
and the constant curvature radii of the centerline and .

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Theory Documentation

Figure 5.4: Doubly Curved FE Geometry

The radial equilibrium equation becomes

(5.6)

where:

Each segment is embedded between four cross-sections which are assumed to remain straight and
perpendicular to the midplane. Studies on singly curved plates ([ 10 (p. 549) ] and [ 13 (p. 549) ]) show
that the shear terms have only small effect and are therefore neglected here. Equation 5.6 (p. 348)
reduces to
(5.7)

where only direct stresses appear and the material law reduces to

(5.8)

where are components of the 3-D stiffness matrix expressed in reference coordinates which are
parallel to the principal direction. The evaluation is described in Reference Coordinates (p. 349). The
term indicates free layer strains due to spatially constant changes of temperature and moisture
content .
(5.9)

Direct strains in Equation 5.8 (p. 348) can be expressed through the displacements u, v, and w. The
kinematic relations in the modified coordinate system are:

(5.10)

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 Interlaminar Stresses

The in-plane deformations u and v are expressed by the laminate deformations and . The through-
the-thickness coordinate is replaced with the radial coordinate and the curvature radii of the
midplane:

(5.11)

The direct strains become

(5.12)

The combination of the material law of Equation 5.8 (p. 348) with the kinematic relations of Equa-
tion 5.10 (p. 348) leads to the direct stresses expressed by the deformations:

(5.13)

Equation 5.13 (p. 349) is combined with the radial equilibrium Equation 5.7 (p. 348) and the differential
equation of the through-the-thickness displacement is:
(5.14)

where:

5.2.2.1. Reference Coordinates

The reference coordinates, which are needed to evaluate the material stiffness and strains are
evaluated depending on the laminate properties or the curvature. If the laminate is non-isotropic,
the reference coordinates are parallel to the principal laminate directions, where the first principal
laminate stiffness has its maximum. In the case of a quasi-isotropic laminate, the reference coordin-
ates are parallel to the principal curvature directions.

5.2.2.2. Numeric Solution

The solution of Equation 5.14 (p. 349) is found with the finite difference method. The differential
equation represents a linear second order boundary value problem.
(5.15)

where the derivatives are replaced with

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where are the displacements at the supporting points through the thickness and is the distance
between two consecutive supporting points. Their placement scheme for a single-layer laminate is
shown on the left of Figure 5.5: Integration Scheme (p. 350). The boundary conditions lead to a non-
singular linear system of equations (LSoE) and are represented by the INS which have to vanish at
the top and bottom surfaces of the laminate.

Figure 5.5: Integration Scheme

The above figure shows single layer (left) and multilayer laminate (right) where the indices 1, 2,
and 3 count the layers and refers to .

The through-the-thickness INS distribution is obtained by combining Equation 5.8 (p. 348) and
Equation 5.10 (p. 348).

(5.16)

This equation can be transformed to:

(5.17)

and is integrated in the LSoE where and modify the first and the last row of the left and right
side of the LSoE, respectively.

Every additional layer leads to two more interface continuity conditions that have to be fulfilled:

(5.18)

The first derivative of the through-the-thickness displacements is found using Equation 5.16 (p. 350).
Additional supporting points, which are placed outside the layer, are necessary to evaluate the INS
at the layer intersections. An integration scheme for a three layer laminate is plotted on the right
of Figure 5.5: Integration Scheme (p. 350) where the supporting points n = [7,8,15,16] guarantee the
through-the-thickness continuity of the INS.

5.2.3. Transverse Shear Stresses

The method employed for computing transverse (interlaminar) shear stresses of FSDT-based shell
elements is based on the work by Rohwer ([ 11 (p. 549) ]) and Rolfes ([ 12 (p. 549) ]). The transverse
shear stresses are calculated from the three dimensional equilibrium equations of elasticity:

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 Interlaminar Stresses

(5.19)

In order to calculate the shear stresses from the equilibrium equations, the in-plane stresses need to
be derived first and then integrated with respect to the thickness coordinate:
(5.20)

In-plane stresses are piecewise continuous functions, so the integration must be done in parts. Applying
the stress-strain relation for in-plane stresses, Equation 5.20 (p. 351) takes the form
(5.21)

where:

Strain derivatives in Equation 5.21 (p. 351) can also be transformed to give an expression in terms of
force derivatives by applying the constitutive equations. In order to calculate the stresses straight
from the shear forces, some additional assumptions have to be made.

The influence of the in-plane force derivatives is neglected, that is

(5.22)

Strain derivatives then reduce to the form

(5.23)

where and are the laminate compliance matrices.

The actual displacement fields are further simplified by assuming two separate cylindrical bending
modes. The moment derivatives then reduce to the simple resultant shear forces:

(5.24)

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Applying Equation 5.22 (p. 351), Equation 5.23 (p. 351), and Equation 5.24 (p. 351) to Equation 5.21 (p. 351)
yields:

(5.25)

This simplifies to:

(5.26)

where are the components of the 3 x 3 matrix . The components of the matrix are
piecewise continuous, second order functions of determined by:
(5.27)

where:

The functions and are defined by the continuity of stresses at the layer interfaces:

(5.28)

It can be seen that the functions and of Equation 5.27 (p. 352) give the laminate stiffness
matrices and at the lower surface of the laminate and zero at the top surface of the laminate:

(5.29)

Therefore, the transverse shear stresses of Equation 5.26 (p. 352) become zero for the top and bottom
surfaces and fulfill the boundary conditions of transverse shear stresses going to zero at the laminate
surfaces.

In the local coordinate system the transverse shear stresses are:

(5.30)

where the 2 x 2 transformation matrix is

(5.31)

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 Failure Analysis

5.3. Failure Analysis

This section contains detailed background information on the evaluation of interlaminar stresses. A
generalized overview of failure analysis is shown in Postprocessing (p. 238).
5.3.1. Reserve Factor
5.3.2. Weighting Factors
5.3.3. Failure Criterion Function
5.3.4. Failure Criteria for Reinforced Materials
5.3.5. Sandwich Failure
5.3.6. Isotropic Material Failure
5.3.7. Adhesive Failure (Beta Version)
5.3.8. Failure Criteria vs. Ply Type Table

5.3.1. Reserve Factor

The reserve factor indicates margin to failure. The applied load multiplied by the reserve factor
gives the failure load:
(5.32)

Reserve factor values greater than one indicate positive margin to failure and values less than one
indicate negative margin. The values of reserve factors are always greater than zero.

The critical values of reserve factors lie between zero and one, whereas the non-critical values range
from one to infinity. Whether the results are shown in numeric form or as contour plots, the non-
critical values tend to be emphasized in comparison to critical values. Therefore, the inverse reserve
factor is often preferred in practical use:
(5.33)

The non-critical values of range from zero to one and the critical values from that on.

The margin of safety is an alternative for the reserve factor in indicating margin to failure. The
margin of safety is obtained from the corresponding reserve factor with the relation
(5.34)

A positive margin of safety indicates the relative amount that the applied load can be increased before
reaching failure load. Correspondingly, a negative margin of safety indicates how much the applied
load should be decreased. Margins of safety are typically expressed as percentages.

5.3.2. Weighting Factors

Several failure criteria implemented in ACP are able to predict the failure mode, for example whether
fiber or matrix failure occurs first. It is possible to assign weighting factors to individual failure mode
criteria and therefore create a certain bias towards or against a specific failure mode. As a result,
failure criteria can be tuned to specific requirements. A design may require a higher safety against
delamination than against fiber failure and the weighting factor of delamination is increased.

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Using the maximum stress criterion given in Equation 5.37 (p. 355) as an example, the following shows
the implementation of weighting factors in ACP:
(5.35)

5.3.3. Failure Criterion Function

The strength of materials and material systems under multiaxial loads can be predicted based on
different failure criteria. Failure criteria relate the material strength allowables, defined for uniaxial
tension-compression and shear, to the general stress-strain state due to multiaxial loads. Typically
failure criteria are presented as mathematical expressions called failure criterion functions , which
are functions of the stresses (or strains) and the material strength.

The values of failure criterion functions change with load similarly as the inverse reserve factor (values
below one are non-critical and one indicates failure). However, the values are generally not equal
except at the failure point. The reserve factor describes the distance from the point of the applied
load to the failure point. Typically a numeric line search method is used for determining the value of
based on the selected failure criterion, stresses and strains due to the applied load, and material
strength allowables.

5.3.4. Failure Criteria for Reinforced Materials

This section contains the following information:
5.3.4.1. Maximum Strain Criterion
5.3.4.2. Maximum Stress Criterion
5.3.4.3. Quadratic Failure Criteria
5.3.4.4. Hashin Failure Criterion
5.3.4.5. Puck Failure Criteria
5.3.4.6. LaRC Failure Criterion
5.3.4.7. Cuntze's Failure Criteria

5.3.4.1. Maximum Strain Criterion

In the maximum strain criterion, the ratios of the actual strains to the failure strains are compared
in the ply principal coordinate system. The failure criterion function is written as

(5.36)

where:

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 Failure Analysis

5.3.4.2. Maximum Stress Criterion

In the maximum stress criterion, the ratios of the actual stresses to the failure stresses are compared
in the ply principal coordinate system. Thus, the failure criterion function is
(5.37)

where:

5.3.4.3. Quadratic Failure Criteria

In quadratic criteria all the stress or strain components are combined into one expression. Many
commonly used criteria for fiber-reinforced composites belong to a subset of fully interactive criteria
called quadratic criteria. The general form of quadratic criteria can be expressed as a second-order
polynomial.

(5.38)

In plane stress-state ( ), the polynomial reduces to the simpler form

(5.39)

The quadratic failure criteria in ACP (Tsai-Wu (p. 355), Tsai-Hill (p. 356), and Hoffman (p. 357)) differ
in how the coefficients and are defined. Generally, the coefficients and are determined
so that the value of the failure criterion function corresponds to the material strength when a uni-
directional stress state is present. However, not all coefficients can be determined in this way.

5.3.4.3.1. Tsai-Wu Failure Criterion

For the plane stress-state the Tsai-Wu criterion coefficients have the values

(5.40)

Thus, the criterion can be written as:

(5.41)

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The coefficient cannot be obtained directly from the failure stresses of uniaxial load cases.
For accurate results it should be determined through biaxial load tests. In practice, it is often
given in the form of a non-dimensional interaction coefficient:

(5.42)

To insure that the criterion represents a closed conical failure surface, the value of must be
within the range . However, the value range for physically meaningful material beha-
vior is more limited. The often used value corresponds to a "generalized Von Mises criterion".
The final Tsai-Wu constant becomes -1 as used in Equation 5.43 (p. 356). Similarly ,
can be dealt with using the corresponding values and , which leads to the Tsai-Wu 3-D
expression:

(5.43)

In ACP the Tsai-Wu constants are:

, default -1
, default -1
, default -1

5.3.4.3.2. Tsai-Hill Failure Criterion

In the Tsai-Hill criterion, either tensile or compressive strengths are used for determining the
coefficients depending on the loading condition. The coefficients are:

(5.44)

where the values of and are:

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 Failure Analysis

(5.45)

The Tsai-Hill failure criterion differentiates between UD and woven plies. The Tsai-Hill failure cri-
terion function for UD plies can be written in the form

(5.46)

For woven plies, the function becomes

(5.47)

where .

For the full 3-D case another formulation can be used, as in [ 25 (p. 550) ]:

(5.48)

where

(5.49)

5.3.4.3.3. Hoffman Failure Criterion

The Hoffman criterion defines the biaxial coefficients , , and with the following mater-
ial strength expressions for the 3-D stress state:

(5.50)

The Hoffman failure criterion for a 3-D stress state can be written as:

(5.51)

The biaxial coefficient for the plane stress state reduces to:
(5.52)

The entire Hoffman criterion in the plane stress case reduces to:

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(5.53)

5.3.4.4. Hashin Failure Criterion

The Hashin criterion [ 43 (p. 551) ] is used to predict failure in UD (transversal-isotropic orthotropic
23) materials. There are two formulations, one for plane stress and another for the full 3-D stress
state.

In the Hashin criterion, criticality of tensile loads in the fiber direction is predicted with the
expression:

(5.54)

Under compressive loads in the fiber direction , failure is predicted with an independent
stress condition (for both 2-D and 3-D):
(5.55)

In the case of tensile transverse stress, the expression for predicting matrix failure is:

(5.56)

This expression is used when the transverse stress is compressive:

(5.57)

In addition and optionally, ACP predicts delamination (tension and compression) with this expression:
(5.58)

The most critical of the failure modes is selected:

(5.59)

5.3.4.5. Puck Failure Criteria

There are several different Puck Failure criteria, the following sections describe them.

5.3.4.5.1. Simple and Modified Puck Criterion

The two oldest Puck failure criterion formulations are simple Puck and modified Puck. Both criteria
consider failure due to longitudinal loads and matrix failure mode due to transverse and shear
loads separately ([ 27 (p. 550) ] and [ 28 (p. 550) ]).

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 Failure Analysis

For both the simple and modified Puck criteria, failure in fiber direction is calculated the same
way as in the maximum stress criterion:
(5.60)

Matrix failure is calculated differently for each formulation as illustrated in Equation 5.61 (p. 359)
for simple Puck. Equation 5.62 (p. 359) demonstrates how tensile or compressive failure stresses
are used depending on the stress state.
(5.61)

where:

(5.62)

The modified Puck criterion differs from the simple criterion only in the formulation for matrix
failure:

(5.63)

As in Hashin Failure Criterion (p. 358), the failure occurs when either or reaches one, so the
failure criterion function is:
(5.64)

Despite being called simple in the failure criteria configuration in the Failure Criteria Definition
dialog the Puck modified version is actually implemented. The name is referring to the simplicity
of that criterion in comparison to Puck's Action Plane Strength Criterion (p. 359).

5.3.4.5.2. Puck's Action Plane Strength Criterion

The following sections describe the different failure modes for Puck’s action plane strength cri-
terion.

5.3.4.5.2.1. Fiber Failure (FF)

As in the simple Puck criterion, one option for evaluating fiber failure is to use the maximum
stress criterion for that case ([ 29 (p. 550) ], [ 30 (p. 550) ], and [ 31 (p. 550) ]):
(5.65)

and similarly a maximum strain criterion:

(5.66)

A more complicated version for FF criterion was presented by Puck for the World Wide Failure
Exercise, but the maximum stress criterion is considered sufficient for the case of FF.

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5.3.4.5.2.2. Interfiber Failure (IFF)

Interfiber failure is formulated differently depending on the model type.

Plane stress-state

Interfiber failure, or interfiber fracture ([ 29 (p. 550) ] and [ 30 (p. 550) ]) can be explained in the
cutting plane for which the principal stress of a UD layer is zero in the case of plane stress.

Figure 5.6: Fracture Curve in σ2, τ21 Space for σ1 = 0

The curve consists of two ellipses (modes and ) and one parabola (mode ). Generally
Puck's action plane strength criterion is formed utilizing the following 7 parameters,
, where stands for fracture resistances and for slope para-
meters of the fracture curves. The symbols and denote the reference to direction parallel
to the fibers and transverse (perpendicular) to the fibers. The values for and define the
intersections of the curve with -axis, as well as for the intersection with -axis. The
slope parameters and are the inclinations in the latter intersections.

The failure conditions for IFF are:

(5.67)

The superscript denotes that the fracture resistance belongs to the action plane.

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 Failure Analysis

(5.68)

The assumption is valid here and leads to:

(5.69)

Equation 5.70 (p. 361) is also valid.

(5.70)

As the failure criterion functions and the functions for their corresponding stress exposure
factors are the same, they can be written as follows (given Equation 5.69 (p. 361) and Equa-
tion 5.70 (p. 361)):

(5.71)

3-D Stress State

While the latter formulations have been a reduced case working in ( )-stress space, the
3-D stress state can be described with Equation 5.72 (p. 361):

(5.72)

where:

From the above equations, the failure criterion function is formulated in the fracture (action)
plane using the corresponding stresses and strains. The formulations for the stresses , ,
and in an arbitrary plane with the inclination angle are:

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(5.73)

To find the stress exposure factor the angle is iterated to find the global maximum, as
the failure will occur for that angle. An analytical solution for the fracture angle is only available
for plane stress-state by assuming:
(5.74)

which leads to formulations for the exposure factor:

(5.75)

Puck illustrated in [ 29 (p. 550) ] that the latter criterion can be used as a criterion to determine
delamination, if an additional weakening factor for the interface is applied, finally
resulting in:

(5.76)

The active failure mode depends on the fraction angle and the sign of . Delamination can
occur if is positive and is 90 degree. The failure modes and happen with neg-
ative .

Puck Constants

Different default values for the coefficients are set for carbon and glass fiber plies to:

Carbon:

Glass:

Those values are compliant with recommendations given in [ 32 (p. 550) ].

Influence of fiber parallel stresses on inter-fiber failure

To take into account that some fibers might break already under uniaxial loads much lower
than loads which cause ultimate failure (which can be seen as a kind of degradation), weakening
factors can be introduced for the strength parameters. Puck formulated a power law relation
in [ 29 (p. 550) ]:
(5.77)

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 Failure Analysis

where and and can be can be experimentally determined.

Different approaches exist to handle this problem numerically. The function given in Equa-
tion 5.77 (p. 362) can be replaced by an elliptic function:

(5.78)

where:

and are degradation parameters.

In ACP, the stress exposure factor is calculated by intersecting the weakening factor ellipse
with a straight line defined by the stress vector using the parameters:

Otherwise the fiber failure criterion determines the stress exposure factor .

Default values for the degradation parameters are and .

5.3.4.6. LaRC Failure Criterion

LaRC03 (2-D) and LaRC04 (3-D) are two sets of failure criteria for laminated fiber-reinforced compos-
ites. They are based on physical models for each failure mode and distinguish between fiber and
matrix failure for different transverse fiber and matrix tension and compression modes. The LaRC
criteria take into account that the apparent (in-situ) strength of an embedded ply, constrained by
plies of different fiber orientations, is different compared to the same ply embedded in a UD lam-
inate. Specifically, moderate transverse compression increases the apparent shear strength of a ply.
Similarly in-plane shear significantly reduces the compressive strength of a ply. The evaluation of
the in-situ strength also makes a distinction between thin and thick plies. The definition for a thick
ply is a ply in which the slit crack is much smaller than the ply thickness. For epoxy E-glass and
epoxy carbon laminates, the suggested threshold between thin and thick plies is 0.7 mm ([ 21 (p. 550)
] and [ 26 (p. 550) ]).

The implemented LaRC04 (3-D) failure criterion ACP assumes linear shear behavior and small angle
deflection. The abbreviation LaRC stands for Langley Research Center.

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5.3.4.6.1. LaRC03/LaRC04 Constants

The required unidirectional properties for the criteria are:

, , , , , , , , , , and .

where is the longitudinal shear strength and and are the fracture toughness for mode
I and II.

The following LaRC Constants are required for postprocessing in ACP:

• Fracture Toughness Ratio: (Dimensionless)

• Fracture Toughness Mode I: (Force / Length)

• Fracture Toughness Mode II: (Force / Length)

• Fracture Angle under Compression: (Degrees)

• Thin Ply Thickness Limit (Length)

The fracture angle can be determined in tests or taken to be which has proven to have
good results for carbon/epoxy and glass/epoxy laminates [ 30 (p. 550) ]. The Thin Ply Thickness
Limit is the only default value set for the LaRC parameters. The following reference values are
drawn from [ 37 (p. 551) ]:

Parameter Typical Values

(Carbon/epoxy)
Elastic Modulus, (GPa) 128

Elastic Modulus, , (GPa) 7.63

Fracture Angle (deg) 53
Fracture Toughness Mode 1, (N/mm) 0.28
Fracture Toughness Mode 2, 0.79
(N/mm)
Fracture Toughness Ratio, g 0.35
Thin Ply Thickness Limit (mm) 0.7

5.3.4.6.2. General Expressions

Several failure functions involve the friction coefficients, in-situ strengths, and fiber misalignment.
These values are described in the following sections.

Friction Coefficients

Laminates tend not too fail in the plane of maximum shear stress. This is attributed to internal
friction and considered in the LaRC failure criteria with two friction coefficients:

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 Failure Analysis

Transverse Friction Coefficient:

Longitudinal Friction Coefficient:

In-Situ Ply Strength

The in-situ transverse direct strength and longitudinal shear strength for a thin ply are:

(5.79)

where:

= thickness of an embedded ply

For a thick ply, the in-situ strengths are not a function of the ply thickness:

(5.80)

5.3.4.6.3. Fiber Misalignment Frame

Fiber compression, where the plies fail due to fiber kinking, is handled separately for transverse
tension and transverse compression. In the model, imperfections in the fiber alignment are rep-
resented by regions of waviness, where transformed stresses can be calculated using a misalign-
ment frame transforming the "original stresses". There are two different misalignment frames for
LaRC03 (2-D) and LaRC04 (3-D).

LaRC03

For LaRC03, the stresses in the misaligned frame are computed as follows:

(5.81)

The misalignment angle for pure compression can be derived to 114 (p. 366) using
and in the equations above as well as the stresses and the quadratic interaction
criterion presented in Equation 5.93 (p. 368) for matrix compression.

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(5.82)

The total misalignment angle is calculated from:

(5.83)

LaRC04

The 2-D misalignment model assumes that the kinking occurs in the plane of the lamina. LaRC04
incorporates a more complex 3-D model for the kink band formation. The kink plane is at an
angle to the plane of the lamina. It is assumed to lie at an angle so that and is therefore
given by:

(5.84)

and the stresses rotated in this plane are:

Following the definition of a kink plane, the stresses are rotated into a misaligned frame. This
frame defined by evaluating the initial and the misalignment angles for pure compression as well
as the shear strain under the assumption of linear shear behavior and small angle approximation:

(5.85)

where:

= the misalignment angle for pure compression.

Following this, the stresses can be rotated into the misaligned coordinate system:

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 Failure Analysis

5.3.4.6.4. LaRC03 (2-D)

The following sections describe the failure modes for LaRC03 (2-D).

Fiber Failure

For fiber tension a simple maximum strain approach is applied:

(5.86)

Fiber compression failure for matrix compression is calculated as follows:

(5.87)

For fiber compression failure with matrix tension, the following quadratic equation has to be
solved:

(5.88)

Matrix Failure

The formulation for matrix tensile failure is similar to that of fiber compressive failure under
transverse compression. The difference is that the stress terms are not in the misaligned frame.

(5.89)

Matrix compression failure is divided into two separate cases depending on the longitudal loading.
The failure function for the first case is:

(5.90)

where the effective shear stresses for matrix compression are based on the Mohr-Coulomb criterion
which relates the effective shear stresses with the stresses of the fracture plane in Mohr's circle.

(5.91)

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The transverse shear strength in terms of the transverse compressive strength and the fracture
angle can be written as:

(5.92)

The failure function for the second case is:

(5.93)

where the effective shear stresses are rotated into the misaligned frame:

5.3.4.6.5. LaRC04 (3-D)

The following sections describe the failure modes for LaRC04 (3-D).

Fiber Failure

The LaRC04 fiber tensile failure criteria is simply a maximum allowable stress criterion with no
interaction of other components:
(5.94)

Fiber compressive failure is divided into two components depending of the direction of the
transverse stress. For transverse compression it is:

(5.95)

The failure function for fiber compression and matrix tension is based on the Ansys Combined
Stresses and Strains formulation for the LaRC criteria.

(5.96)

Matrix Failure

The failure function for matrix tension is based on the Ansys Combined Stresses and Strains for-
mulation for the LaRC criteria.

(5.97)

Matrix compressive failure is given by:

(5.98)

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 Failure Analysis

where:

Matrix compressive failure with transverse tension is given by:

(5.99)

5.3.4.7. Cuntze's Failure Criteria

Cuntze's approach is based on his general invarient-formulated failure mode concept (applicable
for isotropic and orthotropic materials), applied here to transversely isotropic UD materials. This
concept strictly separates the 5 strength failure modes inherent to UD materials. Material symmetry
requires strength measurements in 5 directions, and physical fracture morphology dictates that
each failure mode is dominated by strength in a single direction only.

Cuntze's strength of failure conditions (SFC) can be termed modal conditions according to the fact
that a failure function F describes just one failure mode and involves just the mode-associated
strength:
(5.100)

with the vector of 6 stresses .

A set of modal SFCs requires an interaction of the 5 failure modes. The observed failure modes are
two fiber failure modes (FF1 tension, and FF2 compression) and three interfiber failure modes (IFF1
transverse tension, IFF2 transverse compression, and IFF3 shear) which represent cohesive and ad-
hesive matrix failures between fiber and matrix.

Cuntze provides equivalent stresses for all 5 fracture failure modes of the brittle-behaving UD ma-
terial similarly to the Hencky-Mises-Huber yielding failure mode of ductile-behaving materials.

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Figure 5.7: UD Failure Modes

An equivalent stress includes all stresses that are acting together in a given failure mode. The
vector containing all equivalent stresses is:
(5.101)

where an equivalent stress is related to the mode strength and the material stressing effort by:

(5.102)

(5.103)

where the overbar marks statistical average values and the mode strengths can be substituted by
the respective material stress limits.

In addition to the 5 strengths, Cuntze uses two material-inherent fracture parameters,

(required by Mohr-Coulomb), because SFCs for brittle-behaving materials cannot be based on
strength values alone. Macromechanical SFCs must consider that materials fail on the micromech-
anical level, with respect to the fiber failure modes.

Five invariants are used for the generation of the five SFCs (2-D or 3-D) [ 17 (p. 550) ]:

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 Failure Analysis

(5.104)

5.3.4.7.1. 3-D Failures

Replacing the invariants in Cuntze's invariant formulated SFCs [ 19 (p. 550) ] [ 20 (p. 550) ] with the
associated stress states (factoring in IFF3 not the full stress state components but just the mode
failure driving stress) and resolving for the simplified material stressing efforts yields the fol-
lowing:

(5.105)

where the superscripts and stand for tension and compression, respectively.

The friction parameter can be computed from the available friction coefficients of the UD ma-
terial, derived in [ 20 (p. 550) ]

(5.106)

with typical ranges being:

If measurement data of the fracture angle is given, the friction coefficient is determined as:
(5.107)

or the directly related parameter as:

(5.108)

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where .

If the IFF2 and IFF3 curves are based on enough test data, the 2 friction parameters can be de-
termined using the following formulas [ 20 (p. 550) ]:

(5.109)

An interaction of the failure modes occurs due to the fact that the full (global) failure surface
consists of five parts. Cuntze models these interactions by a simple, probability-based series spring
model [ 17 (p. 550) ]. This model describes the lamina failure system as a series failure system
which fails whenever any of its elements fail. Each mode is one element of this failure system
and is treated as independent of the others. By this method, the interaction between FF and IFF
modes as well as between the various IFF modes acts as a rounding-off procedure, enabling the
determination of the final or inverse reserve factor (IRF).
(5.110)

In other words, the interaction equation includes all mode stressing efforts, and each of them
represents a portion of the material's load-carrying capacity. In 2-D practice at maximum 3 of the
5 modes will interact.

The modes' interaction exponent is obtained by curve-fitting of test data in the interaction
zones. Experimental data showed that (for CFRP) .

The exponent is high in case of low scatter and low in the case of high scatter, hence chosing
a low value for the interaction exponent is conservative. As an engineering assumption, is always
given by the same value, regardless of the distinct mode interaction domain.

For pre-design, Cuntze recommends and

5.3.4.7.2. 2-D Failures

Cuntze's approach delivers the following simplified material stressing efforts for the five failure
modes:

(5.111)

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5.3.5. Sandwich Failure

The following sections describe the different failure criteria for sandwich failure.
5.3.5.1. Core Failure
5.3.5.2. Face Sheet Wrinkling
5.3.5.3. Shear Crimping Failure

5.3.5.1. Core Failure

The Core Failure criterion predicts failure of core materials in sandwich structures due to interlam-
inar shear ( , ) and normal stresses . It is assumed that core failure is highly dominated by
the out-of-plane stresses and therefore the in-plane terms are neglected. The normal stress is
only considered in the 3-D formulation of the criterion. By default, the 2-D formulation is active.

The failure criterion distinguishes between isotropic (isotropic-homogeneous) and orthotropic (or-
thotropic homogeneous and honeycomb) core materials. For isotropic cores, a simplified formulation
of the Tsai-Wu (p. 355) is used [ 42 (p. 551) ]. For orthotropic materials, the maximum stress approach
is implemented [ 41 (p. 551) ]. An isotropic-homogeneous core has othotropic stress limits in order
to support the core failure criterion as described below. R, Q, and Zt / Zc are the strength limits
with respect to the corresponding stress component.

Isotropic Core

(5.112)

Orthotropic Core

(5.113)

In previous releases of ACP, the core failure criterion was implemented differently. The previous
implementation can still be evaulated using custom failure criteria. An example implementing the
previous core failure criterion is provided in Evaluating Custom Failure Criteria (p. 242).

5.3.5.2. Face Sheet Wrinkling

Wrinkling of sandwich face sheets is a local instability phenomenon, in which the face sheets can
be modeled as plates on an elastic foundation formed by the core. Simple formulas for estimating
wrinkling stresses of sandwich face sheets under uniaxial load have been presented in the literature
([ 23 (p. 550) ] and [ 33 (p. 550) ]). Linear elastic material behavior is assumed. Possible interaction of
the top and bottom face sheets is not considered.

In the following, , , and refer to a coordinate system in which the -axis is in the direction of
compression and the -axis is perpendicular to the face sheets. The subscripts F and C indicate the
face sheet and the core, respectively.

For sandwich laminates with homogeneous cores, the wrinkling stress of a face sheet is:

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(5.114)

where the theoretical value of the wrinkling coefficient is 0.825. The effects of initial waviness
and imperfections of the face sheet are normally accounted for by replacing the theoretical value
of the wrinkling coefficient with a lower value. it is recommended that you use the value
as a safe design value for homogeneous cores ([ 23 (p. 550) ] and [ 33 (p. 550) ]).

The wrinkling stresses for sandwich laminates with honeycomb cores are estimated with the expres-
sion:

(5.115)

The theoretical value of is 0.816, whereas a safe design value is ([ 23 (p. 550) ] and [
33 (p. 550) ]).

The prediction of wrinkling under multiaxial stress state is discussed in [ 33 (p. 550) ]. When in-plane
shear stresses exist, it is recommended that the principal stresses are determined first. If the other
of the two principal stresses is tensile, it is ignored and the analysis is based on the equations given
above. When biaxial compression is applied, wrinkling can be predicted with an interaction formula.
The condition for wrinkling is:
(5.116)

where is the direction of maximum compression [ 33 (p. 550) ]. For orthotropic sandwich face
sheets, is more logically interpreted as the most critical of the two directions. The wrinkling
stresses and are computed from the formulas for uniaxial compression by considering the
compressive stresses in the - and -direction independently.

The average face sheet stresses , , are obtained from the layer stresses of the face sheets.
The following procedure for the computation of reserve factors is then used independently for the
top and bottom face sheets.

If the shear stress of the face sheet is zero, the normal stresses and are used directly in
the prediction of wrinkling. Otherwise, the principal stresses are determined first:
(5.117)

The orientation of the normalized principal stresses with respect to the xy-coordinate system is

(5.118)

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 Failure Analysis

where:

5.3.5.3. Shear Crimping Failure

Shear crimping failure [ 39 (p. 551) ] appears to be a local mode of failure, but is actually a form of
general overall buckling in which the wavelength of the buckles is very small because of low core
shear modulus. The crimping of the sandwich occurs suddenly and usually causes the core to fail
in shear at the crimp. It may also cause shear failure in the bond between the facing and core.

Equation 5.119 (p. 375) describes the shear crimping allowable force which is a function of the core
and the face sheet properties in the direction of loading.

(5.119)

where

= allowable compressive force [Force/length]

= weighting factor
= shear modulus in the loading direction
= thickness
= bending stiffness in the loading direction
= core
= face sheet
The shear crimping factors and are derived from test data. If the face sheets are much thinner
compared to the core thickness and no characteristic value is available, can be set to 0 (default).
The default value of is 1.

For uniaxial compression the effort is:

(5.120)

where [Force/length] is the in-plane laminate load.

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In the case of shear loading, the effort in Equation 5.120 (p. 375) is evaluated with respect to the
principal direction of loading. The material parameters of Equation 5.119 (p. 375) can be easily rotated
into the principal direction of loading to get the allowable forces and with respect to
the first and second principal directions of loading.

In the case of biaxial compression, the failure condition of shear crimping is the sum of the efforts
in the first and second loading direction:

(5.121)

where and are the first and second principal laminate loads, respectively.

5.3.6. Isotropic Material Failure

The failure criteria for isotropic materials is based on the von Mises stress (or equivalent stress in
Mechanical):
(5.122)

or on the von Mises strain (or equivalent strain in Mechanical):

(5.123)

where and are the first and second principal strains. For isotropic material, the stress failure
function is defined as:
(5.124)

and the strain failure function is defined as:

(5.125)

5.3.7. Adhesive Failure (Beta Version)

This section describes the available failure criteria for adhesive materials. All criteria calculate an ef-
fective stress that corresponds to the applied load. If this value is greater than the allowable
limit , then failure occurs. is defined by the Tensile Yield Strength in Engineering Data.

5.3.7.1. Peel Stress Criterion

This criterion predicts failure in an adhesive material that is dominated by the peel stress .

If is > 0, then = , else = 0.

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 Failure Analysis

5.3.7.2. Shear Stress Criterion

The shear stress criterion predicts failure caused by the interlaminar shear stresses and . The
allowable limit is typically determined by a tensile lap shear test (lap shear strength).

Notes
Note that:

• The listed failure criteria can be activated via the application menu (Tools - Preferences -
ACP - Add-Ons - Adhesive Failure Criteria).

• If both the peel and shear stress criteria are active, then the weighting factor can be used
in one of the criteria in order to adjust because the peel and shear strengths typically
differ.

Limitations
Review the following limitations:

• Failure mode labels are not currently exposed and display "na" (not available).

• Adhesive failure criteria are not currently exposed in Mechanical.

Reference
Yarrington, P., Zhang, J., Collier, C., Bednarcyk, B.A., Failure Analysis of Adhesively Bonded Composite
Joints, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

5.3.8. Failure Criteria vs. Ply Type Table

The table below illustrates which failure criteria evaluates the safety of the different ply types.

Failure Ply Type

Criteria Regular Woven Homogeneous Honeycomb Isotropic Adhesive Sandwich
(UD) Core Core
Max Strain √ √
Max Stress √ √
Tsai-Wu √ √
Tsai-Hill √ √
Hofmann √ √
Hashin √
Puck √ √ [1]
Cuntze √
LaRC √
Wrinkling √ [2]

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Failure Ply Type

Criteria Regular Woven Homogeneous Honeycomb Isotropic Adhesive Sandwich
(UD) Core Core
Core Failure √ √
Von Mises √
Shear √ √
Crimping
Shear Stress √ [3]
Peel Stress √ [3]

1. In combination with Puck for Woven specifications. See the section Puck for Woven (p. 69).

2. Sandwich is a laminate with at least one core layer.

3. Only available if the add-on "Adhesive Failure Criteria" is enabled in ACP.

5.4. Classical Laminate Theory

The Classic Laminate Theory analysis described in the following sections can be evaluated using the
Sampling Point, Stack-up and Sublaminate Properties. In a Sampling Point, the laminate properties and
stiffness/compliance matrices are evaluated based on the lay-up on the shell mesh. The changes to the
lay-up incurred by solid model operations (extrusion guides, snap-to and cut-off operations) are not
considered. The laminate forces can only be evaluated if the shell mesh has a solution with nodal de-
formations.
5.4.1. Overview
5.4.2. Analysis

5.4.1. Overview
Classical Laminate Theory provides useful information about the mechanical behavior of a composite
structure. The in-plane and flexural laminate stiffness represent characteristic values which can be
compared with other laminates. These information can be quite useful since no external loads and
boundary conditions are necessary to evaluate these values.

Classical Laminate Theory is described in many text books ([ 34 (p. 550) ] and [ 35 (p. 550) ]). The basic
assumptions are:

• Layers are perfectly bonded together.

• The material properties of each layer are constant through the thickness.

• Linear-elastic strain-stress behavior.

• Lines originally straight and normal to the mid-plane remain straight and normal in extension and
bending.

• Plane stress state.

• In-plane strains and curvature are small compared to all other dimensions.

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 Classical Laminate Theory

This requirements are fulfilled in a relatively thin or moderate thick laminate where the thickness is
small compared to the in-plane extensions (length and width).

5.4.2. Analysis
The following sections describe analysis using Classical Laminate Theory.
5.4.2.1. Laminate Stiffness and Compliance Matrices
5.4.2.2. Normalized Laminate Stiffness and Compliance Matrices
5.4.2.3. Laminate Engineering Constants
5.4.2.4. Out-of-Plane Shear Moduli and Correction Factors
5.4.2.5. Polar Properties
5.4.2.6. Analysis Options

5.4.2.1. Laminate Stiffness and Compliance Matrices

The laminate stiffness matrix is an 8 x 8 matrix that contains the ABD matrix (6 x 6) as well as the
shear matrix C (2 x 2).

(5.126)

The ABD matrix of the laminate is the stiffness matrix of the laminate. A is the in-plane stiffness
matrix, B describes the coupling between in-plane forces and bending moments and D is the flex-
ural stiffness matrix. The B matrix becomes 0 in the case of a symmetrically balanced laminate.

In addition to the ABD terms the shear matrix C is evaluated as well. The shear matrix has form

and represent the and stiffness, respectively.

The compliance matrix is an 8 x 8 matrix that contains the inverse of the ABD matrix and the inverse
of the C matrix. The inverse of the ABD is also called the abd matrix (ABD -1).

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Figure 5.8: Relation Between ABD Matrix and the Coupling Between Laminate Forces and
Deformations

5.4.2.2. Normalized Laminate Stiffness and Compliance Matrices

The stiffness and compliance matrices can also be written in a normalized form where is the
*
laminate thickness. The normalized stiffness matrices ABD are:

• In-plane stiffness matrix:

• Coupling matrix:

• Flexural stiffness matrix:

• Out-of-plane shear matrix:

And the normalized compliance matrices abd * are:

• In-plane compliance matrix:

• Coupling matrix:

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 Classical Laminate Theory

• Flexural compliance matrix: .

• Out-of-plane shear matrix:

5.4.2.3. Laminate Engineering Constants

The laminate engineering constants are derived from the normalized compliance matrices which
can be compared with the ply compliance matrix. Therefore the in-plane engineering constants
are derived from the normalized in-plane compliance matrix:

• Laminate stiffness:

• Laminate stiffness:

• Laminate shear stiffness:

and the out-of-plane shear terms are derived from the normalized shear compliance matrix:

• Shear correction factors: and k55

• Out-of-plane shear stiffness:

• Out-of-plane shear stiffness:

And the flexural constants are derived from the normalized flexural compliance matrix:

• Flexural laminate stiffness:

• Flexural laminate stiffness:

• Flexural laminate shear stiffness:

In the case of coupling between in-plane and bending forces ( matrix has non-zero elements),
the engineering constants represents the case where the laminate is free to curve when loaded
with in-plane forces.

5.4.2.4. Out-of-Plane Shear Moduli and Correction Factors

The out-of-plane shear stiffness matrix C is computed by:

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where ti is the i-th ply thickness and G the i-th ply out-of-plane shear matrix (2x2) in the laminate
coordinate system.

The laminate out-of-plane shear stiffnesses G31 and G23 are overestimated by the first order shear
deformation theory. This can be overcome by using shear correction factors. ACP uses the theory
developed by Isaksson [ 44 (p. 551) ] to compute the out-of-plane shear correction factors k44 and
k55.

The final out-of-plane shear moduli are computed as:

where t is the total laminate thickness. So the shear correction factors are already included in
laminate properties computed by ACP.

Figure 5.9: Laminate Properties with Out-of-Plane Shear Stiffness and Shear Correction
Factors

5.4.2.5. Polar Properties

The polar plot shows the in-plane laminate engineering constants of the laminate ( , and )
rotated by 0 to 360 degrees. This plot highlights the anisotropy of the laminate and the influence
of the orientation.

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 General Interpolation Library

5.4.2.6. Analysis Options

The options Offset is Middle and Consider Coupling Effect allow you to modify the evaluation
of the laminate properties.

• Offset is Middle: This option moves the reference plane of the laminate to the middle (default:
True). This option is useful since the layers in a FE analysis mostly have one offset direction and
hence the reference plane is at the top or bottom of the laminate. This option reduces the
coupling effect between in-plane and bending forces. It considers the results of the stiffness and
compliance matrices, polar properties, and laminate engineering constants.

• Consider Coupling Effect: The polar properties and laminate engineering constants are derived
from the laminate compliance matrix (inverse ABD matrix) where, by default, the coupling effect
is considered (default: True). This option allows you to neglect this effect which causes the polar
properties and laminate engineering constants to represent the values of a symmetrically balanced
laminate. Note that the coupling effect can significantly reduce the polar properties and laminate
engineering constants.

5.5. General Interpolation Library

The General Interpolation Library (GIL) is the interpolation engine used in ACP and Mechanical APDL
during Variable Material Data analyses available with composite workflows. The following sections describe
the available options and algorithms:
5.5.1. Algorithms
5.5.2. Options
5.5.3. Extrapolations

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5.5.1. Algorithms
The General Interpolation Library (GIL) currently provides 3 interpolation algorithms:

• Nearest-neighbor (p. 384)

• Linear multivariate (p. 384)

• Radial basis (p. 386)

The GIL is a suitable library for scattered data interpolation. For example, consider a set of materials
testing results that represent the Young's modulus of a material at different temperatures and humid-
ities. The test series will contain only a few combinations of temperature and humidity at which an
actual measurement was made. When transferring this testing data to Workbench Engineering Data
and performing an analysis making use of this material, it is expected that Workbench makes reasonable
guesses at the Young's modulus at intermediate combinations of temperature and humidity as the
simulation is performed.

Generally, the GIL interpolates a dependent variable, which is only known at a few scattered points
in the n-dimensional space of the independent (defining) variables:

is the interpolation function. The set of points in the independent data space together with their
given dependent variable values are called supporting points. The point in the independent space
for which the dependent value is requested is called the query point.

The GIL has no restriction on the dimensions of the independent data space. However, composite
analyses with variable material data are currently restricted to 9 dimensions. This means that properties
such as Young's modulus can be controlled by up to 9 variables.

Note:

The GIL is only suitable for interpolation of scalar quantities.

5.5.1.1. Nearest-Neighbor Interpolation

Given a query point, the nearest neighbor algorithm searches the supporting point with the smallest
Euclidean distance to the query point and returns the corresponding dependent value:

where X is the set of all supporting points and q is the query point.

5.5.1.2. Linear Multivariate Interpolation

The current implementation of the linear multivariate algorithm works as follows:

1. Triangulate the independent variable space.

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 General Interpolation Library

2. Search the simplex containing the query point (or the closest simplex to the query point).

3. Span a hyperplane through n+1 vertices (supporting points) of the this simplex.

4. Evaluate the dependent value along the hyperplane at the position of the query point.

If the independent variable space is 2D, then this procedure is like finding the triangle containing
the query point, then defining a plane in the third dimension through the dependent values of its
three vertices, which are supporting points, and eventually reading out the dependent variable on
the plane at the position of the query point. Another interpretation of this procedure are barycentric
coordinates of the query point with respect to the vertices of the simplex spanned by the n+1
supporting points. This approach is well-known in finite element theory.

Writing the query point as a linear combination of the n+1 vertices of the respective simplex:

and assuming a linear interpolation function :

we find:

where is the dependent value of the supporting point . The are a function of the coordinates
of of the query point.

More details can be found in [40] (p. 551).

The following figure is an illustration of the linear multivariate algorithm for two independent fields,
and . The dots represent the independent data which are provided. The dashed line represents
the bounding box. The simplex containing the query point x is visualized with solid lines. represent
the respective vertices of this simplex.

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Figure 5.10: Linear Multivariate Algorithm

By default, the triangulation is performed by using the dD Triangulation from the CGAL library.

Note:

In general, the quality of the triangulation can deteriorate close to the boundary of the
convex hull. For instance, simplices with large aspect ratio are created when you have
support points within the convex hull close to its boundary. This can negatively affect
the interpolation.

5.5.1.3. Radial-Basis Algorithm

Radial-basis interpolation is a global algorithm that is C1 continuous, especially useful for higher-
dimensional scatter data.

Interpolation of the parameters is done by solving the following radial-basis function Z = f(X1, X2,
X3… XO) at all input data points:

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 General Interpolation Library

where N is the number of data points and O is the number of free variables (or the order of the
interpolation). Input data is (xj,1, xj,2, …, zj) where j varies from 1 to N.

The unknown values are ai (where i varies from 1 to N) and c. Z is the unknown and Xj refers to
the query point. The equation is evaluated for all data points provided in the input to calculate the
ai and c values.

This algorithm is computationally intensive. Large data sets can affect performance adversely.

5.5.2. Options
The GIL provides a set of options to control the interpolation process:

Default Data

Must be specified for each independent variable. This value is assumed for incomplete queries,
this is if only a subset of the independent variables is specified for a query.

Cache

If enabled, GIL caches interpolation results, which improves performance if multiple queries are
made for the same query point. Will increase memory usage.

Normalize

In order to set the different independent variable axes into perspective to each other, each axis
is normalized when this option is turned on. The resulting normalized axes are given as:

where is the independent variable, is the normalized independent variable, is the axis'
Lower Limit, and is the Upper Limit.

Normalization is relevant to all GIL algorithms.

Lower and Upper Limit

These two values control the normalization of the independent variable axes. A reasonable choice
for the upper and lower limit could span the typical range for the independent variable, for ex-
ample.

5.5.3. Extrapolations
The GIL constructs a bounding box around the independent data of the supporting points. By default,
query points outside of this bounding box are projected to the bounding box before interpolation.
In the case of Linear Multivariate interpolation, GIL also provides the option to project query points
to the convex hull of the independent data of the supporting points.

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5.6. Nomenclature

Greek Symbols
α Coefficient of thermal expansion / Fracture angle in LaRC
β Coefficient of moisture expansion / Shearing angle in draping
γ Shear strain, shear angle
η Coefficient of influence
Δ Load change
ε Normal strain
ϑ Third coordinate of the modified cylindrical coordinate system
κ Curvature
ν Poisson's ratio
σ Normal stress
τ Shear stress
φ Misalignment angle
ϕ Second coordinate of the cylindrical coordinate system
ξ, η, ζ Principal stress/strain coordinate system

Latin Symbols
Curve fitting parameter for Cuntze's failure criterion
Components of the 3-D stiffness matrix
Young's modulus
Coefficients in quadratic failure criteria, stress space

Interaction coefficient in the Tsai-Wu criterion

Failure criterion function

Shear modulus
Toughness ratio
Moisture / humidity
Thickness
IRF Inverse Reserve Factor
MoS Margin of safety
Interaction exponent for Cuntze's failure criterion
Slope parameter for Puck's action plane criterion
Shear failure stress in the 23-plane/Wrinkling coefficient
Shear failure stress in the 13-plane/Midplane curvature radius
Fracture resistance in Puck's action plane criterion

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 Nomenclature

Radial ordinate R+z

rd Radius difference
RF Reserve Factor
Shear failure stress/strain in the 12-plane
Temperature
In-plane displacement in x, y-direction
Failure stress/strain for isotropic material
Through-the-thickness displacement
Failure stress/strain in the 1-direction
Global x-coordinate
Failure stress/strain in the 2-direction
Global y- and longitudinal coordinate of the cylindrical coordinate system
Thickness coordinate
1, 2, 3 Ply principal coordinate system

Subscripts
Core
Compressive
Delamination
Exposure
Effective
Face sheet
Bottom face sheet
Top face sheet
Fiber failure mode
In-situ
Matrix failure mode
Supporting point number
Tensile
Perpendicular to fiber
Parallel to fiber
Wrinkling
, Derivative

Superscripts
Midplane strain

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Action plane
Under compression load
Sum of temperature and moisture effects
Longitudinal
In misalignment frame coordinate system
Under tension load / Transverse

Acronyms
FF Fiber Failure
IFF Inter-fiber Failure
INS Interlaminar Normal Stress
ISS Interlaminar Shear Stress
LSoE Linear System of Equations
UD Unidirectional

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Chapter 6: The ACP Python Scripting User Interface
The ACP Python Module provides the scripting user interface of ACP.
6.1. Introduction to ACP Scripting
6.2. Extending the Python Environment in ACP Pre and Post
6.3.The Python Object Tree
6.4. DB Database
6.5. Material Classes
6.6. Model Classes
6.7. Solid-model Classes
6.8. Solution Classes
6.9. Scene Classes
6.10. Postprocessing Definition Classes
6.11. Plot Classes

6.1. Introduction to ACP Scripting

In this section, the following topics are covered:
6.1.1. Basic Scripting
6.1.2. Advanced Scripting
6.1.3. Scripting Examples

6.1.1. Basic Scripting

The scripting language of ACP is Python which is an object oriented programming language. The
user should have some basics experience in object oriented programming for the optimal use, but a
basic script can easily be written by modifying an existing one or copy and paste the History
View (p. 31) or the Shell View (p. 30).

An example of one command is given below. In this command, the density of the material Core-
cell_A450 is defined (or modified if already defined) as 90.
db.models['class40.1'].material_data.materials['Corecell_A450']['density'].set(rho=90.0)

The easiest way to use scripting is to generate a script with the Graphical User Interface. Every action
performed via the GUI is written to the History View (p. 31). Use copy and paste to create your own
scripts with a text editor. Save the scripts as *.py file and use the Run Script... functionality in the
File Figure 1.3: Ansys Composite PrepPost Menu Options (p. 10) to run your script. In the case of error(s)
check the Shell View (p. 30) for more details.

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The ACP Python Scripting User Interface

The aforementioned approach may be limited when it comes to retrieving solution results or specific
model information. The section Advanced Scripting (p. 392) lists several examples of to how to access
such information via a script.

Important:

You cannot define any variable, class, or function with the name "db" because it is reserved
for ACP core operations.

6.1.2. Advanced Scripting

These examples are provided as a guide to more involved commands in the shell view. They all refer
to the example model Workshop 6: Kiteboard.

Maximum Lay-Up Thickness

# get active model
model = db.active_model
# get total thickness of all elements
thicknesses = list(model.mesh_query(name='thickness',position='centroid',selection='all'))
# get element labels
labels = model.mesh_query(name='labels',position='centroid',selection='all')
# get maximum thickness
max_thickness = max(thicknesses)
index_of_max = thicknesses.index(max_thickness)
# get element label with max thickness
element_label_with_max_thickness = labels[index_of_max]

Maximum Ply Thickness

# get active model
model = db.active_model
# create new selection of all elements attached to a specific ply
modeling_ply = model.modeling_groups['Core'].plies['mp_4']
model.select_elements(selection='sel0',op='new',attached_to=[modeling_ply])
# get total thickness of the first entity of selection sel0
thicknesses = list(model.mesh_query(name='thickness',position='centroid',selection='sel0', entities=[modeling_p
# get element labels
labels = model.mesh_query(name='labels',position='centroid',selection='sel0')
# get maximum thickness
max_thickness = max(thicknesses)
index_of_max = thicknesses.index(max_thickness)
# get element label with max thickness
element_label_with_max_thickness = labels[index_of_max]

Maximum Inverse Reserve Factor and Failure Mode

# get active model
model = db.active_model
model.update()
# get first solution
solution = model.solutions.values()[0]
# get the failure criterion definition
fc_definition = model.definitions["FailureCriteria.MaxStrain_Core"]
# get element labels
labels = model.mesh_query(name='labels',position='centroid',selection='all')
# get inverse reserve factors of all elements
irfs = list(solution.query(definition=fc_definition,position='centroid',selection='all',component='irf'))
# get failure modes of all elements

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 Extending the Python Environment in ACP Pre and Post

failure_modes = solution.query(definition=fc_definition,position='centroid',selection='all',component='fm')
# get the maximum IRF value
max_irf = max(irfs)
# get the index of maximum IRF
index_of_max = irfs.index(max_irf)
# get failure mode corresponding to maximum IRF
critical_failure_mode = failure_modes[index_of_max]
# get element label where the maximum IRF occurs
element_label_of_max = labels[index_of_max]

6.1.3. Scripting Examples

Some useful, general purpose scripting examples are included with the Ansys installation. For standard
installations, you will find them in Program Files\ANSYS Inc\V221\ACP\script_examples.
Each file or folder has a descriptive name which conveys the basic purpose of the script. You will find
a more detailed description at the beginning of each script. Some of the sample scripts are:

• Implementation of a user-defined failure criterion

• Plotting of material distribution (where is a material applied to the structure)

• Material-wise post-processing (compute the failure for a certain material)

Review the following topics for additional scripting examples:

• Look-Up Table with a Python Script (p. 97) in the Look-Up Tables section.

• Example Scripts (p. 216) in the User-Defined Plot section.

• Settings for an Expression Output (p. 234) in the Parameters section.

• Evaluating Custom Failure Criteria (p. 242) in the Postprocessing section.

6.2. Extending the Python Environment in ACP Pre and Post

Because ACP is delivered with a frozen Python, the Python environment cannot be modified with
standard modules such as pip. Nevertheless, it is possible to import and use Python modules within
ACP which are not delivered with the installation (matplotlib, for example). You can do this by creating
a virtual Python environment (VENV) and adding this environment to the ACP Python path.

6.2.1. How to Create a Virtual Environment

First, make sure you are you using the same version of Python that ACP is using. To call up the version
number, type sys.version in ACP’s Python shell.

There are several options for generating your own VENV.

• Using the installed Ansys Python, navigate to the delivered Ansys Python that is in the subfolder
of <WB root dir>\commonfiles\CPython and call the venv module.
python.exe -m venv C:\my_ansys_python_env

This command creates a new environment in the folder C:\my_ansys_python_env.

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• After installing Python, call the venv module to create a new VENV, using standard Python:
python.exe -m venv C:\my_new_python_env

This command creates a new VENV in the folder C:\my_new_python_env.

• There are other Python distributions as well (Anaconda, for example) which allow you to create
virtual environments.

6.2.2. How to Install a Module in your Virtual Environment and Use it within
ACP
You must activate the virtual Python environment before additional modules can be installed. The
example below shows how to install matplotlib into your virtual Python environment using the Win-
dows Command Prompt:
C:\my_new_python_env\scripts\activate
pip install matplotlib

You are now ready to add the virtual Python environment to ACP’s Python. Use the VENV Python
packages in ACP’s Python by appending the directories of the VENV to the Python system path of
ACP. The Python path of the VENV is available through

import sys
sys.path

Copy this list of paths and add them in the ACP Python shell.
sys.path.extend([….])

Appending the VENV paths to the Python path of ACP is important because it ensures the lookup
goes through the ACP Python first before going into the VENV.

Note:

ACP uses Ansys’ Python which comes with the installation of Ansys Workbench. You can
find it in <installation dir>\commonfiles\CPython. It is possible that the Ansys
version was built with a different compiler than the one used for the official version of
Python or the version you are running. Its delivered modules and libraries may also differ.
This can cause runtime issues if your Python environment and its installed packages are
not compatible with Ansys Python, even if they were built with the same or compatible
compilers.

6.2.3. Alternatives to Extending ACP’s Python

With regard to dictionaries, DataFrames, or other data types, you can write to the disk using Python’s
native pickle module in order to use the data in another program or share it with others. To do so,
use the following commands:
import pickle
import numpy as np

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 DB Database

example_array = np.zeros((1000,2))
with open('test.pkl','wb') as f:
pickle.dump(example_array, f)

You can then load the stored data in a different environment using pickle again and then process
the data:
import pickle
with open('test.pkl','rb') as f:
loaded_array = pickle.load(f)

Numpy offers similar functionality. See numpy.save, numpy.savez, and numpy.load for more
details.

6.3. The Python Object Tree

The ACP Python interface is organized as a static python object tree. This tree contains all loaded
models, solutions, definitions, Views and Scenes. Access to the actually loaded object tree is always
provided through the root object compolyx.DB in the embedded Python shell.

An image of the python object tree appears only in the online help. If you are reading the PDF version
of the help and want to see the figure, please access this section in the online help.

6.4. DB Database
class compolyx.DB

Class to represent ComPoLyX database

Access:
>>> import compolyx
>>> db = compolyx.DB()

active_model

Active model

clear()

Clear database

clear_generated_data(model=None)

Function clears the eventually stored update results and deletes the generated data such as Produc-
tion and Analysis Plies, Solid Models etc.

Parameters

-model: the ACP model to be cleared

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The ACP Python Scripting User Interface

close(model=None)

Close model

Parameters

• model: model to close (optional) if no model is given all models were closed

import_model(name, path, format, ignored_entities=None, convert_section_data=None, unit_sys-

tem_type=None, reference_surface_input_unit_system_type=None)

Create a model from file

Parameters

• name: Custom name of the model

• path: Path to the data file

• format: File format string. Choose one of ‘abaqus:inp’,’ansys:cdb’, ‘ansys:dat’, ‘nastran:bdf’, ‘ansys:h5’

• ignored_entities: Entities to ignore. Can be a subset of the following list: [‘mesh’, ‘element_sets’,
‘materials’, ‘coordinate_systems’, ‘shell_sections’]

• convert_section_data: Whether to import and convert the shell section data into ACP composite
definitions. Default is false.

• unit_system_type : Set the unit system of the model to this type. Ignored if a unit system was
already defined in the data file.

• reference_surface_input_unit_system_type : Set the unit system of the reference surface if the

unit system cannot be read from the input

material_data

Material Data Base

models

Models

open(path, replace_workbench_inputs=None, pre_db=None, unit_system_type=None,

load_cached_data=False, apply_shared_commands=False)

Open ACP file and append the model to models container :Parameters: - path: Path to ACP file -
replace_mesh_kwargs Optional keyword arguments to replace the mesh to load in db.import_mod-
el(…) upfront - replace_workbench_inputs Optional dictionary with Workbench inputs to replace
before executing the .acp file

open_h5(path, cache_data=False, apply_shared_commands=False)

Load a model from an ACPH5 database.

Parameters

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 DB Database

• path: acph5 file path

• cache_data: boolean whether to load the update results or not

• apply_shared_commands: boolean to specify whether to load the Python commands from the
ACP Shared section of the h5 file.

refresh_acph5(path, external_sources, input_parameters=None, initialize=False, unit_sys-

tem_type=None, upgrade_from=None)

Refresh an acph5 db (Workbench mode only)

Parameters

• path: file path to acph5 file

• external_sources: nested dict provided by ACP WB Add-in containing all the

external sources info (the file path, whether the source was modified, its ID etc.). The keys of
the dict are: [‘model’, ‘materials’, ‘cad_geometries’, ‘imported_solid_models’, ‘pre_db’, ‘solu-
tions’]. Values for ‘model’ and ‘materials’ are dicts with the following fields [‘path’, ‘external_id’,
‘modified’]. Values for ‘cad_geometries’, ‘imported_solid_models’ and ‘pre_db’ are list of dicts
with fields [‘name’, ‘path’, ‘external_id’, ‘modified’]. Values for ‘solutions’ are dicts with fields
[‘name’, ‘path’, ‘external_id’, ‘modified’, ‘renumbering_mapping_paths’] where renumber-
ing_mapping_paths is a list of file paths.

• input_parameters: a dict of (name, value) pairs of WB input parameters.

• initialize: specifies whether the acph5 database needs to be initialized

(i.e. the file does not yet exist).

• unit_system_type: Defines the unit system of the main / downstream ACP file. (TODO: Do we
need this?)

• upgrade_from: Defines the path of a legacy (.acp) ACP DB that has to be upgrade to the new
format (load composite definitions and save as ACPH5).

reload(model)

Reloads the reference surface (mesh) of the model. See reload_mesh in the model for more details

Parameters

-model: the model to be reloaded

save(path=None, model=None, cache_data=None)

Save active model

Parameters

• path: file path

• model: active model

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• cache_data: whether to store the update results or not.

set_unit_system(unit_system_type)

Set the unit system of all models opened in the database

6.5. Material Classes

This section contains the following topics:
6.5.1. MaterialData
6.5.2. Material
6.5.3. Fabric
6.5.4. Stackup
6.5.5. SubLaminate

6.5.1. MaterialData
class compolyx.MaterialData(graph, parent=None)

MaterialData manages all composite material data.

copy(source, on_duplicate_name='keep_both')

copy a list of material data source, keeps track of all dependencies

Parameters

• source : a list of source of copy

• on_duplicate_name

action to take if source.name is already contained in self.fabrics

keep_both : create a new instance with the same name (different id) overwrite : replace
first instance with equal name in self with source keep_existing : ignore copy action, returns
first existing instance in self with equal name

copy_fabric(source, on_duplicate_name='keep_both', memo=None)

Copy a fabric

Parameters

• source: Source object to copy

• on_duplicate_name

action to take if source.name is already contained in self.fabrics

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keep_both : create a new instance with the same name (different id) overwrite : replace
first instance with equal name in self with source keep_existing : ignore copy action, returns
first existing instance in self with equal name

• memo : a dict to collect copied items (for internal dependency tracking when copying stackups
or sub-laminates)

Returns

New Instance of Fabric

copy_material(source, on_duplicate_name='keep_both', memo=None)

Copy a material

Parameters

• source: Source object to copy

• on_duplicate_name

action to take if source.name is already contained in self.materials

keep_both : create a new instance with the same name (different id) overwrite : replace
first instance with equal name in self with source keep_existing : ignore copy action, returns
first existing instance in self with equal name

• memo : a dict to collect copied items (for internal dependency tracking when copying stackups
or sub-laminates)

Returns

New instance of material

copy_stackup(source, on_duplicate_name='keep_both', memo=None)

Copy a stackup

Parameters

• source: Source object to copy

• on_duplicate_name

action to take if source.name is already contained in self.stackups

keep_both : create a new instance with the same name (different id) overwrite : replace
first instance with equal name in self with source keep_existing : ignore copy action, returns
first existing instance in self with equal name

• memo : a dict to collect copied items

Returns

New Instance of Fabric

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copy_sub_laminate(source, on_duplicate_name='keep_both', memo=None)

Copy a sub lamiante

Parameters

• source: Source object to copy

• on_duplicate_name

action to take if source.name is already contained in self.sub_laminates

keep_both : create a new instance with the same name (different id) overwrite : replace
first instance with equal name in self with source keep_existing : ignore copy action, returns
first existing instance in self with equal name

• memo : a dict to collect copied items

Returns

New Instance of sub laminate

create_fabric(name, id=None, material=None, thickness=0.0, area_price=0.0, ignore_for_post-

processing=False, drop_off_material_handling='Global', cut_off_material_handling='Computed',
drop_off_material=None, cut_off_material=None, draping_material_model='woven', draping_ud_coef-
ficient=0.0)

Create a new fabric

Parameters

• name: Name for the Fabric

• material: Material of the Fabric

• thickness: Thickness of the Fabric

• area_price: Area Price of the Fabric

• ignore_for_postprocessing: Flag if this material is post-processed

• drop_off_material_handling: Type defining how drop-off material is used in drop-off areas of

the fabric

• cut_off_material_handling: Type defining how cut-off material is used in cut-off areas of the
fabric

• drop_off_material: Material to use for ‘Custom’ drop-off material handling

• cut_off_material: Material to use for ‘Custom’ cut-off material handling

• draping_material_model: Material model for draping, either ‘woven’ or ‘unidirectional’

• draping_ud_coefficient: Coefficient for the unidirectional draping material model

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 Material Classes

Returns

The created Fabric

Examples
>>> material_data = db.models['beam'].material_data
>>> fabric_1 = material_data.create_fabric(name='Fabric.1', material=material_data.materials['Material.1'], t

create_material(name, id=None, ply_type='undefined', E1=0.0, E2=0.0, E3=0.0, G12=0.0, G31=0.0,

G23=0.0, nu12=0.0, nu13=0.0, nu23=0.0, rho=0.0, locked=False, ext_id=None)

Create a constant Material

Parameters

• name: Name of the new Material

• ply_type: Type of the ply for the material. Allowed string values: regular, woven, orthotropic_ho-
mogeneous_core, isotropic_homogeneous_core, honeycomb_core, isotropic, adhesive, undefined.

• E1 - rho: Material parameters

Returns

New Instance of Material

create_stackup(name, id=None, fabrics=None, area_price=0.0, symmetry='No Symmetry', lay-

up_sequence='Top-Down', drop_off_material_handling='Global', cut_off_material_handling='Com-
puted', drop_off_material=None, cut_off_material=None, draping_material_model='woven', drap-
ing_ud_coefficient=0.0)

Create a new Stackup

Parameters

• name: Name for the Stackup

• fabrics: Fabrics of the Stackup

• area_price: Area Price of the Stackup

• symmetry: Symmetry the Stackup can be ‘No Symmetry’, ‘Even Symmetry’ or ‘Odd Symmetry’

• layup_sequence: Layup sequence of the Stackup can be ‘Top-Down’ or ‘Bottom-Up’

• drop_off_material_handling: Type defining how drop-off material is used in drop-off areas of

the stackup

• cut_off_material_handling: Type defining how cut-off material is used in cut-off areas of the
stackup

• drop_off_material: Material to use for ‘Custom’ drop-off material handling

• cut_off_material: Material to use for ‘Custom’ cut-off material handling

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• draping_material_model: Material model for draping, either ‘woven’ or ‘unidirectional’

• draping_ud_coefficient: Coefficient for the unidirectional draping material model

Returns

The created Stackup

Examples
>>> material_data = db.models['beam'].material_data
>>> stackup_1 = material_data.create_stackup(name='Stackup.1', fabrics=(material_data.fabrics['Fabric.1'],),

create_sub_laminate(name, id=None, fabrics=None, symmetry='No Symmetry', layup_se-

quence='Top-Down')

Create a new SubLaminate

Parameters

• name: Name for the Sub Laminate

• fabrics: Fabrics of the Sub Laminate

• symmetry: Symmetry the Sub Laminate can be ‘No Symmetry’, ‘Even Symmetry’ or ‘Odd Sym-
metry’

• layup_sequence: Layup sequence of the Sub Laminate can be ‘Top-Down’ or ‘Bottom-Up’

Returns

The created SubLaminate

Examples
>>> material_data = db.models['beam'].material_data
>>> sublaminate_1 = material_data.create_sub_laminate(name='SubLaminate.1', fabrics=(material_data.fabrics['F

enabled

Whether MaterialData is currently enabled or not.

export_matml(path, unit_system=None)

Export materials to ANSYS Engineering Data MatML format.

Parameters

• path: Path to file to write.

• unit_system

Convert all quantities into this unit system. The units

will be stored in the file written. The default is the unit system of the model.

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fabrics

Dictionary with all fabrics defined.

find_materials(**properties)

Find materials with the given properties or property ranges

Parameters

• properties: Arbitrary material properties which must be matched.

Note that a single property value can be given as string, number or min-max range

Returns

A list with materials which match the given properties. If nothing matches an empty list is returned.

Examples
>>> material_data = db.models['model.1'].material_data
>>> materials = material_data.find_materials(E1=100000.0, nu12=0.3)
>>> materials = material_data.find_materials( name='1')
>>> materials = material_data.find_materials(E1=[200000.0, 220000.0], nu12=0.3, G12=[4500.0,5500.0])

import_matml(path, material_apdl_path='')

Import material data from MatML file as provided by Workbench Engineering Data.

Parameters

• path: File to read from.

• material_apdl_path

Specify the APDL file containing the

ANSYS Engineering Data material definitions.

material_apdl_path

Optional path to file with APDL material definitions to be used in the CDB export.

materials

Dictionary with all materials defined.

matml_path

Path to MatML file as provided by Workbench EngineeringData

name

Currently a name is needed for every object in the db tree.

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serialize()

Serialize to Python string

stackups

Dictionary with all stack ups defined.

sub_laminates

Dictionary with all sub laminates defined.

unit_system

Unit system of material data, propagated from model

6.5.2. Material
This section contains the following topics:
6.5.2.1. PropertySet

class compolyx.Material(graph, obj, parent=None)

ComPoLyX material class.

This class allows to retrieve all material properties defined within the loaded Finite Element model.

Access
>>> import compolyx
>>> db = compolyx.DB()
>>> model = db.models['class40.1']
>>> materials = model.material_data.materials
>>> mat_UD300 = materials['UD300_GLAS']
>>> print mat_UD300.property_names

[‘density’, ‘engineering_constants’, ‘larc_constants’, ‘puck_constants’, ‘strain_limits’, ‘stress_limits’,

‘thermal_expansion_coefficients’, ‘tsai_wu_constants’, ‘woven_characterization’, ‘woven_puck_con-
stants_1’, ‘woven_puck_constants_2’, ‘woven_stress_limits_1’, ‘woven_stress_limits_2’]
>>> property_set_eng_const = mat_UD300['engineering_constants']

active_properties

List of the active properties for the underlying material.

create_property_set(property_name, **kwargs)

Function to create a specific property set.

Parameters

• property_name: A string defining the PropertySet to be created.

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 Material Classes

Key word arguments can be passed to define the constant properties of the newly created Prop-
ertySet. If the property already exists, it will be overwritten with the new data.

Example
>>> m = db.active_model
>>> mat = m.material_data.materials['Corecell_A450']
>>> mat.create_property_set('density', rho=2150.0)

delete_property_set(property_name)

Function to delete a specific property set.

Parameter

• property_name: String defining the PropertySet to be deleted.

ext_id

Id of corresponding Material in external source.

is_constant

True if engineering constants are constant.

is_isotropic

True if ply_type is isotropic or isotropic_homogeneous_core.

link_path

Root path of the current node in the tree for links to this object

locked

Material is generated from an external source and cannot be changed.

ply_type

Ply type. Allowed string values: regular, woven, orthotropic_homogeneous_core, isotropic_homo-

geneous_core, honeycomb_core, isotropic, adhesive, undefined

property_names

List with all available property keys.

serialize()

Serialize to Python string

6.5.2.1. PropertySet
class compolyx.PropertySet(gil_wrapper, parent_=None, name_='')

Python PropertySet class.

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This class wraps GIL-functionality and adds Python-UI utilities to all material PropertySets (Engineering
Constants, Stress Limits, …).

Examples
>>> model = db.active_model
>>> Eglas = model.material_data.materials['E-Glas']
>>> Eglas_strain_limits = Eglas['strain_limits']
>>> print Eglas_strain_limits.property_names

[‘eXt’, ‘eXc’, ‘eYt’, ‘eYc’, ‘eZt’, ‘eZc’, ‘eSxy’, ‘eSxz’, ‘eSyz’, ‘effective_strain’]
>>> Eglas.update()
>>> Eglas_Xt = Eglas_strain_limits.query('eXt', {'UserVar1' : 0.3, 'Temperature' : 65.7})

get(variables=None)

Get raw PropertySet data. For puck_constants and woven_characterization the Puck Material
Classification can be retrieved.

Parameters

• variables: Optional string of variable to be retrieved (property or envrionment variable). If

this string is set to mat_type the Puck Material Classification is returned if available.

Returns

• If no variable was specified, all PropertySet raw data will be returned in dictionary-form. If a
variable was specified, then only this data will be returned.

Examples
>>> m = db._active_model()
>>> mat = m.material_data.materials['Corecell_A450']
>>> gil_data = mat['engineering_constants'].get()

>>> m = db._active_model()
>>> mat = m.material_data.materials['Corecell_A450']
>>> mat_type = mat['puck_constants'].get('mat_type')

>>> m = db._active_model()
>>> mat = m.material_data.materials['Corecell_A450']
>>> E1_data = mat['engineering_constants'].get('E1')

independent_names

List of the independent variable names.

is_constant

True if the Engineering Constants of this material are constant.

property_names

Propety name list.

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query(variables=None, environment_point=None)

Query PropertySet data.

The available property names on this PropertySet can be retrieved through property_names.

An empty query returns all properties at the default environment point in dictionary-form. If
the PropertySet is not up-to-date, zeros are returned and a warning is thrown.

Parameters

• variables: String or list of strings that defines which properties to query for. If a list of properties
is provided, the returned list of results retains the order of properties.

• environment_point: Dictionary defining at which environment state the queried properties

are requested. The dictionary takes the form {Var1 : value_1, …}. For unspecified environment
variables, their default value is assumed. Unkown environment variables will be ignored.

Examples
>>> m = db._active_model()
>>> mat = m.material_data.materials['Corecell_A450']
>>> data = mat['engineering_constants'].query()

>>> m = db._active_model()
>>> mat = m.material_data.materials['Corecell_A450']
>>> data = mat['engineering_constants'].query(['E1', 'E3'], {'Temperature' : 25.73, 'Shear Angle' : 1.8})

set(props=None, **kwargs)

Set constant and variable material data.

Constant properties can be given as keyword arguments.

Parameters

• props: A dictionary or tuple of two dictionaries defining the data

Examples
>>> m = db._active_model()
>>> mat = m.material_data.materials['Corecell_A450']
>>> data_dict = {'Xc' : 5.1, 'Sxy':0.3}
>>> mat['stress_limits'].set(data_dict)

>>> mat['stress_limits'].set(Xc=5.1,Sxy=0.3)

>>> m = db._active_model()
>>> mat = m.material_data.materials['Corecell_A450']
>>> data_dict = ({'rho' : [1000.0, 1020.5, 1025.0]}, {'Temperature' : ([22., 50., 150.], 25.)})
>>> mat['density'].set(data_dict)

6.5.3. Fabric
class compolyx.Fabric(graph, obj, parent=None)

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Class to represent fabric

area_price

Area price of fabric

area_weight

Area weight of fabric

clt_query(query='laminate_properties')

Returns the properties of the classical laminate theory:

Parameters

• query: result type

Options

• laminate_properties: Young’s, flexural and shear moduli of the laminate

• polar_properties: E1, E2 and G12 depending on the laminate orientation

Example
>>> fab.clt_query(query='polar_properties')

create_plot(query={'polar_properties': ['E1', 'G12']})

Generates 2D-plots with the results of interest

Parameters

• query: query arguments

Options

• layup:[‘pp’] Production plies

• polar_properties:[‘E1’,’E2’,’G12’] polar plot of laminate stiffess

• text_plot:[‘materials’, ‘angles’, ‘thicknesses’]

Examples
>>> query={'polar_properties':['E1', 'G12'], layup:['pp'], text_plot:['materials', 'angles', 'thicknesses']}

cut_off_material

Cut-off material used in cut-off areas of this fabric.

cut_off_material_handling

Type defining how cut-off material is used in cut-off areas of this fabric. Types: [‘Computed’,
‘Global’, ‘Custom’]

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 Material Classes

draping_material_model

Draping material model.

draping_ud_coefficient

UD draping coefficient

drop_off_material

Drop-off material used in drop-off areas of this fabric.

drop_off_material_handling

Type defining how drop-off material is used in drop-off areas of this fabric. Types: [‘Global’, ‘Cus-
tom’]

graph_plot

Graph Plot object used to configure 2D plots.

ignore_for_postprocessing

Flag if this material is NOT post-processed.

is_constant()

Returns True if all engineering constants and strength limits of the assigned material are constant.

material

Material of the fabric

serialize()

Serialize to Python string

thickness

Thickness of fabric

update_plot()

Updates the 2D plot

Note: The coupling effect is always neglected (which is anyway 0 for a single fabric)

6.5.4. Stackup
class compolyx.Stackup(graph, obj, parent=None)

Class to represent stack-up

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add_fabric(fabric, angle=0.0)

Add fabric at end of fabrics of the Stackup

area_price

Price per area of the Stackup

area_weight

Area weight of the Stackup

clear_fabrics()

Clear all fabrics

clt_query(query='laminate_properties')

Returns the properties of the classical laminate theory

Parameters

• query: query parameters

Options

• layup: Return the layup

• laminate_properties: Young’s, flexural and shear moduli of the laminate

• polar_properties: E1, E2 and G12 depending on the laminate orientation

• stiffness_matrix: Returns the laminate stiffness matrix (ABD)

• compliance_matrix: Returns the lamiante compliance matrix (inverse of ABD)

Example
>>> stackup.clt_query(query='laminate_properties')

create_plot(query={'layup': ['pp', 'ap'], 'polar_properties': ['E1', 'G12']}, core_scale_factor=None)

Generates 2D-plots with the results of interest

Parameters

• query: Query parameters

• core_scale_factor: Scale core thickness by this value.

Options

• layup:[‘pp’, ‘ap’] Production Ply and Analysis Plies

• polar_properties:[‘E1’,’E2’,’G12’] polar plot of laminate stiffesses

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 Material Classes

• text_plot:[‘materials’,’angles’,’thicknesses’] property to show as label in the layup plot

Examples
>>> query={'polar_properties':['E1', 'G12'], layup:['pp'], text_plot:['materials']}

cut_off_material

Cut-off material used in cut-off areas of this Stackup.

cut_off_material_handling

Type defining how cut-off material is used in cut-off areas of this stackup. Types: [‘Computed’,
‘Global’, ‘Custom’]

draping_material_model

Draping material model.

draping_ud_coefficient

UD Draping Coefficient

drop_off_material

Drop-off material used in drop-off areas of this Stackup.

drop_off_material_handling

Type defining how drop-off material is used in drop-off areas of this stackup. Types: [‘Global’,
‘Custom’]

fabrics

Fabrics property of the Stackup

get_ordered_fabrics()

Returns all fabrics and orientations including symmetry and layup sequence option.

graph_plot

Graph Plot object used to configure 2D plots.

insert_fabric(pos, fabric, angle)

Insert fabric at given position

is_constant()

Returns True if all engineering constants and strength limits of the assigned fabrics are constant.

layup_sequence

Layup Sequence of the Stackup can be ‘Top-Down’ or ‘Bottom-Up’

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remove_fabric(pos)

Remove fabric from position

Parameters

• pos: Position of the Fabric to remove

serialize()

Serialize to Python string

symmetry

Symmetry of the Stackup can be ‘No Symmetry’, ‘Even Symmetry’ or ‘Odd Symmetry’

thickness

Thickness of the Stackup

update_plot()

updates the data of the 2D plot

6.5.5. SubLaminate
class compolyx.SubLaminate(graph, obj, parent=None)

Class to represent sub-laminate

add_fabric(fabric, angle=0.0)

Add fabric at end of fabrics list

area_price

Price per area of the Sub Laminate

area_weight

Area weight of the Sub Laminate

clear_fabrics()

Clear all fabrics

clt_query(query='laminate_properties')

Returns the properties of the classical laminate theory

Parameters

• query: result type

Options

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 Material Classes

• layup: Return the layup of the laminate

• laminate_properties: Young’s, flexural and shear moduli of the laminate

• polar_properties: E1, E2 and G12 depending on the laminate orientation

• stiffness_matrix: Returns the laminate stiffness matrix (ABD)

• compliance_matrix: Returns the lamiante compliance matrix (inverse of ABD)

Example
>>> sub.clt_query(query='layup')

create_plot(query={'layup': ['mp', 'pp', 'ap'], 'polar_properties': ['E1', 'G12']}, core_scale_factor=None)

Generates 2D-plots with the results of interest

Parameters

• query: query parameters

• core_scale_factor: Scale core thickness by this value.

Options

• layup:[‘mp’, ‘pp’, ‘ap’] Modeling Ply, Production Plies and Analysis Plies

• polar_properties:[‘E1’,’E2’,’G12’] polar plot of laminate stiffesses

• text_plot:[‘materials’,’thicknesses’,’angles’] text plot shown in the layup plot

Example
>>> query={'polar_properties':['E1', 'G12'], layup:['pp'], text_plot:['materials']}

fabrics

Fabrics property of the Sub Laminate

get_ordered_fabrics()

Returns a list with all sub materials (fabrics and stackups) and orientations including symmetry
and layup sequence option.

get_ordered_sub_materials()

Returns a list with all fabrics and orientations including symmetry and layup sequence option.

graph_plot

Graph Plot object used to configure 2D plots.

insert_fabric(pos, fabric, angle)

Insert fabric at given position

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is_constant()

Returns True if all engineering constants and strength limits of the assigned fabrics are constant.

layup_sequence

Layup Sequence of the Sub Laminate can be ‘Top-Down’ or ‘Bottom-Up’

remove_fabric(pos)

Remove fabric from position

serialize()

Serialize to Python string

symmetry

Symmetry of the Sub Laminate can be ‘No Symmetry’, ‘Even Symmetry’ or ‘Odd Symmetry’

thickness

Thickness of the Sub Laminate

update_plot()

Updates the data of the 2D plot

6.6. Model Classes

This section contains the following topics:
6.6.1. Model
6.6.2. Rosette
6.6.3. LookUpTable
6.6.4. ElementSelectionRule Classes
6.6.5. EntitySet Classes
6.6.6. Geometry Classes
6.6.7. OrientedSelectionSet
6.6.8. ModelingGroup
6.6.9. ImportedModelingGroup
6.6.10. FieldDefinition
6.6.11. SamplingPoint
6.6.12. SectionCut
6.6.13. Sensor
6.6.14. PlyBook

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 Model Classes

6.6.1. Model
class compolyx.Model(name=None, path=None, format=None, ignored_entities=None,
graph=None, parent=None, convert_section_data=False, unit_system_type=None, reference_surface_in-
put_unit_system_type=None, cache_data=False)

Class to represent a finite element model

Access:
>>> import compolyx
>>> db = compolyx.DB()
>>> model = db.import_model(name='class40.1', path='class40.cdb', format='ansys:cdb')

Get existing model:

>>> class40_model = db.models['class40.1']

active_scene

Active Scene

add_solution(name, id='', path=None, path2=None, format='ansys:rst', subcase=False, 0, set=- 1,

load_factor=False, 0.0, read_stresses_strains=True, use_felyx_to_compute_pp_results=True,
use_solid_results=True, recompute_iss_of_solids=False, renumbering_mapping_paths=[], ext_id='',
active=True)

Load a nodal solution from file(s) and add it to the model

Parameters

• name: Custom name of the solution

• path: Path to the data file

• path2: Optional path to second result file. Useful for ANSYS PRNSOL solution, where nodal de-
formations and nodal rotations can be exported to different files only.

• format: File format string. Choose one of ‘abaqus:fieldreport’, ‘ansys:prnsol’,’ansys:rst’ or ‘nas-

tran:f06’

• subcase: Optional subcase to read. Only valid for ‘nastran:f06’ format. (False,0) if not given in
the F06 file.

• load_factor: Optional load factor within substep of non-linear solution where the nodal solution
should be taken from. Only valid for ‘nastran:f06’ format. (False,0) if not given in the F06 file.

• set: Result set for ANSYS RST files, None is last result set

• read_stresses_strains: Reads strain and stress results from the RST file (necessary to post-process
non-linear solutions)

• ‘use_felyx_to_compute_pp_results’: Use ACP to compute strain and stress data

• use_solid_results: Mapps solid element solution onto ‘Layered Solid Reference Surface’

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• recompute_iss_of_solids: For solids the interlaminar shear stresses are recalculated considering
the laminate stacking

• renumbering_mapping_paths: List of paths of the assembly renumbering files used to map the
results of composite assemblies

• active: Active/inactive flag

Returns

The new Solution instance just added to the model

analysis_model_path

Analysis model file path

angle_tolerance

Section computation angle tolerance (in degree)

average_element_size()

Average element size of the model

cache_update_results

Define whether to store the update results or not.

copy_combined_failure_criteria(source)

Copy a Combined Failure Criteria Definition

Parameters

• source: Source object to copy

Returns

New instance of Combined Failure Criteria Definition

copy_edge_set(source)

Copy a edge set :Parameters: - source: Source object to copy

Returns

New instance of edge set

copy_element_set(source)

Copy a element set

Parameters

• source: Source object to copy

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 Model Classes

Returns

New instance of element set

copy_field_definition(source)

Copy a FieldDefinition

Parameters

• source: Source object to copy

Returns

New instance of FieldDefinition

copy_lookup_table(source)

Copy a Look-up Table

Parameters

• source: Source object to copy

Returns

New instance of a Look-Up Table

copy_oriented_selection_set(source)

Copy an oriented element set

Parameters

• source: Source object to copy

Returns

New instance of oriented element set

copy_rosette(source)

Copy a Rosette

Parameters

• source: Source object to copy

Returns

New instance of Rosette

copy_sampling_point(source)

Copy a sampling point

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Parameters

• source: Source object to copy

Returns

New instance of a sampling point

copy_section_cut(source)

Copy a section cut

Parameters

• source: Source object to copy

Returns

New instance of a section cut

copy_selection_rule(source)

Copy a rule

Parameters

• source: Source object to copy

Returns

New instance of rule

copy_sensor(source)

Copy a sensor

Parameters

• source: Source object to copy

Returns

New instance of a sensor

copy_solid_model(source)

Copy a solid model

Parameters

• source: Source object to copy

Returns

New instance of a solid model

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 Model Classes

create_boolean_selection_rule(name, id=None, include_rule_type=True, selection_rules=[])

Create new Boolean Selection Rule

Parameters

• name: Name of the Rule

• id: ID of the Rule

• include_rule_type: Whether the rule is of type include or exlude

• selection_rules: list of tuples of attached rules and operation type

Returns

The created Boolean Selection Rule

create_combined_failure_criteria(name, set=[], id=None)

Create Combined Failure Criteria

Parameters

• name: Name for the Combined Failure Criteria

• set: set of Failure Criteria to be assigned

• id: id to be assigned (optional)

Returns

• created Combined Failure Criteria

create_cutoff_selection_rule(name, id=None, cutoff_rule_type='geometry', offset=0.0,

angle=0.0, origin=0.0, 0.0, 0.0, direction=1.0, 0.0, 0.0, distance_type='along_direction',
ply_cutoff_type='production_ply_cutoff', ply_tapering=False, cutoff_geometry=None, edge_set=None,
offset_method='laminate_stack', offset_type='out_of_plane')

Create new Cut-off Rule

Parameters

• name: Name of the rule

• cutoff_rule_type: geometry, taper, or variable_taper

• offset: Offset of the rule (float for cutoff_rule_type=`geometry` or taper, LookUpTableColumn

for cutoff_rule_type=`variable_taper`)

• angle : Angle of the rule (ignored for cutoff_rule_type=`geometry`, float for taper, LookUpTable-
Column for variable_taper)

• origin : Origin of the offset and angle interpolation for variable_taper

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• direction : Direction of the offset and angle interpolation for variable_taper

• distance_type : along_direction or along_edge (only relevant for variable_taper)

• ply_cutoff_type: Determines on which ply level the cutoff is done.

• ply_tapering: Use ply tapering

• cutoff_geometry: CADGeometry for the rule (only relevant for cutoff_rule_type=`geometry`)

• edge_set: Edge Set for cutoff_rule_type=`taper` or variable_taper

• offset_method : Method to compute offset of plies laminate_stack or attached_plies

• offset_type : Measure offset from edge set normal to element reference surface (out_of_plane)
or in element reference surface (in_plane)

Returns

The created rule

create_cylindrical_selection_rule(name, id=None, origin=None, direction=None, radi-

us=None, relative_rule_type=False, include_rule_type=True, rosette=None, use_global_coordin-
ate_system=None)

Create new Cylindrical Selection Rule

Parameters

• name: Name of the rule

• origin: Origin of the Cylindircal Rule

• direction: Direction of the Cylindircal Rule

• radius: Radius of the Cylindircal Rule

• relative_rule_type: If True parameters are evaluated relative to size of the object

• include_rule_type: Include or Exclude area in rule

• use_global_coordinate_system: Use global coordinate system to define rule parameters

• rosette: Rosette used if use_global_coordinate_system is False

Returns

The created Cylindircal Rule

create_edge_set(name, id=None, origin=0.0, 0.0, 0.0, limit_angle=- 1.0, edge_set_type='By Ref-

erence', element_set=None, node_labels=[], show=False)

Create new Edge Set

Parameters

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• name: Name of the Edge Set

• edge_set_type: ‘By Nodes’, ‘By Reference’, ‘Imported’ (only for imported Edge Sets)

• origin: Origin

• limit_angle:

• element_set: element set

• node_labels: list of nodes defining the edge set (only if edge_set_type=’By Nodes’)

Returns

The created Edge Set

create_element_set(name, id=None, element_labels=None, element_sets=None, x=None, y=None,

z=None, op='new', middle_offset=False, show=False)

Create new element set

Parameters

• name: Name of the Element Set

• element_labels: Indices of elements to be assigned to Element Set

• element_sets: Select elements of these sets

• x: X-range to select.

• y: Y-range to select.

• z: Z-range to select.

• op: Select operation. Can be all, new (default), add, remove, intersect, inverse or none

• middle_offset: Boolean to enforce that the laminate mid-plane is moved onto the reference
surface.

Returns

The created Element Set

If element set already exists, it is updated depending on the operation given in op.

create_envelope_solution(name, id=None, solution_sets=[])

Create Envelope Solution

Parameters

• name: Name for the Envelope Solution

• solution_sets: list of Solution Sets that are combined

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Returns

The new envelope solution object

create_field_definition(name, id=None, field_variable_name=None, scope_entities=None,

scalar_field=None, full_mapping=False, active=True, locked=False)

Create a new Field Definition

Parameters

• name: The name of the oriented element set

• id: The id of the oriented element set.

• field_variable: String identifier of the field

• scope_entities: A list of scope entities defining the region of definition

• scalar_field: Tabular scalar column defining the field

• full_mapping: Bool. Whether offsets are to be included during the interpolation process

Returns

The created Field Definition

create_geometrical_selection_rule(name, geometrical_rule_type='geometry', id=None,

use_defaults=True, in_plane_capture_tolerance=0.0, neg_capture_tolerance=0.0, pos_capture_tol-
erance=0.0, include_rule_type=True, geometry=None, use_projection_normal=False, projection_nor-
mal=0.0, 0.0, 0.0, element_sets=None)

Create new Geometrical Selection Rule

Parameters

• name: Name of the Rule

• geometrical_rule_type: Define whether the rule extent is defined by a geometry of element

sets. The value can be ‘geometry’ or ‘element_sets’. Default is ‘geometry.

• use_defaults: Whether to use the offset value of the CAD geometry.

• in_plane_capture_tolerance: In-plane extend (extend) if CAD geometry is a surface.

• neg_capture_tolerance: Offset in the negative direction if CAD geometry is a surface.

• pos_capture_tolerance: Offset in the positive direction if CAD geometry is a surface.

• include_rule_type: Whether the selection is inside or outside the CAD geometry

• geometry: CAD geometry used to determine the selection (only relevant for geometric-
al_rule_type=`geometry`)

• use_projection_normal: Boolean wheter to use the projection normal or not.

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 Model Classes

• projection_normal: Normal direction used to map elements on outlines / curves

• element_sets: Preselection of elements in the form of an element set where the rule is applied
on (only relevant for geometrical_rule_type=`element_sets`)

Returns

The created rule

create_imported_solid_model(name, id='', active=True, element_sets=None, extern-

al_file_path=None, unit_system='undefined', format='ansys:cdb', ext_id='', mapping_type='struc-
tured_mesh', rosette_selection_method_type='minimum_distance', use_default_element_index=True,
element_index=0, use_default_node_index=True, node_index=0, use_default_section_index=True,
section_index=0, use_default_material_index=True, material_index=0, use_default_coordinate_sys-
tem_index=True, coordinate_system_index=0, use_solsh_elements=False, drop_hanging_nodes=True,
use_solid_model_prefix=True, write_degenerated_elements=True, delete_lost_elements=True,
scale_ply_thicknesses=True, all_plies=True, sequences=[], rosettes=[], minimum_void_material_thick-
ness=- 1.0, void_material=None, filler_material=None, global_cut_off_material=None, trans-
fer_all_sets=True, transferred_element_sets=[], transferred_edge_sets=[], locked=False,
from_pre=False)

Create a new Solid Model

Parameters

• name: The name of the Solid Model

• id: The id of the Solid Model

• active : Active status of the solid model

• element_sets: a list of Element Sets

• external_file_path: File path to the external source

• unit_system: Unit system of the imported mesh

• format: File format of the external source

• mapping_type: Mapping method

• use_default_element_index : consecutive element numbering if set to true

• element_index : start index for first element (only relevant if use_default_element_index)

• use_default_node_index : consecutive node numbering if set to true

• node_index : start index for first node (only relevant if use_default_node_index)

• use_default_section_index : consecutive section numbering if set to true

• section_index : start index for first element (only relevant if use_default_section_index)

• use_default_material_index : consecutive material numbering if set to true

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• material_index : start index for first element (only relevant if use_default_material_index)

• use_default_coordinate_system_index : consecutive coordinate system numbering if set to true

• coordinate_system_index : start index for first coordinate system (only relevant if use_default_co-
ordinate_system_index)

• use_solsh_elements : the solid model is created out of solsh elements

• drop_hanging_nodes: whether to skip mid-side nodes that are not shared by adjacent elements.
Only relevant when the object has applies cut-off geometries and a quadratic mesh.

• use_solid_model_prefix : the name of the solid model is used as a prefix for all components
written to the *cdb file

• write_degenerated_elements : If false, degenerated (homogeneous) elements are not exported

• delete_lost_elements : Delete elements which are outside the laminate

• filler_material : Global filler material which is assigned to the elements without any layers

• rosette_selection_method_type : Defines the mapping method for the selected rosettes

• scale_ply_thicknesses : Scale plies within layered solid element if they do not fill the entire
element, else add void layers

• all_plies : Whether all plies of the selected scope should be mapped or only specified sequences

• sequences : List of Modeling Groups and/or Modeling Plies which are mapped onto the element
scope

• rosettes : List of rosettes used to orient the lost elements

• minimum_void_material_thickness : Specifies the minimum thickness of void layers. Default is

equal to the minimum analysis ply thickness of the model.

• void_material : Global void material which is assigned to layered elements that are not fully
filled with ply material

• global_cut_off_material : Defines the global cut-off material

• transfer_all_sets: defines whether all edge and element sets should be transferred to the solid
model.

• transferred_element_sets: element sets to transfer to the solid model if transfer_all_sets is set

to false.

• transferred_edge_sets: edge sets to transfer to the solid model if transfer_all_sets is set to false.

Returns

The created Solid Model

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create_lookup_table1d(name, id='', tabular_data=None, origin=None, direction=None, dimen-

sions=[])

Create a new 1D Look-Up Table object

Parameters

• name : Name

• id : ID

Returns

The created Look-Up Table object

create_lookup_table3d(name, id='', tabular_data=None, use_default_search_radius=True,

search_radius=0.0, num_min_neighbors=1, dimensions=[])

Create a new 3D Look-Up Table object

Parameters

• name : Name

• id : ID

Returns

The created Look-Up Table object

create_oriented_selection_set(name, id=None, orientation_point=0.0, 0.0, 0.0, orienta-

tion_direction=0.0, 0.0, 0.0, element_sets=None, geometries=None, rosettes=None, rosette_selec-
tion_method='minimum_angle', selection_rules=None, draping=False, draping_seed_point=0.0, 0.0,
0.0, auto_draping_direction=True, draping_direction=0.0, 0.0, 1.0, draping_mesh_size=False, drap-
ing_material_model='woven', draping_ud_coefficient=0.0, reference_direction_field=None)

Create a new Oriented Selection Set

Parameters

• name: The name of the oriented element set

• id: The id of the oriented element set.

• orientation_point: Orientation Point for the Oriented Selection Set

• orientation_direction: Orientation Direction for the Oriented Selection Set

• element_sets: Element Sets

• geometries: Virtual geometries

• rosettes: Rosettes for the Oriented Selection Set

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• rosette_selection_method: Method to calculate element orientation

(‘minimum_angle’, ‘maximum_angle’, ‘minimum_distance’, ‘minimum_angle_superposed’,

‘minimum_distance_superposed’, ‘maximum_angle_superposed’, ‘ansys_classic’, or ‘tabu-
lar_values’)

• reference_direction_field: Table column used to compute reference directions

• draping: Draping enabled

• draping_seed_point: Seed Point used to start draping

• draping_direction: Direction for draping

• auto_draping_direction: Generate direction for draping

• draping_mesh_size: Mesh size for draping

• draping_material_model: Material model for draping, either ‘woven’ or ‘unidirectional’

• draping_ud_coefficient: Coefficient for the unidirectional draping material model

Returns

The created Oriented Selection Set

create_parallel_selection_rule(name, id=None, origin=None, direction=None, pos_dis-

tance=None, neg_distance=None, relative_rule_type=False, use_global_coordinate_system=None,
rosette=None, include_rule_type=True)

Create new Parallel Selection Rule

Parameters

• name: Name of the Rule

• origin: Origin of the Parallel Selection Rule

• direction: Direction of the Parallel Selection Rule

• pos_distance: Positive Disance of the Parallel Selection Rule

• neg_distance: Negative Distance of the Parallel Selection Rule

• relative_rule_type: If True parameters are evaluated relative to size of the object

• use_global_coordinate_system: Use global coordinate system to define rule parameters

• rosette: Rosette used if use_global_coordinate_system is False

• include_rule_type: Include or Exclude area in rule

Returns

The created Parallel Selection Rule

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 Model Classes

create_published_parameter(name, source_object=None, source_property='', user_script='',

category='input', acp_type=None, description='', lower_limit=None, upper_limit=None, cyclic=False,
float_list=[], string_list=[])

Create published parameter

create_rosette(name, id=None, origin=0.0, 0.0, 0.0, dir1=1.0, 0.0, 0.0, dir2=0.0, 1.0, 0.0,
rosette_type='PARALLEL', edge_set=None, show=False)

Create a new rosette

Parameters

• name: The name of the Rosette

• id: ID (optional)

• origin: The origin of the Rosette

• dir1: Direction 1 of the Rosette

• dir2: Direction 2 of the Rosette

• rosette_type: Type of the Rosette ( ‘PARALLEL’, ‘RADIAL’, ‘CYLINDRICAL’, ‘SPHERICAL’, ‘EDGE_WISE’

)

• edge_set: Edge Set to be used in Rosette

• show : Whether the newly created rosette is shown in the scene / the 3D window or not

Returns

The created Rosette

Example
>>> rosette_1 = model.create_rosette('Rosette.1',
origin=(0.,0.,0.),
dir1=(1.,0.,0.),
dir2=(0.,1.,0.),
rosette_type='PARALLEL')

create_sampling_point(name, id=None, point=0.0, 0.0, 0.0, direction=0.0, 0.0, 0.0, locked=False,

use_default_reference_direction=True, rosette=None, offset_is_middle=True, consider_coupling_ef-
fect=True, solution_set=None)

Create new Sampling Point

Parameters

• name: Name of the Sampling Point

• point: Sampling point

• direction: Sampling direction

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• use_default_reference_direction: whether to use the default reference direction for the evaluation

• rosette: Rosette used for the evaluation of the reference direction

• offset_is_middle: Specifies the offset of the reference plane used for the CLT analyses

• consider_coupling_effect: Specifies whether the laminate properties are evaluated considering

the coupling effect (B matrix) or not

• solution_set: Specifies the solution and the set of the element-wise post-processing. Note, this
must be given as a tuple.

Returns

The created Sampling Point

create_scene(name, id=None, title='', active_set=None, projection='perspective', scale_factor=1.0,

show_draped_fiber_directions=False, show_draped_transverse_directions=False, show_edges=False,
show_fiber_directions=False, show_global_coordinate_system=True, show_legend=True,
show_normals=False, show_orientations=False, show_ref_directions=False, show_selec-
ted_mesh=False, show_section_cut_plots=False, show_solid_elements=False, show_surface=True,
show_transverse_directions=False, continuous_pick_enabled=False, show_material_1_direc-
tions=False, show_mesh_silhouette=False, show_silhouette=False)

Create a new scene

Paramter

• name: Name of the scene

• show_deformed_mesh: Whether to show the deformed mesh

• show_undeformed_mesh: Whether to show the undeformed mesh

• scale_factor: Scale factor of the deformed mesh

create_section_cut(name, id=None, origin=0.0, 0.0, 0.0, normal=0.0, 0.0, 1.0, in_plane_refer-

ence_direction1=1.0, 0.0, 0.0, scale_factor=1.0, core_scale_factor=1.0, intersection_type='nor-
mal_to_surface', section_cut_type='modeling_ply_wise', extrusion_type='wire_frame', use_default_tol-
erance=True, tolerance=0.0, use_default_lut_settings=True, search_radius=0.0, number_of_interpol-
ation_points=1, locked=False)

Creates a new section cut

Parameters

• name: The name of the section cut

• id: The ID of the section cut

• origin: Origin of the section cut plane

• normal: Normal of the section cut plane

• in_plane_reference_direction1: Local x-direction of the sectin cut

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 Model Classes

• scale_factor: Scale factor for the thicknesses

• core_scale_factor: Scale factor for core materials

• intersection_type: Intersection type for the wireframe section cut

• section_cut_type: Ply resolution

• extrusion_type: Type of representation and extrusion

• use_default_tolerance: Whether to use the default tolerance or not. Default is 0.1% of the aver-
aged element size.

• tolerance: Tolerance used to generate the surface section cut

• use_default_lut_settings: Use default interpolation properties for the sweep based extrusion

• search_radius: Search radius of the interpolation algorithm

• number_of_interpolation_points: Number of points of the interpolation algorithm

create_sensor(name, id=None, sensor_type='SENSOR_BY_AREA', entities=None, locked=False)

Create new Sensor

Parameters

• name: Name of the Rule

• sensor_type: Type of Sensor values are: SENSOR_BY_AREA, SENSOR_BY_MATERIAL,

SENSOR_BY_PLIES

• entities: Entities of the Sensor

Returns

The created Sensor

create_solid_model(name, id='', active=True, element_sets=None, ex_type=None,

drop_off_type=None, offset_type=None, max_thickness=None, ply_group_pointers=None, ele-
ment_set=None, use_default_element_index=True, element_index=0, use_default_node_index=True,
node_index=0, use_default_section_index=True, section_index=0, use_default_material_index=True,
material_index=0, use_default_coordinate_system_index=True, coordinate_system_index=0, con-
nect_butt_joined_plies=True, write_degenerated_elements=True, use_solsh_elements=False,
use_solid_model_prefix=True, global_drop_off_material=None, global_cut_off_material=None,
transfer_all_sets=True, transferred_element_sets=[], transferred_edge_sets=[], delete_bad_ele-
ments=True, disable_dropoffs_on_top=False, disable_dropoffs_on_bottom=False, dis-
able_dropoff_sets_on_top='all', disable_dropoff_sets_on_bottom='all', warping_limit=0.4,
drop_hanging_nodes=True, locked=False)

Create a new Solid Model

Parameters

• name: The name of the Solid Model

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• id: The id of the Solid Model

• active : Active status fo the Solid Model

• element_sets: a list of Element Sets

• ex_type: monolithic (1 element through the thickness),

analysis_ply_wise (1 element per layer), modeling_ply_wise (1 element for each modeling

ply), production_ply_wise (1 element for each production ply) specify_thickness (1 element
per layer, layers thicker than max_thickness are split to several solids of at most
max_thickness) user_defined (groups plies by global ply numbers to groups material_wise
(groups subsequent plies with equal material)

• drop_off_type: inside ply (one element inside the ply boundary), outside ply (one element
outside the ply boundary)

• offset_type

shell normal (offset to the shell normal), surface normal (update normal direction by normal
of layered solids),

distortion controlled (surface normal with local corrections)

• max_thickness : maximum thickness for one solid, splits the layer into more solids, if a single
layer is thicker than this value (only for ex_type=`specify thickness`)

• ply_group_pointers : step used to make user-defined ply groups

• element_set : (deprecated, use element_sets instead) a single element set

• use_default_element_index : consecutive element numbering if set to true

• element_index : start index for first element (only relevant if use_default_element_index)

• use_default_node_index : consecutive node numbering if set to true

• node_index : start index for first node (only relevant if use_default_node_index)

• use_default_section_index : consecutive section numbering if set to true

• section_index : start index for first element (only relevant if use_default_section_index)

• use_default_material_index : consecutive material numbering if set to true

• material_index : start index for first element (only relevant if use_default_material_index)

• use_default_coordinate_system_index : consecutive coordinate system numbering if set to true

• coordinate_system_index : start index for first coordinate system (only relevant if use_default_co-
ordinate_system_index)

• connect_butt_joined_plies : connect adjacent plies without intermediate drop-offs

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• write_degenerated_elements : degenerated drop-off and cut-off elements are written to the

*cdb file

• use_solsh_elements : the solid model is created out of solsh elements

• use_solid_model_prefix : the name of the solid model is used as a prefix for all components
written to the *cdb file

• global_drop_off_material: defines the global drop-off material

• global_cut_off_material: defines the global cut-off material

• transfer_all_sets: defines whether all edge and element sets should be transferred to the solid
model.

• transferred_element_sets: element sets to transfer to the solid model if transfer_all_sets is set

to false.

• transferred_edge_sets: edge sets to transfer to the solid model if transfer_all_sets is set to false.

• delete_bad_elements: Boolean whether to delete the erroneous elements or not

• disable_dropoffs_on_top: Boolean whether to disalbe the drop-off elements on the top surface
of the laminate.

• disable_dropoffs_on_bottom: Boolean whether to disalbe the drop-off elements on the bottom

surface of the laminate.

• disable_dropoff_sets_on_top: List of element or oriented selection sets defining the region

where the drop-offs are disabled on the top skin of the laminate. Default is ‘all’

• disable_dropoff_sets_on_bottom: List of element or oriented selection sets defining the region

where the drop-offs are disabled on the bottom skin of the laminate. Default is ‘all’

• warping_limit: Warping limit factor used to detect erroneous elements

• drop_hanging_nodes: Hanging nodes are dropped (not exported) if set to true. Hanging nodes
are mid-side nodes that are not shared by adjacent elements.

Returns

The created Solid Model

create_spherical_selection_rule(name, id=None, origin=None, radius=None, relat-

ive_rule_type=False, include_rule_type=True, use_global_coordinate_system=None, rosette=None)

Create new Spherical Selection Rule

Parameters

• name: Name of the rule

• origin: Origin of the Spherical Selection Rule

• radius: Radius of the Spherical Selection Rule

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• relative_rule_type: Flag for relative rule

• include_rule_type: Include or Exclude area in rule

• use_global_coordinate_system: Use global coordinate system to define rule parameters

• rosette: Rosette used if use_global_coordinate_system is False

Returns

The created Spherical Selection Rule

create_tube_selection_rule(name, id=None, outer_radius=1.0, inner_radius=0.0, in-

clude_rule_type=True, edge_set=None)

Create new Tube Selection Rule

Parameters

• name: Name of the rule

• radius: Radius of the rule

• include_rule_type: Include or Exclude area in rule

• edge_set: Edge Set for the rule

Returns

The created rule

create_variable_offset_selection_rule(name, id=None, radius_origin=None, radius_dir-

ection=None, edge_set=None, offsets=None, angles=None, element_set=None, relat-
ive_rule_type=False, include_rule_type=True, use_offset_correction=False, dis-
tance_along_edge=False, inherit_from_lookup_table=True)

Create new Slab Offset Rule

Parameters

• name: Name of the Rule

• id: The unique ID of the rule

• radius_origin: Reference point of the 1D lookup table used for the offsets

• radius_direction: Normal of the cutting plane.

• edge_set: Guide/axis of variable tube

• offsets: 1D lookup table including the radii of the variable tube

• angles: Optional taber edge angles

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• element_set: Preselection of elements in the form of an element set where the rule is applied
on

• include_rule_type: Boolean whether to select the element inside or outside the variable tube.

• use_offset_correction: Boolean whether to evaluate the evaluat the radius/offset along the
surface or not.

• distance_along_edge: Boolean whether to evaluate the distance along the edge or direction
of the rule. Default is false.

• inherit_from_lookup_table: Boolean whether to inherit origin and direction from the attached
lookup table. Default is false.

Returns

The created rule

definitions

Definitions

deformation_scale_factor

Factor with which the deformed shape plot is scaled.

draping_offset_correction

Define whether to consider lay-up thickness in draping analysis.

edge_sets

Dictionary with all Edge Sets defined.

element_normal(globalID)

Returns the element normal (direction)

Parameters

• globalID: Element label

element_sets

Dictionary with all Element Sets defined.

export(path)

Exports all ACP composite defintions.

Parameters

• path: .acp file path

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export_composite_cae_h5(path, remove_midside_nodes=True, element_sets=None, model-

ing_plies=None)

Export layup to Composite CAE HDF5 file.

parameters

• path : Save path of the h5 file.

• remove_midside_nodes : Whether midside nodes should be exported or not.

• element_sets

A list of Element Sets and/or Oriented Selection Sets.

Only plies defined over the selected elements will be exported. If empty list or None, all
elements will be considered.

• modeling_plies

A list of Modeling Plies and/or Modeling Groups. If empty list or None,

all modeling plies will be exported

export_h5_composite_definitions(path)

Save composite definitions to HDF5 file. Function is mainly used to exchange composite definitions
with Ansys Workbench

parameters

• path Save path of the h5 file

export_ply_geometries(filename, plies=[], boundary=True, surface=True, offset_type='middle_off-

set', direction_arrows=False, first_direction=True, second_direction=False, arrow_length=1.0, ar-
row_type='no_arrow')

Exports the surface, boundary and/or fiber directions of modeling, production and analysis ply to
igs or step file.

Parameters

• filename: File path (allowed extensions are iges, igs, step, stp and stl).

• plies: List of plies (allowed are modeling, production and analysis plies).

• boundary: Boolean whether to export the boundary. Default is True.

• surface: Boolean whether to export the ply surface. Default is True.

• offset_type: Offset type (can be ‘no_offset’, ‘middle_offset’, ‘top_offset’ or ‘bottom_offset’).

Default is ‘middle_offset’

• direction_arrows: Boolean whether to export the direction arrows. Default is False.

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• first_direction: Boolean whether to export the first (main) material direction. Default is True.

• second_direction: Boolean whether to export the second material direction. Default is False.

• arrow_length: Length of the arrows. Default is 1.

• arrow_type: Defines the arrow type (can be ‘standard_arrow’, ‘no_arrow’, ‘half_arrow’). Default
is ‘no_arrow’.

Note: Directions and boundaries are not supported by the STL format.

export_solid_models(directory=None, prefix='ACPSolidModel_', delete_existing=True,

formats=['cdb', 'h5'])

Save solid models to files. Function is used within Workbench updates

Parameters

• directory: Directory to save the models.

• prefix: Prefix of the model. Default ACPSolidModel_

• delete_existing: Flag if existing models should be deleted. Default True

• formats: Available file formats are ‘cdb’ or h5. Default [‘cdb’, ‘h5’].

field_definitions

Dictionary with all defined field definitions.

find_materials(**properties)

Find materials with the given properties or property ranges

Parameters

• properties: Arbitrary material properties which must be matched. Note that a single property
value can be given as string, number or min-max range

Returns

A list with materials which match the given properties. If nothing matches an empty list is returned.

Examples:

format

File format string. Choose one of ‘ansys:h5’, ‘ansys:cdb’, ‘ansys:dat’ or ‘layup’

geometry

Geometry node

get_element_by_point(point)

Returns the element label of the closest element with respect to the given point.

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Parameters

-point: Tuple of the global coordinates

get_layup(path, format=None, objects=None, mode='update_entities')

Load layup from excel or csv file

Parameters

• mode: can be: update_properties_only: Definitions are updated with properties given

update_entities: Definitions are update, additional plies are generated and deleted recreate:
Existing layup is deleted generated from scratch

get_layup_from_csv_file(path, objects=None, mode='update_entities', modeling_group=None)

Function that reads the layup data from a csv file and adds the data to the graph

Parameters

• objects: List of objects to be synced

• path: the path to the file

• mode: can be: update_properties_only: Definitions are updated with properties given

update_entities: Definitions are update, additional plies are generated and deleted recreate:
Existing layup is deleted generated from scratch

• modeling_group: key of the mpg_collection dict = the id of the mpg. Only plies of this model-
ing_group will be imported from the file if none is specified all mpgs are read

get_layup_from_excel_file(path, objects=None, mode='update_entities')

Load layup from Excel File

Parameters

• path: Path to file to load

• objects: Objects to be loaded and overwritten

• mode: can be: update_properties_only: Definitions are updated with properties given

update_entities: Definitions are update, additional plies are generated and deleted recreate:
Existing layup is deleted generated from scratch

import_composite_cae_h5(path, mode='append', projection='shell', tol_thickness=None,

tol_in_plane=None, tol_angle=None, small_hole_threshold=None, tol_min_angle=None, recom-
pute_ref_directions=False, element_sets=None, offset='bottom_offset', coord_transform_inputs=None)

Import a composite layup definition from a HDF5 file.

Parameters

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• path : Load path of the h5 file

• mode

Specify how objects are imported

– append : Imported data/objects are appended to existing model/layup.

– overwrite : Replace objects with equal ids in the model with imported instances if possible
(not locked).

• projection: Defines whether the imported data is treated as shell or solid data

– shell: Default. The imported components are mapped onto the reference surface and
converted into Modeling Plies.

– solid: The components are imported one-to-one exposed as Imported Plies. Can be used
in combination with ImportedSolidModel (lay-up mapping)

• tol_thickness : Mapping tolerance in element thickness direction relative to min element edge
length.

• tol_in_plane : Mapping tolerance in element in-plane direction relative to min element edge
length.

• tol_angle : Mapping tolerance for the angles between element normals.

• small_hole_threshold : Holes in plies/element sets with an area smaller than this threshold
times the area of the element set/ply are filled.

• tol_min_angle : Minimum angle tolerance for which tabular correction angles for plies are
computed.

• recompute_ref_directions’ : Whether reference directions should be recomputed from tabular

angle data or not.

• element_sets : A list of Element Sets.

• offset: Offset for imported plies. Defines if imported mesh is interpreted as bottom, middle
or top ply surface.

Valid modes are ‘bottom_offset’, ‘middle_offset’, ‘top_offset’

• coord_transform_inputs: Coordinate transform for the imported data. Dict with the following
properties:

“translation_x”, “translation_y”, “translation_z”, “rotation_angle_deg_x”, “rota-

tion_angle_deg_y”, “rotation_angle_deg_z” The data transformed in the following order:
Rotation X, Rotation Y, Rotation Z Translation

import_composite_definitions_from_acp_file(path=None, import_mode='keep_both')

This functions loads the ACP composite definitions from an external ACP system. Within WB, this
function loads all objects but the mesh, materials and plots In stand-alone mode, all objects but
the mesh and plots are imported.

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Parameters

• path: *.acp file path

• import_mode: Defines how to solve conflicts of objects of equal name.

Global Resolution Actions

• keep_both: Keep target and source. Default.

• keep_existing: Imported entities are ignored

• overwrite: Overwrite target with source

import_section_data_from_legacy_model(path, format='ansys:cdb', materials_mask_pre-

fix='mat', materials_mask_suffix=' (setup, file1)')

Import and convert the lay-up of a legacy (MAPDL) shell model into ACP composite definitions.

The mapping is based on the element labels and therefore it is a requirement that the element
labels in the legacy and ACP model match. The import is only performed if the file and ACP
Model units are consistent.

Parameters

• path: file path. Supported file extensions are CDB, DAT and INP.

• format: file format. Supported are ‘ansys:cdb’ and ‘ansys:dat’

• materials_mask_prefix: Defines the prefix that is added to the Matierla ID while importing ma-
terials via ExternalModel.

• materials_mask_suffix: Defines the suffix that is added to the Matierla ID while importing ma-
terials via ExternalModel.

Materials mapping

Only relevant when the import happens within WB. The materials mask pre- and suffix parameters
allow to automatically map WB material and legacy material ids. For instance the pre- and suffix
MAT and ` (Setup, File1)` allows to map MAT1 (Setup, File1) with legacy material 1. The mapping
is case independent. Pass empty mapping masks when no mapping is needed

Example
>>> db.active_model.import_section_data_from_legacy_model(path=r'D: mp\class40_analysis_model.cdb', format

layup_plots

Plots

lookup_tables

Dictionary with all Look-Up Tables

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material_data

Dictionary with all Material Data defined.

mesh

Mesh of this model

mesh_query(name, position, selection='all', entity=None, entities=None, simulate=False, compon-

ent=None)

Query arbitrary data from the mesh of the model

Parameters

• name

Data type to query:

– labels, indices

– etypes

– coordinates

– angles (needs component)

– thickness (needs component)

– normals

– orientations, ref_directions, fiber_directions, transverse_directions

– draped_fiber_directions, draped_transverse_directions

– ply_offsets (offset vector)

– area, volume, mass, price

– cog (centre of gravity)

– offset (offset in the thickness direction)

• component

Defines the component. Needed for name=’angles’ or ‘thickness’

– angles: design_angle, shear, draped_fiber_angle, draped_transverse_angle. design_angle

is the default.

– thickness: thickness, relative_thickness_correction. thickness is the default.

• position

Position where data is queried:

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– nodal

– centroid

– element_nodal

• selection

The selection set determines the selected nodes and elements.

Can be given as string ‘sel0’ - ‘sel5’ or ‘all’ or can be given as ObjectSelection object such
as - model.selection - scene.active_set

• entity

Specialized queries require the specification of an additional associated entity,

e.g. an oriented element set is needed to compute orientations. Entity can be given as
NamedGraphObjects or vertex descriptor.

• entities : If a list of entities is given, the query will also compute and return a list of results, with
one array for each entity.

• simulate

Whether the query is only simulated to test if it will return data.

If this flag is set the mesh_query(…) function will only return 0 or 1.

minimum_analysis_ply_thickness

Section computation minimum analysis ply thickness (in length unit of model)

modeling_groups

Dictionary with all Modeling Groups defined.

oriented_selection_sets

Dictionary with all oriented element sets defined.

parameters

List of parameters visible to the workbench

path

Path to the reference surface input file. Read only.

plot_dependencies(path=None, parent=None, levels=3)

Generates a graph with all dependencies. The output is a dot, png and pdf file

Parameters

• path: file path without file extension

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• parent: Parent object

• levels: Depth levels to look for children

Output

A dot file which can be opend with Graphviz

Usage
>>> model.plot_dependencies(r'C:\tmp\hull_dependencies', model.element_sets['HULL'], 3)

plybook

PlyBook

pre_path

Save path of pre database linked to currently loaded post database

reference_surface_bounding_box

Tuple with corners of bounding box of reference surface mesh.

reference_surface_input_unit_system_locked

If the unit system of the reference surface is not defined in the mesh input, the unit system can
be changed.

reference_surface_input_unit_system_type

Unit System of the Reference Surface (set by user)

refresh_material_data(matml_file_path, apdl_file_path)

Refresh material external data sources in the model acph5 db. Needs the save_path to be set.

relative_thickness_tolerance

Section computation relative thickness tolerance

reload_mesh(path=None, format=None)

Reloads the mesh (nodes, elements and named selections) Ignored imported entities are the
materials and rosettes.

Parameters:

• path: New mesh path. Default is the current model path.

• format: New format. Default is the current format

reorder_modeling_groups(source=[], target=None, option='after')

Reorders the modeling groups by placing source before or after the target.

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Parameters

• source: list of modeling groups to insert at the new position

• target: a modeling group which defines the position to insert the source.

• option: whether to insert the source before or after the target.

Usage
>>> model.reorder_modeling_groups(source=[modelmodeling_groups['DECK']], target=modelmodeling_groups['HULL'],

rosettes

Dictionary with all Rosettes defined.

sampling_points

Sampling Point Container

save(path=None, cache_data=None)

Save ACP model to .acph5 file :Parameters: - path : Path to file - cache_data : Whether to cache
current state of model or not.

save_analysis_model(path)

Save actual analysis model to disc

parameters

• path Save path of the cdb file

save_apdl_commands(path)

Save APDL commands for composite definitions of actual model

parameters

• path Save path of the cdb file

save_h5(path, cache_data=False)

Save ACP model in ACPH5 format

save_layup(path, format=None, objects=None)

Function that saves the layup data to a csv file

Parameters

• path: the path to the file

• format: format can be csv and excel (on windows only)

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• objects: optional parameter if left the entire layup is written to the file, else only the layup
defined within modeling_groups

save_layup_to_csv_file(path, objects=None)

Function that saves the layup data to a csv file

Parameters

• path: the path to the file

• modeling_groups: optional parameter if left the entire layup is written to the file, else only the
layup defined within modeling_groups

save_layup_to_excel_file(path, objects=None)

Function that saves the layup data to an excel file. Windows only!

Parameters

• path: the path to the file

• objects: optional parameter if left the entire layup is written to the file, else only the layup
defined within modeling_groups

scenes

Scenes

section_cuts

Section Cuts

select_elements(selection='sel0', op='new', labels=None, indices=None, attached_to=None,

x=None, y=None, z=None, element_type='all')

Selects element within active model. (Marks the given selection as SELECTED)

Parameters

• selection

The selection to update

Can be given as string ‘sel0’ - ‘sel5’ or ‘all’ or can be given as ObjectSelection object such
as - model.selection - scene.active_set

• op: Select operation. Can be all, new (default), add, remove, intersect, inverse or none

• labels: List with element labels to select.

• indices: List with element indices to select.

• attached_to: Elements attached to entities / vertices in this list will be selected.

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• x: X-range to select.

• y: Y-range to select.

• z: Z-range to select.

• element_type: Element type: solid, shell

select_nodes(selection='sel0', op='new', labels=None, attached_to=None, x=None, y=None,

z=None)

Function selects nodes in graph and marks the given selection as SELECTED.

Parameters

• selection

The selection to update

Can be given as string ‘sel0’ - ‘sel5’ or ‘all’ or can be given as ObjectSelection object such
as - model.selection - scene.active_set

• op: Select operation. Can be all, new (default), add, remove, intersect, inverse, none

• labels: List with node labels to select.

• attached_to: Nodes attached to the given list of entities or vertices will be selected.

If attached_to=”elements” all nodes attached to selected elements are selected

• x: X-range to select.

• y: Y-range to select.

• z: Z-range to select.

select_solid_elements_from_shells(selection='sel0')

Selects the solid element within given selection and deselects the shell elements.

Parameters

• selection : The selection to update. Can be given as string ‘sel0’ - ‘sel5’

Return

Number of selected solid elements

selection

Selected objects of this model

selection_rules

Dictionary with all Selection Rules defined.

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sensors

Dictionary with all Sensors.

show_deformed

Whether to show result plots in the deformed and scaled configuration.

show_solver_elements

Whether mesh selections and plot should consider solver elements in solid models or not.

solid_models

SolidModel

solutions

Solutions

solve(wait=False)

Convenience function to directly solve the current model

Parameters

• wait: Wait until solver process finishes computation

solver

Solver instance

unit_system

Create a unit system and assign it to the model. Unit system types are:
si,mks,cgs,umks,mpa,bft,bin,undefined

update(objects='all', relations_only=False)

Main update function

Parameters

• objects: List of objects to update.

• relations_only: Set this option to true to only update and propagate the status of all objects.

use_default_section_tolerances

Boolean whether to uses angle and thickness tolerances of the application preferences for section
computation. Otherwise model specific values are used.

use_nodal_thicknesses

Define whether to use nodal thicknesses or element thicknesses.

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views

Views

6.6.2. Rosette
class compolyx.Rosette(graph, obj, parent=None)

Rosette class.

Access:
>>> model = db.models['class40.1']
>>> rosette_1 = model.rosettes['Rosette.1']
>>> rosette_2 = model.create_rosette(name='Rosette.2', origin=(1.5, 5.75, 7.), dir1=(-0.4, -0.4, 0.8), dir2=(-6.0,

changed

Status boolean. Set to true if the underlying data has been changed. Write only property

dir1

Direction 1 of the Rosette

dir2

Direction 2 of the Rosette

edge_set

Edge Set for Rosette

get_global_coordinates(coordinates)

Evaluates the global coordinates of a point given in local rosette coordinates: CYLINDRICAL, RA-
DIAL and SPHERICAL coord sys type: Give phi and theta in RAD

Parameters

• (x, y, z): x = x for PARALLEL, r for CYLINDRICAL, RADIAL and SPHERICAL)

y = y for PARALLEL, phi for CYLINDRICAL, RADIAL and SPHERICAL z = z for PARALLEL, CYL-
INDRICAL, RADIAL and theta for SPHERICAL)

Usage
>>> rosette.get_global_coordinates((1.,2.,3.))

get_global_vector_components(vector)

gets global vector components from local rosette vector components CYLINDRICAL, RADIAL and
SPHERICAL coord sys type: Give phi and theta in RAD

Parameters

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• (x, y, z): x = x for PARALLEL, r for CYLINDRICAL, RADIAL and SPHERICAL)

y = y for PARALLEL, phi for CYLINDRICAL, RADIAL and SPHERICAL z = z for PARALLEL, CYL-
INDRICAL, RADIAL and theta for SPHERICAL)

Usage
>>> rosette.get_global_vector_components((1.,2.,3.))

get_local_coordinates(coordinates)

Evaluates the local rosette coordinates of a point given in global coordinates:

Parameters

• (x, y, z): coordinates in global (parallel) coordinates

:returns (x,y,z)

x = x for PARALLEL, r for CYLINDRICAL, RADIAL and SPHERICAL) y = y for PARALLEL, phi for
CYLINDRICAL, RADIAL and SPHERICAL z = z for PARALLEL, CYLINDRICAL, RADIAL and theta
for SPHERICAL) CYLINDRICAL, RADIAL and SPHERICAL coord sys type: phi and theta in RAD

Usage
>>> rosette.get_local_coordinates((1.,2.,3.))

get_local_vector_components(vector)

Returns local rosette vector components from global vector components

Parameters

• (x, y, z): components in global (parallel) coordinates

:returns (x,y,z)

x = x for PARALLEL, r for CYLINDRICAL, RADIAL and SPHERICAL) y = y for PARALLEL, phi for
CYLINDRICAL, RADIAL and SPHERICAL z = z for PARALLEL, CYLINDRICAL, RADIAL and theta
for SPHERICAL) CYLINDRICAL, RADIAL and SPHERICAL coord sys type: phi and theta in RAD

Usage
>>> rosette.get_local_vector_components((1.,2.,3.))

local_direction(point, angle)

Get local orientation for a given relative angle and position in space

locked

Rosette is generated from an imported rosette and cannot be changed.

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origin

Origin of the Rosette

rosette_type

Rosette Types can be: parallel,radial,cylindrical,spherical,edge_wise

serialize()

Serialize to Python string

set_Xy()

sets dir2 orthogonal to dir1 as y- and x-axis

set_Xz()

sets dir2 orthogonal to dir1 as z- and x-axis

set_Yz()

sets dir2 orthogonal to dir1 as z- and y-axis

set_xY()

sets dir1 orthogonal to dir2 as x- and y-axis

set_xZ()

sets dir1 orthogonal to dir2 as x- and z-axis

set_yZ()

sets dir1 orthogonal to dir2 as y- and z-axis

6.6.3. LookUpTable
This section contains the following topics:
6.6.3.1. LookUpTableBase
6.6.3.2. LookUpTable1D
6.6.3.3. LookUpTable3D
6.6.3.4. LookUpTableColumn

6.6.3.1. LookUpTableBase
class compolyx.LookUpTableBase(obj, parent=None)

Bases: compolyx.graph_interface.NamedGraphFuncObject

Look-Up Table Class

associates scalar or vector values to points

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Example:
>>> table = db.models['class40.1'].create_lookup_table1d(name='LookUpTable1D.1')
>>> table.columns['Location'].values = [0,1,2,3]
>>> db.models['class40.1'].lookup_tables['LookUpTable1D.2'].create_column( name='Radius', type='scalar' )
>>> r = db.models['class40.1'].lookup_tables['LookUpTable1D.2'].columns['Radius']
>>> r.values = [0,0.3,0.6,1]

active

LookUpTable active

clear()

clear table data (rows and columns)

clear_rows()

clear table rows (keep columns)

column_types

a list of column types (‘scalar’, or ‘direction’)

columns

Dictionary with all columns

create_column(name, type=None, values=None, dimension='dimensionless')

Create a new column.

Parameters

• name : name of column

• type : a string (‘scalar’, ‘direction’) specifying the column type (the values will be initialized
to NaN)

• values : a numpy array with values (the type is determined from its shape)

empty

True if table is empty

load_from_csv_file(path)

load the table from csv file in path

Load LookUpTable from CSV file

Parameters

• path: path to output file

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num_cols

Number of rows

num_rows

Number of columns

save_to_csv_file(path)

Save LookUpTable to CSV file

Parameters

• path: path to output file

tabular_data

a tuple containing a list of column labels and a 2d array with floats for all cells. This is a flattened
view of all columns.

6.6.3.2. LookUpTable1D
class compolyx.LookUpTable1D(obj, parent=None)

Bases: compolyx.lookup_table.LookUpTableBase

A LookUpTable to associate arbitrary data to a one-dimensional field of Locations

column_factory

alias of LookUpTable1DColumn

direction

The Direction of the Look Up Table

origin

The Origin of the Look Up Table

tabular_data

a tuple containing a list of column labels and a 2d array with floats for all cells. This is a flattened
view of all columns.

6.6.3.3. LookUpTable3D
class compolyx.LookUpTable3D(obj, parent=None)

Bases: compolyx.lookup_table.LookUpTableBase

A LookUpTable to associate arbitrary data to a three-dimensional field of locations

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column_factory

alias of LookUpTable3DColumn

num_min_neighbors

Number of neighbors used for interpolation

remove_duplicate_points()

Removes duplicate supporting points from the table and their values. :return: Number of removed
points

Example

>> db.models[‘plate’].lookup_tables[‘LookUpTable3D_scalar’].remove_duplicate_points()

search_radius

Search Radius used for interpolation

tabular_data

a tuple containing a list of column labels and a 2d array with floats for all cells. This is a flattened
view of all columns.

use_default_search_radius

True if the search radius is estimated automatically

6.6.3.4. LookUpTableColumn
class compolyx.LookUpTableColumn(name, parent)

an object to hold a column in a table

enabled

Whether this object is currently enabled or not. Mainly defined through the current application
mode pre or post.

status

column status (‘UPTODATE’,’NOTUPTODATE’, or ‘LOCKED’)

type

column type (scalar or direction)

values

numpy array containing the column values

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6.6.4. ElementSelectionRule Classes

This section contains the following topics:
6.6.4.1. ParallelSelectionRule
6.6.4.2. CylindricalSelectionRule
6.6.4.3. SphericalSelectionRule
6.6.4.4.TubeSelectionRule
6.6.4.5. CutoffSelectionRule
6.6.4.6. GeometricalSelectionRule
6.6.4.7. BooleanSelectionRule
6.6.4.8. VariableOffsetSelectionRule

class compolyx.ElementSelectionRule(graph, obj, parent=None)

Base class for Rules This acts as an interface to the cpp object of the rules. The base class implements
_py_update which is called after the cpp update. It sets the changed flag. Since NameGraph derives
from Observable, observers can listen on ‘changed’.

In order to support csv_serialization, the classes have to implement a ‘_dict’ method and a list named
‘_csv_parameters’ The _dict method specifies which properties are written and _csv_parameters
specifies which parameters are read and how they are parsed. The keys in _dict and the elements in
_parameters_csv have to be consistent. If the conversion from the string to an object is more than
simple type conversion, it can be implemented in _update_rule_from_csv.

changed

Triggers Observable to dispatch changed message

extent

extent of the rule

include_rule_type

include type

relative_rule_type

relative type

6.6.4.1. ParallelSelectionRule
class compolyx.ParallelSelectionRule(graph, obj, parent=None)

Bases: compolyx.selection_rule.ElementSelectionRule

Parallel Selection Rule

direction

Direction of the Parallel Selection Rule.

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direction_in_global_coordinates

Direction of the rule in global coordinates

neg_distance

Negative distance

origin

Origin of the Parallel Selection Rule.

origin_in_global_coordinates

Origin of the rule in global coordinates

pos_distance

Positive distance

rosette

Rosette of the used for origin and direction

serialize()

Serialize to Python string

use_global_coordinate_system

Use global coordinate system for origin and direction

6.6.4.2. CylindricalSelectionRule
class compolyx.CylindricalSelectionRule(graph, obj, parent=None)

Bases: compolyx.selection_rule.ElementSelectionRule

Cylindrical Selection Rule

direction

Direction of the Cylinder.

direction_in_global_coordinates

Direction of the rule in global coordinates

origin

Origin of the Cylinder.

origin_in_global_coordinates

Origin of the rule in global coordinates

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radius

Radius of the Cylinder

rosette

Rosette of the used for origin and direction

serialize()

Serialize to Python string

use_global_coordinate_system

Use global coordinate system for origin and direction

6.6.4.3. SphericalSelectionRule
class compolyx.SphericalSelectionRule(graph, obj, parent=None)

Bases: compolyx.selection_rule.ElementSelectionRule

Spherical Selection Rule

direction_in_global_coordinates

Direction of the rule in global coordinates

origin

Origin of the Sphere.

origin_in_global_coordinates

Origin of the rule in global coordinates

radius

Sphere Radius

rosette

Rosette of the used for origin and direction

serialize()

Serialize to Python string

use_global_coordinate_system

Use global coordinate system for origin and direction

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6.6.4.4. TubeSelectionRule
class compolyx.TubeSelectionRule(graph, obj, parent=None)

Bases: compolyx.selection_rule.ElementSelectionRule

Tube Selection Rule

display_data

The tube rule mesh plot

edge_set

Edge Set for the Tube Selection Rule

extend_endings

Whether to extend the ending of the edge.

get_nodes()

Returns

List of nodes which define the guid of the tube

head

Defines the head of the tube. Only needed if the extensions are asymmetric.

head_extension

Specifies the length of the extension at the head of the tube.

inner_radius

Inner tube-radius

is_closed

Returns true if the edge set of this rule is closed.

mesh

The mesh of the tube rule

nodes

Returns the nodes of this tube as nx3 array including the extensions.

outer_radius

Outer tube-radius

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serialize()

Serialize to Python string

symmetrical_extension

Whether the extensions are equal on both ends or not.

tail_extension

Specifies the length of the extension at the tail of the tube.

6.6.4.5. CutoffSelectionRule
class compolyx.CutoffSelectionRule(graph, obj, parent=None)

Bases: compolyx.selection_rule.ElementSelectionRule

angle

Cut-Off angle

cutoff_geometry

Cut-off Geometry for the Cut-off Rule

cutoff_rule_type

Cutoff rule type, valid values geometry,taper,variable_taper

direction

Direction of the offset and angle interpolation for ‘variable_taper’

distance_type

Distance type for offset and angle interpolation for ‘variable_taper’

edge_set

Edge Set for cutoff_rule_type=`taper` or variable_taper

offset

Cut-Off offset

offset_method

Method to compute the offset of a ply.

offset_type

Take offset from edge set perpendicular to element reference surface (out_of_plane) or in ele-
ment reference surface (in_plane)

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origin

Origin of the offset and angle interpolation for ‘variable_taper’ cutoff rules

ply_cutoff_type

Cutoff Types can be: production_ply_cutoff,analysis_ply_cutoff

ply_tapering

Use Ply Tapering Orientation

6.6.4.6. GeometricalSelectionRule
class compolyx.GeometricalSelectionRule(graph, obj, parent=None)

Bases: compolyx.selection_rule.ElementSelectionRule

Geometrical Selection Rule

add_element_set(element_set)

Add Element Set to GeometricalSelection Rule

clear_element_sets()

Clear Element Sets of Oriented Selection Set

element_sets

Element Sets for the Geometrical Selection Rule.

geometrical_rule_type

Geometrical rule type, valid values geometry,element_sets

geometry

Virtual Geometry for the Geometrical Selection Rule.

in_plane_capture_tolerance

In-plane capture tolerance

neg_capture_tolerance

Capture tolerance in the negative direction of the CAD surface.

pos_capture_tolerance

Capture tolerance in the positive direction of the CAD surface.

projection_normal

Projection direction used to map curves onto the shell mesh.

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serialize()

Serialize to Python string

use_defaults

Whether to use the offset value of the CAD Geometry or not.

use_projection_normal

Whether to use a projection normal for outlines or not.

6.6.4.7. BooleanSelectionRule
class compolyx.BooleanSelectionRule(graph, obj, parent=None)

Bases: compolyx.selection_rule.ElementSelectionRule

Boolean Selection Rule

add_rule(rule, template_rule=False, rule_values=0.0, 0.0, operation_type='intersect')

Add Selection Rule to Boolean Selection rule

Parameters

• rule: The Rule to be added

• template_rule: Whether this is a template rule or not

• rule_values: Parameters of the template rule (For instance upper and lower limit of a Paral-
lelSelectionRule)

• operation_type: Boolean operation type (intersect, add, remove)

Example: >>> boolean_rule.add_rule(rule=model.selection_rules[‘ParallelRule.1’],tem-

plate_rule=True, rule_values=(-20.0, 50.0), operation_type=’intersect’)

selection_rules

Element Selection Rule of the Boolean Selection Rule.

serialize()

Serialize to Python string

6.6.4.8. VariableOffsetSelectionRule
class compolyx.VariableOffsetSelectionRule(graph, obj, parent=None)

Bases: compolyx.selection_rule.ElementSelectionRule

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angles

Link to lookup table column with taper angles

distance_along_edge

Whether to evaluate the distance along the edge or direction of the rule

edge_set

Link to edge set

element_set

The element set on which the rule is applied.

inherit_from_lookup_table

Whether to inherit the Look-Up Table object properties.

offsets

Link to lookup table column with offsets

radius_direction

Direction for offset value interpolations

radius_origin

Origin for offset value interpolations

serialize()

Serialize to Python string

use_offset_correction

Use offset correction on mesh

6.6.5. EntitySet Classes

This section contains the following topics:
6.6.5.1. ElementSet
6.6.5.2. EdgeSet

class compolyx.EntitySet(graph, obj, parent=None)

Base class for entity sets

add(entity)

Add entity to the set

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remove(entity)

Remove entity from the set

size

Number of entities

6.6.5.1. ElementSet
class compolyx.ElementSet(graph, obj=None, parent=None)

Bases: compolyx.entity_set.EntitySet

Element set class

Exemplary usage
>>> m=db.models.values()[-1]
>>> eset=m.element_sets['DECK']
>>> eset.modify(op='none')
>>> eset.modify(op='new', element_labels=[1,2,3,4])
>>> eset.modify(op='add', element_sets=[ m.element_sets['Deck_layup-1'] ])
>>> eset.modify(op='intersect', x=[-6.5,-5.5])

boundaries

Get the boundaries of the Element Set

locked

Element Set is imported and cannot be changed.

middle_offset

Middle offset flag

modify(op='new', element_labels=None, element_sets=None, x=None, y=None, z=None)

General method to modify the elements in an element set

Parameters

• op: Selection method: new, add, remove, intersect or inverse

• element_labels: List of element ids

• element_sets: List of element sets

• x: Min and max of x location

• y: Min and max of y location

• z: Min and max of z location

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normals

Get the Normals of the Element Set

orientable

True if the Element Set has an orientable topology

partition()

Partitions this ElementSet into new ElementSets with an orientable topology if this ElementSet
is already orientable, a copy will be created

planar

True if the Element Set has a planar topology

serialize()

Serialize to Python string

write_boundaries(filename, format=None)

Write boundaries in iges/step format :Parameters: - filename: output file - format: ‘iges’, ‘step’,
None (automatic format recognition)

6.6.5.2. EdgeSet
class compolyx.EdgeSet(graph, obj=None, parent=None)

Edge Set class

changed

Status boolean. Set to true if the underlying data has been changed. Write only property

display_data

The edge set mesh plot

edge_set_type

Edge Set Types can be: “By Reference”, “By Nodes”

get_nodes()

Return python list with nodes as objects

is_closed

Edge Set is closed.

limit_angle

Edge Set limit angle for creation of edge set by reference

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locked

Edge Set is imported and cannot be changed.

mesh

The edge set mesh

node_labels

Node labels defining the NodeSet (only if type=’By Nodes’)

nodes

Node indexes/labels of the Edge Set

origin

Edge Set origin for createion of edge set by reference

serialize()

Serialize to Python string

6.6.6. Geometry Classes

This section contains the following topics:
6.6.6.1. CADGeometry
6.6.6.2. CADCompound
6.6.6.3. CADSolid
6.6.6.4. CADShell
6.6.6.5. CADFace
6.6.6.6. VirtualGeometry
6.6.6.7. CADReference

6.6.6.1. CADGeometry
class compolyx.CADGeometry(graph, obj, visible_sub_shapes=None, parent=None)

cad_compounds

Dictionary with all compounds in the CAD Geometry.

cad_faces

Dictionary with all face shapes.

cad_solids

Dictionary with all solid shapes.

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cad_surfaces

Dictionary with all shell shapes.

changed

Status boolean. Set to true if the underlying data has been changed. Write only property

display_data

CAD geometry mesh surface plot

ext_id

External ID of the CAD Geometry object.

locked

CAD geometry is generated from an imported geometry and cannot be changed.

normals_display_data

CAD geometry normals visualization

offset

Offset value used to analyze the surface’s coverage regarding the mesh.

path

The file path where the CAD geometry is loaded from.

precision

Precision of geometrical operations (intersection points, thickness sampling, …).

refresh_external_source(enforce=False)

Reload the geometry from the external source.

Parameters

• enforce: enforce the reloading of external data for locked object in the new acph5 serialization
format. This option should be used with care!

root_shapes

Dictonary with all free shapes of the CAD Geometry

scale_factor

Geometry is scaled with this factor.

shape_type

Topological type of the shape.

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show_normals

Visibility of Face Normals.

sub_shape_selection_display_data

CAD face selection plot

sub_shapes

Sub faces of the CAD Geometry.

use_default_offset

Whether to use the default value or not.

use_default_precision

Whether to use default precision value or not.

visible_sub_shapes

Ids of CAD sub shapes to be displayed, stored per-scene id

visualization_mesh

Visualization mesh of this geometry

6.6.6.2. CADCompound
class compolyx.CADCompound(graph, obj, parent=None)

ComPoLyX Class to represent CADCompound

sub_shapes

Sub faces of the CAD Compound.

6.6.6.3. CADSolid
class compolyx.CADSolid(graph, obj, parent=None)

ComPoLyX Class to represent CADSolid

sub_shapes

Sub faces of the CAD Solid.

6.6.6.4. CADShell
class compolyx.CADShell(graph, obj, parent=None)

ComPoLyX Class to represent CADShell

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sub_shapes

Sub faces of the CAD Shell.

6.6.6.5. CADFace
class compolyx.CADFace(graph, obj, parent=None)

ComPoLyX Class to represent CADFace

6.6.6.6. VirtualGeometry
class compolyx.VirtualGeometry(graph, obj, parent=None)

ComPoLyX Class to represent VirtualGeometry

add(shape)

Creates a new CADReference object for the given shape. Returns the new CADReference object
or the existing one if available

Parameters

• shape: A tuple. The first item is the shape object and the second the link path (root path) of
the shape.

If the first item is None, the link path is used to link the shape with the virtual geometry.

Usage
>>> cad = db.active_model.geometry.cad_geometries['CadGeometry.1']
>>> db.active_model.geometry.virtual_geometries['RefGeom'].add( (cad.root_shapes['top_surface'], "") )
or
>>> db.active_model.geometry.virtual_geometries['RefGeom'].add( (None, "CadGeometry.1/top_surface") )

cad_geometry

Returns the linked CADGeometry. Read only.

cad_references

Dictionary of all cad references.

clear_cad_references()

Clear all linked references (VirtualGeometry becomes empty)

create_cad_reference(name='VirtualGeometry.1', id=None, path=None, size=None, cog=None,

dimension=None, bounding_box_min=None, bounding_box_max=None)

Creates a new Cad Reference and links it with the Virtual Geometry

Parameters

• name: Name of the object

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• id: ID of the object

• path: Geometry path of the linked cad component

• size: Size of the linked cad component. Size can be the volume, area or length depending
on the type of the linked cad component.

• cog: Center of gravity of the linked cad component.

• dimension: The shape type of the cad component. CADCompound, CADSolid, CADShell or
CADFace.

• bounding_box_min: Minimum point of the bounding box

• bounding_box_max: Maximum point of the bounding box

Return

• the new cad reference object

dimension

Highest dimension of all cad references. 3=solid, 2=surface, 1=curve

remove(shape)

Removes the CADReference object for the given shape

Usage
>>> cad = db.active_model.geometry.cad_geometries['CadGeometry.1']
>>> db.active_model.geometry.virtual_geometries['RefGeom'].remove( (cad.root_shapes['top_surface'], "") )
or
>>> db.active_model.geometry.virtual_geometries['RefGeom'].remove( (None, "CadGeometry.1/top_surface") )

serialize()

Serialize to Python string

set(shapes)

Clears the existing CAD References and creates a new one for each given shape

Parameters

• shapes: A list of tuples. The first item is the shape object and the second the link path (root
path) of the shape.

Usage
>>> shell = db.active_model.geometry.cad_geometries['CADGeometry.1'].root_shapes['cut_surface']
>>> db.active_model.geometry.virtual_geometries['RefGeom.1'].set(shapes=[ (shell, "") ] )
or
>>> db.active_model.geometry.virtual_geometries['RefGeom.1'].set(paths=[ (None, "CADGeometry.1/cut_surface

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sub_shapes

Sub components of the VirtualGeometry.

6.6.6.7. CADReference
class compolyx.CADReference(graph, obj, parent=None)

ComPoLyX Class to represent CAD Reference

bounding_box_max

Maximum of the bounding box.

bounding_box_min

Minimum of the bounding box.

cog

Center of gravity of the linked shape

dimension

Dimension of the linked shape (1 for lines, 2 for surfaces and 3 for solids).

path

Link path of the CADReference

size

Size of the linked cad shape

status

Status of the CADReference

6.6.7. OrientedSelectionSet
class compolyx.OrientedSelectionSet(graph, obj, parent=None)

Class to represent Oriented Selection Set

add_element_set(element_set)

Add Element Set to Oriented Selection Set

add_rosette(rosette)

Add Rosette to Oriented Selection Set

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add_selection_rule(rule)

Add Selection Rule to Oriented Selection Set

auto_draping_direction

Automatic selection of draping direction.

boundaries

Get the boundaries of the Oriented Selection Set

clear_element_sets()

Clear Element Sets of Oriented Selection Set

clear_rosettes()

Clear Rosettes of Oriented Selection Set

clear_selection_rules()

Clear Selection Rules of Oriented Selection Set

draping

Flag for using draping or not

draping_direction

The direction in which the draping starts.

draping_material_model

Draping material model.

draping_mesh_size

The mesh size for draping.

draping_obj

Draping representation

draping_seed_point

The seed point where the draping starts.

draping_ud_coefficient

UD draping coefficient

element_sets

Element Sets of the oriented element set.

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elements

Elements of the Oriented Selection Set.

normal_from_id(id)

Returns the element normal

normals

Get the Normals of the Oriented Selection Set

orientation_direction

The Orientation Direction of the Oriented Element set.

orientation_point

The Orientation Point of the Oriented Selection Set.

orientations

Get the oriented normals of the Oriented Selection Set

ref_directions

Get the Refernce Directions of the Oriented Selection Set

reference_direction_field

a look-up table column or None for external reference directions

remove_element_set(element_set)

Remove Element Set from Oriented Selection Set

remove_rosette(rosette)

Remove Rosette from Oriented Selection Set

remove_selection_rule(rule)

Remove Rule from Oriented Selection Set

rosette_selection_method

Selection Method for Rosettes of the Oriented Selection Set.

rosettes

Rosettes of the Oriented Selection Set.

save_flat_wrap(filename)

Write the flatwrap to DXF, IGES or STEP file

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Parameters

• filename: Path to the file to be writen

selection_rules

Selection Rules of the Oriented Selection Set.

serialize()

Serialize to Python string

write_boundaries(filename, format=None)

Write boundaries in iges/step format :Parameters: - filename: output file - format: ‘iges’, ‘step’,
None (automatic format recognition)

6.6.8. ModelingGroup
This section contains the following topics:
6.6.8.1. ModelingPly
6.6.8.2. ProductionPly
6.6.8.3. AnalysisPly
6.6.8.4. InterfaceLayer
6.6.8.5. ButtJointSequence

class compolyx.ModelingGroup(graph, obj, parent=None)

Class to manage modeling groups.

Access:
>>> import compolyx
>>> db = compolyx.DB()
>>> model = db.models['class40.1']
>>> mpg = model.modeling_groups['PlyGroup.1']

Creation:
>>> import compolyx
>>> db = compolyx.DB()
>>> model = db.models['class40.1']
>>> mpg_1 = model.create_modeling_group('PlyGroup.1')

copy_butt_joint_sequence(source, global_ply_nr=None, sort=True)

Makes a copy of a butt joint sequence

Parameters

• source: Source object to copy

• global_ply_nr: Global ply number to use. If 0 the ply is added at the top.

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• sort: Whether to sort all plies of modeling group after copy.

If multiple plies are copied at once it can be useful to sort only once at the end of the copy
operation.

Returns

New instance of modeling ply

copy_interface_layer(source, global_ply_nr=None, sort=True)

Copy a Interface Layer

Parameters

• source: Source object to copy

• global_ply_nr: Global ply number to use. If 0 the ply is added at the top.

• sort: Whether to sort all plies of Interface Layer group after copy.

If multiple plies are copied at once it can be useful to sort only once at the end of the copy
operation.

Returns

New instance of Interface Layer

copy_modeling_ply(source, global_ply_nr=None, sort=True)

Copy a modeling ply

Parameters

• source: Source object to copy

• global_ply_nr: Global ply number to use. If 0 the ply is added at the top.

• sort: Whether to sort all plies of modeling group after copy.

If multiple plies are copied at once it can be useful to sort only once at the end of the copy
operation.

Returns

New instance of modeling ply

create_butt_joint_sequence(name=None, id=None, global_ply_nr=None, primary_plies=None,

secondary_plies=None, active=True)

Creates an new butt joint sequences and adds it to this modeling group

Parameters

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-name: Name of the butt joint -id: ID of the name -global_ply_nr: Global ply number which orders
the ply sequences -primary_plies: List of tuples (modeling ply, level). Define the source of the
thickness between plies. -secondary_plies: Single or list of modeling plies. Secondary plies inherit
the thickness from the primary plies -active: Boolean whether the butt joint sequence is active or
not

Return

New butt joint sequence

create_interface_layer(name=None, id=None, global_ply_nr=None, oriented_selec-

tion_sets=None, open_area_sets=None, active=True)

Create Interface Layer

Parameters

• name: Name of the new Interface Layer

• id: Optional id of the new Interface Layer

• global_ply_nr: Ply number for stacking sequence

• oriented_selection_sets: Oriented Selection Set for the expansion

of the Interface Layer

• open_area_sets: Defines the initial crack of a VCCT layer (optional)

• active: Interface Layer active. Default True

Returns

The created Interface Layer

Example
>>> oes_1 = model.oriented_selection_sets['OrientedSelectionSet.1']
>>> mpg = model.modeling_groups['PlyGroup.1']
>>> mp_1 = mpg.create_interface_layer( name='InterfaceLayer.1',
global_ply_nr=0,
oriented_selection_sets=(oes_1,),
active=True)

create_modeling_ply(name=None, id=None, ply_material=None, ply_angle=0.0, number_of_lay-

ers=1, global_ply_nr=None, oriented_selection_sets=None, selection_rules=None, draping='no_drap-
ing', draping_seed_point=None, auto_draping_direction=True, draping_thickness_correction=True,
draping_direction=None, draping_mesh_size=None, thickness_definition='nominal', core_geo-
metry=None, active=True, taper_edges=None, thickness_field=None, thickness_field_type='absolute',
angle_1_field=None, angle_2_field=None)

Create modeling ply

Parameters

• name: Name of the new Modeling Ply

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• id: Optional id of the new Modeling Ply

• ply_material: Ply Material (Fabric, Stackup, SubLaminate)

• ply_angle: Angle of the Ply Material

• number_of_layers: Multiplier of this layer

• global_ply_nr: Ply number for stacking sequence

• oriented_selection_sets: Oriented Selection Set for the expansion

of the Modeling Ply

• selection_rules: Element Selection Rules for the Modeling Ply

• draping: The type of draping to be used “no_draping”, “evaluate_draping”, or “tabular_values”

• draping_seed_point: Start/Seed Point for Draping

• auto_draping_direction: Automatically set draping direction (Default: True)

• draping_direction: Direction to go in Draping (Default: None)

• draping_mesh_size: Mesh size used for Draping (Default: Calculated average element size from
mesh )

• thickness_definition: Enum that describes the method used for thickness definition (Default:
Nominal)

• core_geometry: The assigned core geometry

• active: Modeling Ply active

• taper_edges: Taper Edges for the Modeling Ply

• thickness_field: Look-Up table column with scalar values for thickness sampling (optional)

• thickness_field_type: The type of thickness field ‘absolute’ or ‘relative’

• angle_1_field: Look-Up table column with scalar values for angle 1

• angle_2_field: Look-Up table column with scalar values for angle 2

Returns

The created Modeling Ply

Example
>>> oes_1 = model.oriented_selection_sets['OrientedSelectionSet.1']
>>> fabric_1 = model.material_data.fabrics['Fabric.1']
>>> mpg = model.modeling_groups['PlyGroup.1']
>>> mp_1 = mpg.create_modeling_ply( name='ModelingPly.1',
ply_angle=0.0,
global_ply_nr=0,
number_of_layers=1,
ply_material=fabric_1,

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oriented_selection_sets=(oes_1,),
selection_rules=(rule1,),
draping="no_draping",
draping_seed_point = (1,0,0),
auto_draping_direction = True)

export_ply_geometries(filename, ply_level='production_ply', boundary=True, surface=True,

offset_type='middle_offset', direction_arrows=False, first_direction=True, second_direction=False,
arrow_length=1.0, arrow_type='no_arrow')

Exports the surface, boundary and/or fiber directions of modeling, production and analysis ply to
igs or step file.

Parameters

• filename: File path (allowed extensions are iges, igs, step and stp).

• ply_level: Defines which plies are exported: modeling_ply_wise, production_ply_wise or analys-

is_ply_wise. Default is production_ply_wise.

• boundary: Boolean whether to export the boundary. Default is True.

• surface: Boolean whether to export the ply surface. Default is True.

• offset_type: Offset type (can be no_offset, middle_offset, top_offset or bottom_offset). Default

is middle_offset.

• direction_arrows: Boolean whether to export the direction arrows. Default is False.

• first_direction: Boolean whether to export the first (main) material direction. Default is True

• second_direction: Boolean whether to export the second material direction. Default is False.

• arrow_length: Length of the arrows. Default is 1.

• arrow_type: Defines the arrow type (can be standard_arrow, no_arrow, half_arrow). Default is
no_arrow.

plies

Modeling Plies of the Modeling Group

reorder_plies(source, target, option='after')

Reorder the ply group. Take source plies and insert before/after target ply.

Parameters

• source: list of plies to insert at new position

• target: position to insert plies can be modeling ply or global_ply_nr

• option: where to insert: after`(default) and `before

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serialize(butt_joints=False)

Serialize to Python string

Parameters

• butt_joints: specify whether butt-joints are serialized or everything else (Modeling Group,
Modeling Plies and Interface Layers)

6.6.8.1. ModelingPly
class compolyx.ModelingPly(graph, obj, parent=None, element_vd=None)

Class to represent Modeling Ply

add_oriented_selection_set(oriented_selection_set)

Add Oriented Selection Set

Parameters

• oriented_selection_set: The Oriented Selection Set to be assigned to ModelingPly

add_selection_rule(rule, template_rule=False, rule_values=(), operation_type='intersect')

Add Rule to Modeling Ply

Parameters

• rule: The Rule to be added to the Modeling Ply

• template_rule: Bool

• rule_values: Parameters of the template rule

• operation_type: Boolean operation type (intersect, add, remove)

add_taper_edge(taper_edge, angle, offset=0.0)

Add Taper Edge to Modeling Ply

Parameters

• taper_edge: The Taper Edge to be added to the Modeling Ply

• angle: Angle for tapering

• offset: Offset for tapering

angle_1_field

Angle 1 Correction field

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angle_2_field

Angle 2 Correction field

area

Area of the Modeling Ply

auto_draping_direction

Automatic selection of draping direction.

clear_oriented_selection_sets()

Clear all Oriented Selection Sets of the Modeling Ply

clear_selection_rules()

Clear all selection_rules assigned to the Modeling Ply

clear_taper_edges()

Clear all taper_edges assigned to the Modeling Ply

core_geometry

Assigned Core Geometry

direction_arrows(arrow_length=None, arrow_type='standard_arrow', offset_type='no_offset')

Direction arrows of the ply

Parameters

• arrow_length: length of the arrow

• arrow_type: ‘standard_arrow’ (default), ‘no_arrow’, ‘half_arrow’

• offset_type: ‘no_offset’ (default), ‘bottom_offset’, ‘middle_offset’, ‘top_offset’

draped_fiber_directions

Get the Draped Fiber Directions of the Modeling Ply

draping

Type of draping to be used

draping_direction

The direction in which the draping starts.

draping_direction_from_calculation(analysis_ply=None)

Draping direction used for draping calculation

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draping_mesh_size

The mesh size for draping.

draping_obj

Draping properties of the Modeling Ply

draping_seed_point

The seed point where the draping starts.

draping_seed_point_from_calculation(analysis_ply=None)

Draping seed point used for draping calculation

draping_thickness_correction

Thickness correction for draping.

element_normal_is_equal(element_id=None, normal=None)

Returns 1 if the element normal is equal the orientation of the modeling ply, else -1

Parameters

• element_id: Element label

• normal: Reference normal direction

fiber_directions

Get the Fiber Directions of the Modeling Ply

number_of_layers

Number of layers of the Modeling Ply

on_sampling_point

Flag if the modeling ply is on sampling point

orientation_at_element(element_id=None)

Returns the orientation of this modeling ply for a certain element. If the element does not belong
to the modeling ply the return value is [0,0,0]

Parameters

• element_id: Element label

orientations

Get the oriented normals of the Modeling Ply

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oriented_selection_sets

Oriented Selection Sets of the Modeling Ply

ply_angle

Ply Angle of the Modeling Ply

ply_offsets

Get the offsetted Modeling Ply

price

Price of the Modeling Ply

production_plies

Production Plies of the Modeling Ply

ref_directions

Get the Reference Directions of the Modeling Ply

remove_oriented_selection_set(oriented_selection_set)

Remove Oriented Selection Set from Modeling Ply

Parameters

• oriented_selection_set: The Oriented Selection Set to be removed from ModelingPly

remove_selection_rule(rule)

Remove Rule from Modeling Ply

Parameters

• rule: The Rule to be removed from Modeling Ply

remove_taper_edge(taper_edge)

Remove taper_edge from Modeling Ply

Parameters

• taper_edge: The taper_edge to be removed from Modeling Ply

selection_rules

Element Selection Rule of the Modeling Ply.

serialize()

Serialize to Python string

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taper_edges

Taper Edges of the Modeling Ply.

thickness_definition

Type of thickness-definition to be used

thickness_field

LookUpTable Column with tabular thicknesses or None

thickness_field_type

The type of the Thickness field ‘absolute’ or ‘relative’

weight

Weight of the Modeling Ply

write_boundaries(filename, format=None, offset_type='no_offset', with_direction_arrows=False,

arrow_length=None, arrow_type='standard_arrow')

Write boundaries in iges/step format

Parameters

• filename: output file

• format: ‘iges’, ‘step’, None (automatic format recognition)

• offset_type: ‘no_offset’ (default), ‘bottom_offset’, ‘middle_offset’, ‘top_offset’

• with_direction_arrows: the element directions should be written to

• arrow_length: length of the direction arrows (default is average element edge size)

• arrow_type: type to be used as arrows (‘standard_arrow’(default), ‘no_arrow’, ‘half_arrow’)

6.6.8.2. ProductionPly
class compolyx.production_ply.ProductionPly(graph, obj, parent=None, ele-
ment_vd=None)

Class to represent Production Ply

analysis_plies

Analysis Plies of the Production Ply

angle

Ply Angle of the Production Ply

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area

Area of the production ply

const_thickness

True if this Production Ply has a constant thickness

direction_arrows(arrow_length=None, arrow_type='standard_arrow', offset_type='no_offset')

Direction arrows of the ply

Parameters

• arrow_length: length of the arrow

• arrow_type: ‘standard_arrow’ (default), ‘no_arrow’, ‘half_arrow’

• offset_type: ‘no_offset’ (default), ‘bottom_offset’, ‘middle_offset’, ‘top_offset’

draping_obj

Draping representation

ply_material

Ply Material of the Production Ply

price

Price of the production ply

save_draping_input_data(filename)

Writes out Modeling Ply to Draping Interface File

Parameters

• filename: Path to the file to be written

save_flat_wrap(filename)

Write the flatwrap to DXF, IGES or STEP file

Parameters

• filename: Path to the file to be writen

thickness

Thickness of the Production Ply

update()

Update the Production Ply

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weight

Weight of the production ply

write_boundaries(filename, format=None, offset_type='no_offset', with_direction_arrows=False,

arrow_length=None, arrow_type='standard_arrow')

Write boundaries in iges/step format

Parameters

• filename: output file

• format: ‘iges’, ‘step’, None (automatic format recognition)

• offset_type: ‘no_offset’ (default), ‘bottom_offset’, ‘middle_offset’, ‘top_offset’

• with_direction_arrows: the element directions should be written to

• arrow_length: length of the direction arrows (default is average element edge size)

• arrow_type: type to be used as arrows (‘standard_arrow’(default), ‘no_arrow’, ‘half_arrow’)

6.6.8.3. AnalysisPly
class compolyx.AnalysisPly(graph, obj, parent=None)

ComPoLyX Class to represent Analysis Ply

active

Sequence Entity is active

active_in_post_mode

True if failure criteria will be processed for this ply.

angle

Ply Angle of the Analysis Ply

direction_arrows(arrow_length=None, arrow_type='standard_arrow', offset_type='no_offset')

Direction arrows of the ply

Parameters

• arrow_length: length of the arrow

• arrow_type: ‘standard_arrow’ (default), ‘no_arrow’, ‘half_arrow’

• offset_type: ‘no_offset’ (default), ‘bottom_offset’, ‘middle_offset’, ‘top_offset’

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draping_obj

Get the Fiber Directions of the Analysis Ply

material

Ply Material of the Analysis Ply

ply_material

Ply Material of the Analysis Ply

thickness

Thickness of the Analysis Ply

update()

Update the Analysis Ply

write_boundaries(filename, format=None, offset_type='no_offset', with_direction_arrows=False,

arrow_length=None, arrow_type='standard_arrow')

Write boundaries in iges/step format

Parameters

• filename: output file

• format: ‘iges’, ‘step’, None (automatic format recognition)

• offset_type: ‘no_offset’ (default), ‘bottom_offset’, ‘middle_offset’, ‘top_offset’

• with_direction_arrows: the element directions should be written to

• arrow_length: length of the direction arrows (default is average element edge size)

• arrow_type: type to be used as arrows (‘standard_arrow’(default), ‘no_arrow’, ‘half_arrow’)

6.6.8.4. InterfaceLayer
class compolyx.InterfaceLayer(graph, obj, parent=None)

Class to represent Interface Layer

add_open_area_set(value)

Add Open Area Set to Interface Layer

add_oriented_selection_set(oriented_selection_set)

Add Oriented Selection Set

Parameters

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• oriented_selection_set: The Oriented Selection Set to be assigned to Interface Layer

clear_open_area_sets()

Clears the open area selection

clear_oriented_selection_sets()

Clear all Oriented Selection Sets of the Interface Layer

enabled

Whether this object is currently enabled or not.

open_area_sets

Open area set(s) of the Interface Layer

oriented_selection_sets

Oriented Selection Sets of the Interface Layer

ply_offsets

Get the offsetted Interface Layer

remove_open_area_set(value)

Remove Open Area Set from Interface Layer

remove_oriented_selection_set(oriented_selection_set)

Remove Oriented Selection Set from Interface Layer

Parameters

• oriented_selection_set: The Oriented Selection Set to be removed from Interface Layer

serialize()

Serialize to Python string

6.6.8.5. ButtJointSequence
class compolyx.ButtJointSequence(graph, obj, parent=None)

Class to represent the Butt Joint Sequence

primary_plies

Primary plies of the butt joint squence

secondary_plies

Secondary plies of the butt joint squence

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serialize()

Serialize to Python string

6.6.9. ImportedModelingGroup
This section contains the following topics:
6.6.9.1. ImportedModelingPly
6.6.9.2. ImportedProductionPly
6.6.9.3. ImportedAnalysisPly

class compolyx.ImportedModelingGroup(graph, obj, parent=None)

copy_imported_modeling_ply(source)

Copy an imported modeling ply

Parameters

• source: Source object to copy

Returns

New instance of imported modeling ply

create_imported_modeling_ply(name=None, id=None, active=True, offset='bottom', ply_ma-

terial=None, ply_angle=0.0, mesh_import_type='from_geometry', mesh_geometry=None,
rosette_selection_method='minimum_angle', rosettes=[], thickness_definition='nominal', thick-
ness_field=None, thickness_field_type='absolute', draping='no_draping', angle_1_field=None,
angle_2_field=None)

Create modeling ply

Parameters

• name: Name of the new Imported Modeling Ply

• id: Optional id of the new Imported Modeling Ply

• active: Whether the ply is active or not

• offset: whether the mesh defines the bottom, middle or top surface of the ply

• ply_material: Ply Material (Fabric)

• ply_angle: Angle of the Ply Material

• mesh_import_type: The source of the imported mesh (‘from_h5_composite_cae’ or

‘from_geometry’)

• mesh_geometry: if mesh_import_type is from_geometry, then this geometry defines the surface

of the ply

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• rosette_selection_method: Method to calculate element orientation

(‘minimum_angle’, ‘maximum_angle’, ‘minimum_distance’, ‘minimum_angle_superposed’,

‘minimum_distance_superposed’, ‘maximum_angle_superposed’, ‘ansys_classic’, or ‘tabu-
lar_values’)

• rosettes: Rosettes for the Imported Modeling Ply

• reference_direction_field: Table column used to compute reference directions. Only needed if

rosette_selection_method is tabular_values.

• thickness_definition: Enum that describes the method used for thickness definition (Default:
nominal)

• thickness_field: Look-Up table column with scalar values for thickness sampling (optional)

• thickness_field_type: The type of thickness field ‘absolute’ or ‘relative’

• draping: The type of draping to be used “no_draping” or “tabular_values”

• angle_1_field: Look-Up table column with scalar values for angle 1

• angle_2_field: Look-Up table column with scalar values for angle 2

Returns

The created Imported Modeling Ply

Example
>>> modeling_group = db.active_model.create_imported_modeling_group( name='ImportedModelingGroup' )
>>> modeling_group.create_imported_modeling_ply(name='ImportedModelingPly.1', offset='middle', ply_angle=45)

plies

Modeling Plies of the Modeling Group

6.6.9.1. ImportedModelingPly
class compolyx.ImportedModelingPly(graph, obj, parent=None)

active

Whether the ply is active or surpressed.

angle_1_field

Angle 1 Correction field

angle_2_field

Angle 2 Correction field

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clear_rosettes()

Clear Rosettes of Imported Modeling Ply

draping

Type of draping to be used

mesh

mesh_geometry

Geometry that defines the mesh/surface of this ply

mesh_import_type

Defines the source of the imported mesh

offset

Defines whether the imported mesh defines the bottom, middle or top surface of the ply.

ply_angle

Ply Angle of the Imported Modeling Ply

ply_material

Material of the Modeling Ply

production_plies

Attached imported production plies

reference_direction_field

a look-up table column or None for external reference directions

rosette_selection_method

Defines the rosette selection method

rosettes

Rosettes of the Imported Modeling Ply.

thickness_definition

Type of thickness-definition to be used (from table, nominal)

thickness_field

LookUpTable Column with tabular thicknesses or None

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thickness_field_type

The type of the Thickness field ‘absolute’ or ‘relative’

6.6.9.2. ImportedProductionPly
class compolyx.ImportedProductionPly(graph, obj, parent=None)

analysis_plies

Analysis Plies of the Production Ply

angle

Ply Angle of the Production Ply

mesh

ply_material

Ply Material of the Production Ply

thickness

Thickness of the Production Ply

6.6.9.3. ImportedAnalysisPly
class compolyx.ImportedAnalysisPly(graph, obj, parent=None)

Class to represent an imported modeling ply

active_in_post_mode

Whether ply is active in ACP Post

angle

Ply Angle

material

Ply material

mesh

thickness

Average ply thickness

6.6.10. FieldDefinition
class compolyx.FieldDefinition(graph, obj, parent=None)

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Class to represent Field Definition

active

Field Definition is active

enabled

Whether this object is currently enabled or not. Mainly defined through the current application
mode pre or post.

field_variable_name

The name of the field variable defined.

full_mapping

Whether the field is interpolated to the shell reference surface or to the actual ply-position by
taking into account the shell offset; in solid models the interpolation takes always place at the
actual ply position.

locked

Returns the locked status of the Field Definition

scalar_field

Look-up table used with this field definition.

scope_entities

The entities defining the scope of the field definition. Allowed are Element Sets, Modeling Plies
and Oriented Selection Sets.

serialize()

Serialize to Python string

6.6.11. SamplingPoint
class compolyx.SamplingPoint(graph, obj, parent=None)

The Sampling Point allows to pick through the laminate at a certain point to run detailed analyses.

Usage
>>> model.create_sampling_point(name='Sampling Point')

aligned()

Returns true if the sampling direction is aligned with the normal direction of the closest element

clt_query(query='layup', offset_is_middle=True, consider_coupling_effect=True)

Returns the properties of the classical laminate theory:

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Parameters

• query: query parameter (see below)

• offset_is_middle: Bool to set laminate reference to middle for the laminate stiffness evaluation.

• consider_coupling_effect: Bool whether to consider the coupling effect or not

Options

• layup: Returns the layup of the laminate (Modeling, Production and Analysis Plies). Default.

• laminate_properties: Young’s, flexural and shear moduli of the laminate

• polar_properties: E1, E2 and G12 depending on the laminate orientation

• text_labels: Returns a list with the material names, angles and thicknesses

• stiffness_matrix: Returns the laminate stiffness matrix (ABD)

• compliance_matrix: Returns the lamiante compliance matrix (inverse of ABD)

• laminate_forces: Returns a dict with the laminate forces Nx, Ny, Nxy, Mx, My, Mxy, Qx and Qy.
Offset is middle is always true for this evaluation.

Usage:
>>> se.clt_query(query='polar_properties')

consider_coupling_effect

Specifies the coupling effect is considered or not.

create_plot(query={'layup': ['mp'], 'polar_properties': ['E1', 'G12']}, offset_is_middle=True, con-

sider_coupling_effect=True)

Generates 2D-plots with the results of interest

Parameters

• query: query parameter

• offset_is_middle: Bool to set lamiante reference plane to middle

• consider_coupling_effect: Bool whether to consider the coupling effect or not

Options

• layup:[‘mp’, ‘pp’, ‘ap’] Modeling Plies, Production Plies and Analysis Plies

• polar_properties:[‘E1’,’E2’,’G12’] polar plot of laminate stiffesses

• strains:[‘e1’, ‘e2’, ‘e3’, ‘e12’, ‘e13’, ‘e23’, ‘eI’, ‘eII’, ‘eIII’] - Strain definition name and component

• stresses:[‘s1’, ‘s2’, ‘s3’, ‘s12’, ‘s13’, ‘s23’, ‘sI’, ‘sII’, ‘sIII’] - Stress definition name and component

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• failures:[‘FailureCriteria.1_irf’, ‘FailureCriteria.1_rf’, ‘FailureCriteria.1_mos’, ‘FailureCriteria.1_fm’]

- Name of FC and value

• text_labels:[‘material’, ‘angle’, ‘thickness’]

Usage
>>> se.create_plot(query={layup:['mp'], failure:['FailureCriteria.1_irf']}
>>> se.graph_plot.x_values
>>> se.graph_plot.layer_thicknesses

direction

Sampling Point Direction

element_id

Element ID (label) of the Sampling Point

enabled

Whether this object is currently enabled or not. SamplingPoints are always enabled.

graph_plot

Graph Plot object used to configure 2D plots.

locked

Sampling Point is generated from an imported source and cannot be changed.

offset_is_middle

Specifies the offset of the reference plane for the CLT analysis.

plies

Plies of the Sampling Point

point

Sampling Point Point

reference_direction

Reference direction

rosette

Rosette of the Sampling Point

solution_set

Solution and Set selection

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update_plot(offset_is_middle, consider_coupling_effect)

Updates the 2D plot

Parameters

• offset_is_middle: Boolean to set laminate reference plane to the laminate mid-plane (ignore
coupling effects due to the offset)

• consider_coupling_effect: Bool whether to consider the coupling effect or not (ignore coupling
effects in general)

use_default_reference_direction

Flag to use default reference direction

6.6.12. SectionCut
class compolyx.SectionCut(graph, obj, parent=None, color_table=None)

Section Cut Class showing the lay-up in the cutting plane.

active

Whether a section cut is computed on update or not.

changed

Status boolean. Set to true if the underlying data has been changed. Write only property

core_scale_factor

Get/set the core scale factor

display_data

Section cut plots

elastic_measures

Cross-sectional Measures of Elasticity

element_labels

Label of elements within ex1 array.

element_nodes

Coincidence list

element_types

Element types within ex1 array.

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enabled

Whether this object is currently enabled or not. SectionCuts are always enabled.

export_surface_section_cut(path, format='becas:in', export_strength_limits=True)

Exports the suface section cut to BECAS or ANSYS MAPDL

Paramters

• path: File path or directory depending on the export format.

• format: Export format. Implemented are ‘becas:in’ and ‘ansys:cdb’. ‘becas:in’ is the default.

• export_strength_limits: Boolean whether to export the strength limits for BECAS. True by default.

Usage
>>> section_cut.export_surface_section_cut(r'D:\tmp\section_cut.cdb', 'ansys:cdb', 1.e-3)
>>> section_cut.export_surface_section_cut(path=r'D:\tmp', format='becas:in', export_strength_limits=False)

Output

• mapdl: CDB file including the nodes and elements

• becas: BECAS IN input files: N2D, E2D, EMAT and MATPROPS. Optional FAILMAT.

extrusion_type

Section Cut Types can be: wire_frame,surface_normal,surface_sweep_based

geometric_measures

Cross-sectional Measures of Geometry

in_plane_reference_direction1

Reference direction for cross-sectional measures

in_plane_reference_direction2

Reference direction for cross-sectional measures

intersection_type

Intersection Types can be: normal_to_surface,in_plane

locked

Section cut was imported and cannot be changed.

mass_measures

Cross-sectional Measures of Mass

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 Model Classes

node_labels

Label of nodes within nx1 array.

nodes

Returns nodes of this mesh as nx3 array.

normal

Get/set the plane normal

number_of_interpolation_points

User-defined number of interpolation points.

origin

Get/set the plane origin

scale_factor

Scale factor used for visualization of section cuts

search_radius

User-defined search radius.

section_cut_type

Section Cut Types can be: modeling_ply_wise,production_ply_wise,analysis_ply_wise

surface_display_data

Section cut surface plot

surface_mesh

Section cut line surface mesh

tolerance

Tolerance used to generate the surface section cut.

use_default_lut_settings

Boolean whether to use the dault settings of the LookUp Table.

use_default_tolerance

Whether to use the default feature tolerance. 0.1% of the averaged element size.

vtk_element_data

Returns mesh coincidence data in the format needed by VTK.

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wireframe_display_data

Section cut wireframe plot

wireframe_mesh

Section cut line wireframe mesh

6.6.13. Sensor
class compolyx.Sensor(graph, obj, parent=None)

Sensor object for meassuring areas, prices, weights, and centers of gravity

active

Whether the sensor is computed on update or not.

add_entity(entity)

Add entity to Sensor

area

Area covered by all Entities of the Sensor

center_of_gravity

Center of Gravity over all Entities of the Sensor

clear_entities()

Clear all entities of this Sensor

enabled

Whether this object is currently enabled or not. Sensors are always enabled.

entities

Entities of the Sensor

locked

Sensor cut was imported and cannot be changed.

modeling_ply_area

Cumulated area of all modeling-plies involved

price

Price over all Entities of the Sensor

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production_ply_area

Cumulated area of all production-plies involved

remove_entity(entity)

Remove entity from sensor

sensor_type

Sensor type. Allowed string values: sensor_by_area, sensor_by_plies, sensor_by_material and

sensor_by_solid_model.

weight

Weight over all Entities of the Sensor

6.6.14. PlyBook
This section contains the following topics:
6.6.14.1. PlyBook
6.6.14.2. Chapter

6.6.14.1. PlyBook
class compolyx.PlyBook(name='PlyBook', parent=None, reST_ply='', reST_chapter='',
reST_title_page='', scene=None)

Class to represent a ply book

chapters

Dictionary with all chapters defined.

create_chapter(name, view=None, ply_entities=[])

Add a chapter to the Ply book

Parameters

• name: Name of the chapter to be added

• view: The view for snapshots of the chapter

• ply_entities: List of modeling plies and modeling groups for the chapter

generate(filename, format=None)

Generate the complete plybook

Parameters

• filename: output filename

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• format: pdf, html, odt, txt

reST_chapter

reST chapter template

reST_ply

reST ply template

reST_title_page

reST title page template

6.6.14.2. Chapter
class compolyx.Chapter(name, parent, view=None, ply_entities=[], id=0)

Class to represent plybook chapter

generate(reST_chapter, reST_ply, scene, tmp_dir)

Generate the reST file for one single ply

ply_entities

Plies/PlyGroups for the chapter

6.7. Solid-model Classes

This section contains the following topics:
6.7.1. SolidModel
6.7.2. ExtrusionGuide
6.7.3. SnapToGeometry
6.7.4. CutOffGeometry
6.7.5. ImportedSolidModel

6.7.1. SolidModel
class compolyx.SolidModel(graph, obj, parent=None)

Solid Model class

active

Solid-Model active

add_disable_dropoff_set_on_bottom(set)

Add set where the drop-offs on bottom surface are disabled

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 Solid-model Classes

add_disable_dropoff_set_on_top(set)

Add set where the drop-offs on top surface are disabled

clear_disable_dropoff_sets_on_bottom()

Clear sets where the drop-offs on bottom are disabled

clear_disable_dropoff_sets_on_top()

Clear sets where the drop-offs on top are disabled

clear_generated_data()

Function clears generated solid model but keeps all definitions.

connect_butt_joined_plies

Do not make drop-offs between butt-joined plies if set to True

copy_extrusion_guide(source)

Copy a Extrusion Guide

Parameters

• source: Source object to copy

Returns

New instance of a Extrusion Guide

copy_snap_to_geometry_obj(source)

Copy a Snap To Geometry

Parameters

• source: Source object to copy

Returns

New instance of a Snap To Geometry

create_extrusion_guide(name, edge_set=None, id='', cad_geometry=None, direction=0.0, 0.0,

0.0, radius=None, depth=1.0, use_curvature_correction=False, active=True)

Create a new extrusion guide

Parameters

• name : the name of the extrusion guide

• edge_set : an edge set where this guide applies

• id : the id of the extrusion guide

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• cad_geometry : a cad geometry object

• direction: Extrusion direction

• radius

distance up to which node translations due to the guide will be propagated through the
mesh

0.0 : only the nodes extruded from edge_set will be shifted onto the guide

• depth

intensity for the propagation of mesh corrections

1.0 : linear decay from guide to radius >1.0 : higher reach <1.0 : more local

• use_curvature_correction : whether to use curvature correction algorithm to smooth mesh ad-

apted to extrusion guide. Default is False

create_snap_to_geometry_obj(name, cad_geometry=None, oriented_selection_set=None, ori-

entation='top', active=True, id='')

Create a new snap-to-geometry object

Parameters

• name : the name of the object

• id : the id of the object

• active : pass the active-flag of the object

• cad_geometry : a geometry to snap to

• oriented_selection_set : oriented element set where this snap to applies

• orientation : “top” or “bottom”

delete_bad_elements

Boolean whether to delete the erroneous elements.

disable_dropoff_sets_on_bottom

Elements where the drop-offs on bottom are disabled.

disable_dropoff_sets_on_top

Elements of where the drop-offs on top are disabled.

disable_dropoffs_on_bottom

Boolean whether to disable the drop-off elements on bottom surface.

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 Solid-model Classes

disable_dropoffs_on_top

Boolean whether to disable the drop-off elements on top surface.

drop_off_type

Drop-off type. Allowed string values: [‘inside_ply’, ‘outside_ply’]

enabled

Whether this object is currently enabled or not. Solid Models are enabled in pre and shared mode.

ex_type

Extrusion type. Allowed string values: [‘monolithic’, ‘analysis_ply_wise’, ‘production_ply_wise’,

‘modeling_ply_wise’, ‘sandwich_wise’, ‘specify_thickness’, ‘material_wise’, ‘user_defined’]

extrusion_guides

Extrusion Guides

global_drop_off_material

Global material of the drop-off elements.

max_thickness

Maximum thickness of solid elements.

offset_type

Offset type. Allowed string values: [‘shell_normal’, ‘surface_normal’]

ply_group_pointers

Ply group pointers for user defined extrusion.

reorder_extrusion_guides(source, target, option)

Reorders the extrusion guides

Parameters

• source: Extrusion guide to be reordered.

• target: Place to put the source.

• option: Can be ‘after’ or ‘before’. Defines if the source is put before or after the target.

Usage
>>> sm.reorder_extrusion_guides(source = sm.extrusion_guides['wall'], target=sm.extrusion_guides['leading_edg

snap_to_geometry_objs

Snap to Geometry objects

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warping_limit

Defines the maximum allowable warping limit.

6.7.2. ExtrusionGuide
class compolyx.ExtrusionGuide(obj, parent=None)

Extrusion guide class

active

Extrusion Guide active

cad_geometry

Associated CADGeometry.

depth

intensity for the propagation of mesh corrections, depth=1 leads to a linear decay from the guide
to the radius, depth<1 leads to more local corrections

direction

extrusion direction

edge_set

Associated EdgeSet.

enabled

Whether this object is currently enabled or not. It’s derived from the parent solid model.

radius

radius up to which nodal guide translations are propagated through the mesh

use_curvature_correction

whether to use curvature correction algorithm to smooth mesh adapted to extrusion guide. Default
is False

6.7.3. SnapToGeometry
class compolyx.SnapToGeometry(obj, parent)

SnapToGeometry guide class

active

Snap-To Geometry active

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 Solid-model Classes

cad_geometry

Associated Geometry.

elements

List of affected shell elements

enabled

Whether this object is currently enabled or not. It’s derived from the parent solid model.

orientation

Orientation. Allowed string values: [‘top’, ‘bottom’, ‘undefined’]

6.7.4. CutOffGeometry
class compolyx.CutOffGeometry(obj, parent=None)

CutOffGeometry guide class

active

Cut-Off Geometry active

cad_geometry

Associated CADGeometry.

enabled

Whether this object is currently enabled or not. It’s derived from the parent solid model.

orientation

Orientation. Allowed string values: [‘up’, ‘down’]

rel_merge_tolerance

Relative Merge Tolerance

6.7.5. ImportedSolidModel
class compolyx.ImportedSolidModel(graph, obj, parent=None)

Imported Solid Model class

all_plies

Boolean whether all plies of the selected scope should be mapped or a user-defined subset.

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clear_generated_data()

Function clears generated solid model but keeps all definitions.

delete_lost_elements

Boolean whether to delete solid elements without layup data.

enabled

Whether this object is currently enabled or not. Solid Models are enabled in pre and shared mode.

ext_id

Id of corresponding Mechanical Model within WB arhcive (ComponentID).

external_file_path

The file path where the CAD geometry is loaded from.

filler_material

Global filler material.

format

File format of the imported mesh

load_mesh()

Import the mesh without mapping the layup.

mapping_statistics()

Returns the statistics of the layup mapping (number of elements, volumes, mass etc.)

mapping_type

Mapping method. Allowed string values: [‘structured_mesh’, ‘reinforcement’]

minimum_void_material_thickness

Minimum thickness of the void layer!

refresh_external_source(enforce=False)

Reloads the mesh from the external source.

Parameters

• enforce: enforce the reloading of external data for locked object in the new acph5 serialization
format. This option should be used with care!

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 Solution Classes

rosette_selection_method_type

Rosette selection method. Allowed string values: [‘minimum_distance’, ‘minimum_distance_super-

posed’]

rosettes

List of rosettes used to orient the lost elements

scale_ply_thicknesses

Boolean whether to scale the layer thicknesses or to add void layers to fill voids.

sequences

User-defined sequence entities to map.

unit_system

Unit system type of the imported mesh. Allowed string values are undefined, si, mks, umks, cgs,
mpa, bft, bin

update_mapping_statistics()

Computes the mapping statistics per ply to compare the original lay-up with the mapped data.
Use imported_solid_model.mapping_statistics() to retrieve the results

use_imported_plies

Boolean whether to map imported plies.

void_material

Global void material.

6.8. Solution Classes

This section contains the following topics:
6.8.1. Solution
6.8.2. EnvelopeSolution

6.8.1. Solution
class compolyx.Solution(obj, parent=None)

Class to compute postprocessings of a finite element solution.

Access:
>>> import compolyx
>>> db = compolyx.DB()
>>> model = db.models['class40.1']
>>> sol = db.models['class40.1'].add_solution(name='class40.1', path='class40.rst', format='ansys:rst')

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ID

Id to be displayed in Envelope solution

active

Activate or deactivate solution

clear()

Clear all result data

clear_element_results()

Resets the post-processing results for each layered element

clear_failure_criteria_results()

Resets the failure criteria results for each layered element

enabled

Whether this object is currently enabled or not. Mainly defined through the current application
mode pre or post.

export_results_to_csv(definition=None, entities=[], file_path=None, solution_set=- 1,

solids=False, spot='all')

Exports the shell results of the selected entities to a csv file.

Parameters

• definitions: Selected definition - CombinedFailure Criteria object or as string ‘deformations’,

‘strains’ or ‘stresses’

• entities: Defines the selection for the export. Can be a list of ElementSets, AnalysisPlies or
SolidModels

• file_path: File name

• solution_set: Solution Set for which data is requested

• solids: Boolean whether to take the results of the solid elements or not. Default is False (results
of shells).

• spots: Layer positions for which the results are exported. Allowed are ‘bot’, ‘mid’, ‘top’, ‘bot/top’,
and ‘all’.

Export results of solid models: Select the element set which is selected in the extrusion settings.

Usage
>>> model = db.active_model
>>> model.solutions['Solution.1'].export_results_to_csv( definition='stresses', entities=[model.element_sets[

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 Solution Classes

ext_id

Id of corresponding Solution in external solution (ComponentID).

format

File format string. Choose one of ‘abaqus:inp’,’ansys:cdb’ or ‘nastran:f06’

has_element_temperatures

Boolean flag if element nodal temperatures are read from the rst file.

has_progressive_damage

Boolean flag if progressive_damage data are read from the rst file.

load()

Load result data from file

load_factor

Optional load factor within substep of non-linear solution where the nodal solution should be
taken from. Only valid for ‘nastran:f06’ format. Becomes (False,0) if not defined.

path

Path to the data file

path2

Path to the data file

plots

Container with PostProcessing Plots

query(definition, options={'eval_ins': False}, position='centroid', selection='all', entity=None, entit-

ies=None, spot=None, component=None, rosette=None, simulate=False, solution_set=- 1)

Query results from the solution

Parameters

• definition

The postproc definition defines what results are evaluated. Can be given as

CombinedFailureCriteria object or as string such as ‘strains’, ‘stresses’, ‘laminate_forces’,

‘deformations’, ‘temperatures’ or ‘progressive_damage’.

• options

Dict with the additional options used to fully configure the definition.

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– stresses: options={“eval_ins”:True} to enable the interlaminar normal stress evaluation for

shells

• position

Position where data is queried:

– nodal, centroid, element_nodal, integration_point or element_results

• selection

The selection set determines the selected nodes and elements.

Can be given as string ‘sel0’ - ‘sel5’ or ‘all’ or can be given as ObjectSelection object such
as model.selection or scene.active_set

• entity

Entity for which results are evaluated.

Currently supported: Analysis ply or analysis ply vertex

• entities : If a list of entities is given, the query will also compute and return a list of results, with
one array for each entity.

• spot: Used to identify bot, mid or top when querying layered shells

• component: Components to query. Valid components for

– DEFORMATION - x, y, z, usum, rotx, roty, rotz -> (nx1) - all -> (nx6), translations, rotations
-> (nx3)

– STRAIN - e1, e2, e3, e12, e23, e13, eI, eII, eII, von_mises -> (nx1) - all -> (nx6), principals
-> (nx3)

– STRESS - s1, s2, s3, s12, s23, s13, sI, sII, sII -> (nx1) - all -> (nx6), principals -> (nx3)

– FAILURE CRITERIA - irf (Inverse reserve factor), rf (Reserve factor), mos (Margin of safety)
-> (nx1) - fm (Failure mode) ->(n x string(size<=4)) - li (Layer index) ->(n x 1) (Only available
for element queries where no entity is given.)

– LAMINATE FORCES - all -> (nx8)

– PROGRESSIVE DAMAGE - status (damage status), ft, fc (fiber tensile/compressive) ->(nx1)

- mt, mc (matrix tensile/compressive), s (shear) ->(nx1) - sed (energy dissipated per unit
volume), sedv (energy per unit volume due to viscous damping) ->(nx1)

• rosette : If a rosette is given, the results are evaluated with respect to this coordinate system
(not recommended for non-linear results)

• simulate

Whether the query is only simulated to test if it will return data.

If this flag is set the query(…) function will only return 0 or 1.

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• solution_set : Identifier of the queried solution. -1 identifies the last available Set.

Usage
>>> solution.query(definition='laminate_forces',position='centroid',selection='sel0',component='all',rosette=
>>> solution.query(definition=model.defintions['FailureCriteria'], position='centroid', selection='sel0', com
>>> solution.query(definition='stresses', position='element_results', selection='sel0', component='s3',soluti

read_stresses_strains

True if the stresses and strains are to be read from rst file. Only valid for ‘ansys:rst’ format.

recompute_iss_of_solids

Use laminate-based computation method to recalculate the interlaminar shear stress distribution.

renumbering_mapping_paths

Path of the assembly renumbering files.

serialize()

Serialize to Python string

set

Result set to be read. Only valid for ‘ansys:rst’ format.

solution_dict

The time or frequency dictionary used in the solution plots GUI.

subcase

Optional subcase to read. Only valid for ‘nastran:f06’ format. Becomes (False,0) if not defined.

time_or_frequency

The time or frequency associated with the active set.

use_felyx_to_compute_pp_results

True if the stresses and strains are to be computed by felyx. If the stresses and strains are read
from rst file, nothing is computed.

use_solid_results

Allows to visualize the post-processing results of layered solid models on the ‘Layered Solid Ref-
erence Surface’.

6.8.2. EnvelopeSolution
class compolyx.EnvelopeSolution(graph, obj, parent=None)

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add_solution_set(solution, sset=- 1)

Add solution set to solution sets of Envelope Solution

Parameters

• solution: Solution object

• sset: Solution set (default: -1)

clear_solution_sets()

Clear Solution Sets of Envelope Solution

enabled

Whether this object is currently enabled or not. Mainly defined through the current application
mode pre or post.

remove_solution_set(solution, sset=- 1)

Remove solution set from solution sets of Envelope Solution

Parameters

• solution: Solution object

• sset: Solution set (default: -1)

6.9. Scene Classes

This section contains the following topics:
6.9.1. Scene
6.9.2. View

6.9.1. Scene
class compolyx.Scene(graph, model=None, name='', id=None, title='', view=None, parent=None,
active_set=None)

Class to represent Scene

active_set

Set of active entities

background

Background color

background2

Background color 2

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 Scene Classes

camera

Camera settings

changed

Status boolean. Set to true if the underlying data has been changed. Write only property

descriptions_changed

Set to True if descriptions should be updated.

fit_to_window

Reset the zoom of the window

foreground

Foreground color

logo_type

Logo type: default or black

mode

Current ACP mode (pre or post).

projection

Projection method: ‘parallel’ or ‘perspective’

save_snapshot(path, width=None, height=None, draw_background=False)

Create a snapshot of the scene

Parameters

• path: File path

• width: Width in pixels of the snapshot

• height: Height in pixels of the snapshot

• draw_background: Boolean whether to draw the background or not. If false, the background
is white.

scale_factor

Scale factor of the deformed mesh.

serialize()

Serialize to Python string

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show_global_coordinate_system

Toggle visibility of global coordinate system marker

show_labeled_bounding_box

Toggle visibility of labeled bounding box

show_selected_mesh

Specify whether to show/highlight currently selected Elements

show_silhouette

Whether to show the silhouette of currently selected elements

show_solid_elements

Specify whether to highlight Shell or Solid Elements in Selections

status

Status of the object

title

Scene title

update_direction_display_data(entities)

Function syncronizes the following direction plots with the added/removed entities given: - “ori-
entations” - “ref_directions” - “fiber_directions” - “draped_fiber_directions”

uptodate

Apply a view to the scene. Write only

view

Apply a view to the scene.

6.9.2. View
class compolyx.View(name, position=0.0, 0.0, 0.0, orientation=0.0, 0.0, 0.0, rotation_point=0.0,
0.0, 0.0, parallel_scale=1.0, projection='perspective', locked=False, parent=None)

ComPoLyX class to capture view properties.

Access:
>>> import compolyx
>>> db = compolyx.DB()
>>> view1 = db.create_view(name='View.1', position=[1.5, 5.75, 7.], orientation=[-0.4, -0.4, 0.8], rotation_point=

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 Postprocessing Definition Classes

locked

A View which is imported from an other source can not be modified.

orientation

Get/set the view orientation

parallel_scale

Get/set the view parallel perspective scale factor.

position

Get/set the view position

projection

Get/set the projection method parallel or perspective

rotation_point

Get/set the view rotation point.

serialize()

Serialize to Python string

6.10. Postprocessing Definition Classes

This section contains the following topics:
6.10.1. CombinedFailureCriteria

6.10.1. CombinedFailureCriteria
This section contains the following topics:
6.10.1.1. MaxStressCriterion
6.10.1.2. MaxStrainCriterion
6.10.1.3.TsaiWu
6.10.1.4.TsaiHill
6.10.1.5. Hashin
6.10.1.6. Hoffman
6.10.1.7. Puck
6.10.1.8. Wrinkling
6.10.1.9. CoreShear
6.10.1.10. Larc
6.10.1.11. Cuntze
6.10.1.12. VonMises

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6.10.1.13. ShearCrimping

class compolyx.CombinedFailureCriteria(graph, obj, failure_criteria=[], parent=None)

CombinedFailureCriteria class

enabled

Whether this object is currently enabled or not. Mainly defined through the current application
mode pre or post.

serialize()

Serialize to Python string

6.10.1.1. MaxStressCriterion
class compolyx.MaxStressCriterion(s1=1, s2=1, s3=0, s12=1, s13=0, s23=0, wf_s1=1.0,
wf_s2=1.0, wf_s3=1.0, wf_s12=1.0, wf_s13=1.0, wf_s23=1.0)

Max stress failure criterion configuration Properties are s1, s2, s3, s12, s13, s23, wf_s1, wf_s2, wf_s3,
wf_s12, wf_s13, wf_s23 e.g. MaxStressCriterion(s1=1, s2=1, s3=0, s12=1, s13=0, s23=0, wf_s1=1,
wf_s2=1, wf_s3=1, wf_s12=1, wf_s13=1, wf_s23=1)

s1

specifies whether to compute max stress in 1 direction

s12

specifies whether to compute max shear stress in 1 direction

s13

specifies whether to compute max normal stress in 1 direction

s2

specifies whether to compute max stress in 2 direction

s23

specifies whether to compute max normal stress in 2 direction

s3

specifies whether to compute max stress in 3 direction

serialize()

Serialize to Python string

wf_s1

weighting factor of s1

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wf_s12

weighting factor of s12

wf_s13

weighting factor of s13

wf_s2

weighting factor of s2

wf_s23

weighting factor of s23

wf_s3

weighting factor of s3

6.10.1.2. MaxStrainCriterion
class compolyx.MaxStrainCriterion(e1=1, e2=1, e3=0, e12=1, e13=0, e23=0, wf_e1=1.0,
wf_e2=1.0, wf_e3=1.0, wf_e12=1.0, wf_e13=1.0, wf_e23=1.0, eXt=0.0, eXc=0.0, eYt=0.0, eYc=0.0,
eZt=0.0, eZc=0.0, eSxy=0.0, eSxz=0.0, eSyz=0.0, force_global_strain_limits=False)

Max strain failure criterion configuration

e1

specifies whether to compute max strain in 1 direction

e12

specifies whether to compute max shear 12 strain

e13

specifies whether to compute max shear 13 strain

e2

specifies whether to compute max strain in 2 direction

e23

specifies whether to compute max shear 23 strain

e3

specifies whether to compute max strain in 3 direction

eSxy

global limit shear strain in material 12 direction

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eSxz

global limit shear strain in material 13 direction

eSyz

global limit shear strain in material 23 direction

eXc

global limit compression strain in material 1 direction

eXt

global limit tension strain in material 1 direction

eYc

global limit compression strain in material 2 direction

eYt

global limit tension strain in material 2 direction

eZc

global limit compression strain in material 3 direction

eZt

global limit tension strain in material 3 direction

force_global_strain_limits

force to use global strain limits

serialize()

Serialize to Python string

wf_e1

weighting factor of e1

wf_e12

weighting factor of e12

wf_e13

weighting factor of e13

wf_e2

weighting factor of e2

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wf_e23

weighting factor of e23

wf_e3

weighting factor of e3

6.10.1.3. TsaiWu
class compolyx.TsaiWu(dim=2, wf=1.0)

Tsai Wu failure criterion configuration

dim

dimension of the Tsai-Wu failure criterion (2 or 3)

serialize()

Serialize to Python string

wf

weighting factor

6.10.1.4. TsaiHill
class compolyx.TsaiHill(dim=2, wf=1.0)

Tsai Hill failure criterion configuration

dim

dimension of the Tsai-Hill failure criterion (2 or 3)

serialize()

Serialize to Python string

wf

weighting factor

6.10.1.5. Hashin
class compolyx.Hashin(dim=2, hf=1, hm=1, hd=1, wf_hf=1.0, wf_hm=1.0, wf_hd=1.0)

Hashin failure criterion configuration

dim

dimension of the Hashin failure criterion (2 or 3)

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hd

specifies whether to compute delamination

hf

specifies whether to compute fiber failure

hm

specifies whether to compute matrix failure

serialize()

Serialize to Python string

wf_hd

weighting factor

wf_hf

weighting factor

wf_hm

weighting factor

6.10.1.6. Hoffman
class compolyx.Hoffman(dim=2, wf=1.0)

Hoffman failure criterion configuration

dim

dimension of the Hoffman failure criterion (2 or 3)

serialize()

Serialize to Python string

wf

weighting factor

6.10.1.7. Puck
class compolyx.Puck(dim=2, force_global_constants=False, p21_pos=0.325, p21_neg=0.275,
p22_neg=0.225, p22_pos=0.225, s=0.5, M=0.5, interface_weakening_factor=0.8, pf=1, pmA=1,
pmB=1, pmC=1, pd=1, wf_pf=1.0, wf_pmA=1.0, wf_pmB=1.0, wf_pmC=1.0, wf_pd=1.0, cfps=True)

Puck failure criterion configuration

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Degradation factor (Default=0.5)

cfps

specifies whether to consider the influence of fiber parallel stresses on inter-fiber failure

dim

dimension of the puck failure criterion (1, 2 or 3)

force_global_constants

Use global Puck constants instead of material specific values.

interface_weakening_factor

Interface weakening factor (Default=0.8)

p21_neg

Inclination of the failure curve for negative normal matrix stresses (Default=0.275)

p21_pos

Inclination of the failure curve for positive normal matrix stresses (Default=0.325)

p22_neg

Inclination of the failure curve for negative normal matrix stresses (Default=0.225)

p22_pos

Inclination of the failure curve for positive normal matrix stresses (Default=0.225)

pd

specifies whether to compute delamination

pf

specifies whether to compute fiber failure

pmA

specifies whether to compute matrix tension failure

pmB

specifies whether to compute matrix compression failure

pmC

specifies whether to compute matrix shear failure

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Degradation factor (Default=0.5)

serialize()

Serialize to Python string

wf_pd

weighting factor

wf_pf

weighting factor

wf_pmA

weighting factor

wf_pmB

weighting factor

wf_pmC

weighting factor

6.10.1.8. Wrinkling
class compolyx.Wrinkling(q_homogeneous=0.5, q_honeycomb=0.33, wf_wr=1.0)

Configuration of wrinkling failure criterion for sandwich structures

q_homogeneous

Wrinkling coefficient for sandwiches with homogeneous core. Default=0.5

q_honeycomb

Wrinkling coefficient for sandwiches with honeycomb core. Default=0.33

serialize()

Serialize to Python string

wf_wr

weighting factor

6.10.1.9. CoreShear
class compolyx.CoreShear(ins=False, iss=True, wf_cs=1.0)

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Configuration of core shear failure criterion for sandwich structures

ins

Whether to compute sandwich core shear criterion under consideration of interlaminar normal
stresses. Default = False

iss

Whether to compute sandwich core shear criterion under consideration of interlaminar shear
stresses. Default = True

serialize()

Serialize to Python string

wf_cs

weighting factor

6.10.1.10. Larc
class compolyx.Larc(dim=2, lft=1, lfc=1, lmt=1, lmc=1, wf_lft=1.0, wf_lfc=1.0, wf_lmt=1.0,
wf_lmc=1.0)

LaRC failure criterion configuration

dim

dimension of the LARC failure criterion (2 or 3)

lfc

specifies whether to compute fiber compression failure

lft

specifies whether to compute fiber tension failure

lmc

specifies whether to compute matrix compression failure

lmt

specifies whether to compute matrix tension failure

serialize()

Serialize to Python string

wf_lfc

weighting factor for lfc

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wf_lft

weighting factor for lft

wf_lmc

weighting factor for lmc

wf_lmt

weighting factor for lmt

6.10.1.11. Cuntze
class compolyx.Cuntze(dim=2, cft=1, cfc=1, cmA=1, cmB=1, cmC=1, wf_cft=1.0, wf_cfc=1.0,
wf_cmA=1.0, wf_cmB=1.0, wf_cmC=1.0, b21=0.2, b32=1.38, fracture_plane_angle=53.0, m=2.6)

Puck failure criterion configuration

b21

In-plane shear related friction parameter (between 0.1 and 0.6, default=0.2)

b32

Out-of-plane shear related friction parameter (between 1.0 and 1.6, default=1.38)

cfc

specifies whether to compute fiber compression failure

cft

specifies whether to compute fiber tensile failure

cmA

specifies whether to compute matrix tension failure

cmB

specifies whether to compute matrix compression failure

cmC

specifies whether to compute matrix wedge shape failure

dim

dimension of the cuntze failure criterion (2 or 3)

fracture_plane_angle

Angle between the out-of-plane axis and fracture plane in degree (> 45), default=53.)

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Mode interaction coefficient (between [2.0,4.0], default=2.6)

serialize()

Serialize to Python string

wf_cfc

weighting factor

wf_cft

weighting factor

wf_cmA

weighting factor

wf_cmB

weighting factor

wf_cmC

weighting factor

6.10.1.12. VonMises
class compolyx.VonMises(vme=1, vms=1, iss=1, ins=0, wf_vme=1.0, wf_vms=1.0)

Von Mises failure criterion configuration

ins

specifies wether to compute interlaminar normal stresses

iss

specifies wether to compute interlaminar shear stresses

serialize()

Serialize to Python string

vme

specifies whether to compute von mises strain criteria

vms

specifies whether to compute von mises stress criteria

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wf_vme

weighting factor

wf_vms

weighting factor

6.10.1.13. ShearCrimping
class compolyx.ShearCrimping(kc=1.0, kf=0.0, wf_sc=1.0)

Configuration of core shear failure criterion for sandwich structures

kc

Core material factor. Default is 1.

kf

Face sheet factor. Default is 0.

serialize()

Serialize to Python string

wf_sc

weighting factor

6.11. Plot Classes

This section contains the following topics:
6.11.1. PlotContainer Classes
6.11.2. PlotData Classes

6.11.1. PlotContainer Classes

This section contains the following topics:
6.11.1.1. PlotDataDict Class
6.11.1.2. LayupPlotDict Class
6.11.1.3. PostProcessingPlotDict Class

6.11.1.1. PlotDataDict Class

class compolyx.plot_data.PlotDataDict(name, label=None, obj=None, list=[],
item_type=<class 'object'>, parent=None, key_attr='name')

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copy_plot(source)

Copy a plot object.

Parameters

• source: Plot object to be copied.

Returns

Object of the plot duplicate.

Examples:

Make a copy of the thickness plot “My_Thickness_Plot”:

>>> plot_copy = db.active_model.layup_plots.copy_plot( db.active_model.layup_plots['My_Thickness_Plot']

6.11.1.2. LayupPlotDict Class

class compolyx.plot_data.LayupPlotDict(name, label=None, obj=None, list=[],
item_type=<class 'object'>, parent=None, key_attr='name')

Container for Layup Plots

create_angle_plot(name=None, id=None, scope_entire_model=True, data_scope=[],

show_on_solids=False, show_on_section_cuts=True, show_ply_offsets=False, ply_off-
set_scale_factor=1.0, component=None, add_to_active_set=True, locked=False)

Create a Angle Plot object.

Parameters

• name: Name of the plot

• id: ID for the plot

• scope_entire_model: If true, then the scope of this plot is the entire model. If not, then set
to false and use the data_scope to specify a sub scope.

• data_scope: Object(s) defining the scope for which data is computed and returned

Applicable are: Element Set, Oriented Selection Set, Modeling Ply, Sampling Point

• show_on_solids: True or False (default). Whether to show the results on the shell or solid
model (if present).

• show_on_section_cuts: Whether to show the results on the surface section cuts as well. Default
is True.

• show_ply_offsets: True or False (default). Whether to display ply-wise visualizations with ply
offsets or not.

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• ply_offset_scale_factor: Scale factor for the offsets of the visualized plies if show_ply_off-
sets=True.

Returns

the plot object

Example:

Create a angle plot with Data Scope set to Element Set “All_Elements”:
>>> angle_plot = db.active_model.layup_plots.create_angle_plot(self, name="MyPlot", data_scope=db.activ

create_draping_plot(name=None, id=None, show_flatwrap=True, show_draping_mesh=True,

add_to_active_set=True, locked=False)

Create a Draping Plot object.

Parameters

• name: Name of the plot

• id: ID for the plot

Returns

the plot object

Example:

Create a draping plot with Data Scope set to Element Set “All_Elements”:
>>> draping_plot = db.active_model.layup_plots.create_draping_plot(self, name="MyPlot")

create_field_definition_plot(name=None, id=None, scope_entire_model=True,

data_scope=[], field_variable_name=None, show_on_solids=False, add_to_active_set=True,
locked=False)

Create a FieldDefinition Plot object.

Parameters

• name: Name of the plot

• id: ID for the plot

• scope_entire_model: If true, then the scope of this plot is the entire model. If not, then set
to false and use the data_scope to specify a sub scope.

• data_scope: Object(s) defining the scope for which data is computed and returned. Applicable
are: Element Set, Oriented Selection Set, Modeling Ply

• show_on_solids: True or False (default). Whether to show the results on the shell or solid
model (if present).

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Returns

the plot object

Example:

Create a field definition plot for field degradation with Data Scope set to Element Set
“All_Elements” in ply_wise mode:
>>> field_plot = db.active_model.layup_plots.create_field_definition_plot(self, name="MyPlot", field_va

create_layup_mapping_plot(name=None, id=None, data_scope=[], ply_wise=True,

add_to_active_set=True, locked=False, component=None, show_on_solids=True, active=True)

Create a Layup Mapping Plot object.

Parameters

• name: Name of the plot

• id: ID for the plot

• data_scope: Object(s) defining the scope for which data is computed and returned. Applicable
are: Imported Solid Model

• ply_wise: True or False (default). Decides whether to return the thickness of the individual
plies or of the whole stack of plies present at an element.

• show_on_solids: True or False (default). Whether to show the results on the shell or solid
model (if present).

• component: Specifies the active component

• show_on_solids: Whether to show the values of the solid element or not

• active: Whether the plot is active or not

Returns

the plot object

Example:

Create a thickness plot with Data Scope set to Element Set “All_Elements” in ply_wise mode:
>>> thick_plot = db.active_model.layup_plots.create_layup_mapping_plot(self, name="MyPlot", data_scope=

create_material_plot(name=None, id=None, active=True, scope_entire_model=True,

data_scope=[], show_on_solids=False, show_ply_offsets=False, ply_offset_scale_factor=1.0,
add_to_active_set=True, locked=False, component='E1', use_all_available_fields=True,
field_variable_names=[], shear_angle_enabled=False, temperature_enabled=False)

Create a Material Plot object.

Parameters

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• name: Name of the plot

• id: ID for the plot

• active: Whether the plot is active or not.

• scope_entire_model: If true, then the scope of this plot is the entire model. If not, then set
to false and use the data_scope to specify a sub scope.

• data_scope: Object(s) defining the scope for which data is computed and returned. Applicable
are: Element Set, Oriented Selection Set, Modeling Ply, Sampling Point

• show_on_solids: True or False (default). Whether to show the results on the shell or solid
model (if present).

• show_ply_offsets: True or False (default). Whether to display ply-wise visualizations with ply
offsets or not.

• ply_offset_scale_factor: Scale factor for the offsets of the visualized plies if show_ply_off-
sets=True.

• component: Specifies the component.

• use_all_available_fields: True (default) or False. Whether to enable all available field variables
in the evaluation or not.

Returns

the plot object

Example:

Create a material plot with Data Scope set to Element Set “All_Elements” showing the Young
Modulus E2:
>>> E2_plot = db.active_model.layup_plots.create_material_plot(name="E2_Plot", data_scope=[db.active_mo

create_scalar_field_plot(name=None, id=None, scope_entire_model=True, data_scope=[],

scalar_field=None, show_supporting_points=False, show_supporting_point_labels=False, support-
ing_point_scale_factor=1.0, show_on_solids=False, show_ply_offsets=False, ply_off-
set_scale_factor=1.0, add_to_active_set=True, locked=False)

Create a Field Plot object.

Parameters

• name: Name of the plot

• id: ID for the plot

• scope_entire_model: If true, then the scope of this plot is the entire model. If not, then set
to false and use the data_scope to specify a sub scope.

• data_scope: Object(s) defining the scope for which data is computed and returned. Applicable
are: Element Set, Oriented Selection Set, Modeling Ply, Sampling Point

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• ply_wise: True or False (default). Decides whether to return the field values of the individual
plies or of the whole stack of plies present at an element.

• show_on_solids: True or False (default). Whether to show the results on the shell or solid
model (if present).

• show_ply_offsets: True or False (default). Whether to display ply-wise visualizations with ply
offsets or not.

• ply_offset_scale_factor: Scale factor for the offsets of the visualized plies if show_ply_off-
sets=True.

Returns

the plot object

Example:

Create a field plot with Data Scope set to Element Set “All_Elements” in ply_wise mode::
tbdtbdtbd

create_thickness_plot(name=None, id=None, scope_entire_model=True, data_scope=[],

ply_wise=False, show_on_solids=False, show_ply_offsets=False, ply_offset_scale_factor=1.0,
add_to_active_set=True, locked=False, component='thickness')

Create a Thickness Plot object.

Parameters

• name: Name of the plot

• id: ID for the plot

• scope_entire_model: If true, then the scope of this plot is the entire model. If not, then set
to false and use the data_scope to specify a sub scope.

• data_scope: Object(s) defining the scope for which data is computed and returned. Applicable
are: Element Set, Oriented Selection Set, Modeling Ply, Sampling Point

• ply_wise: True or False (default). Decides whether to return the thickness of the individual
plies or of the whole stack of plies present at an element.

• show_on_solids: True or False (default). Whether to show the results on the shell or solid
model (if present).

• show_ply_offsets: True or False (default). Whether to display ply-wise visualizations with ply
offsets or not.

• ply_offset_scale_factor: Scale factor for the offsets of the visualized plies if show_ply_off-
sets=True.

• component: Specifies the component

Returns

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the plot object

Example:

Create a thickness plot with Data Scope set to Element Set “All_Elements” in ply_wise mode:
>>> thick_plot = db.active_model.layup_plots.create_thickness_plot(self, name="MyPlot", data_scope=db.a

create_user_defined_plot(name=None, id=None, active=True, scope_entire_model=True,

data_scope=[], user_data=[], user_text=[], user_script=[], user_script_enabled=False,
show_on_solids=False, show_user_text=False, show_ply_offsets=False, ply_offset_scale_factor=1.0,
add_to_active_set=True, locked=False)

Create a User-defined Plot object.

Parameters

• name: Name of the plot

• id: ID for the plot

• active: Whether the plot is active or not.

• scope_entire_model: If true, then the scope of this plot is the entire model. If not, then set
to false and use the data_scope to specify a sub scope.

• data_scope: Object(s) defining the scope for which data is computed and returned. Applicable
are: Element Set, Oriented Selection Set, Modeling Ply, Sampling Point

• show_on_solids: True or False (default). Whether to show the results on the shell or solid
model (if present).

• show_user_text: True or False (default). Whether to show the text, which the user provided.

• show_ply_offsets: True or False (default). Whether to display ply-wise visualizations with ply
offsets or not.

• ply_offset_scale_factor: Scale factor for the offsets of the visualized plies if show_ply_off-
sets=True.

Returns

the plot object

Example:

Create a user-defined plot with Data Scope set to Element Set “All_Elements”:
>>> u_plot = db.active_model.layup_plots.create_user_defined_plot(self, name="MyPlot", data_scope=db.ac

6.11.1.3. PostProcessingPlotDict Class

class compolyx.plot_data.PostProcessingPlotDict(name, label=None, obj=None,
list=[], item_type=<class 'object'>, parent=None, key_attr='name')

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Container for Post Processing Plots

create_deformation_contour_plot(name=None, id=None, active=True, scope_entire_mod-

el=True, data_scope=[], component=None, spot=None, ply_wise=False, show_on_solids=False,
solution_set=- 1)

Create a Deformation Plot object.

Parameters

• name: Name of the plot

• id: ID for the plot

• active: Whether the plot is active or not.

• scope_entire_model: If true, then the scope of this plot is the entire model. If not, then set
to false and use the data_scope to specify a sub scope.

• data_scope: Object(s) defining the scope for which data is computed and returned. Applicable
are: Element Set, Oriented Selection Set, Modeling Ply, Sampling Point

• component: ‘x’, ‘y’, ‘z’, ‘rotx’, ‘roty’, ‘rotz’, ‘usum’

• show_on_solids: True or False (default). Whether to show the results on the shell or solid
model (if present).

• solution_set: Selection of the Solution Set.

Returns

the plot object

Example:

Create a deformation plot with Data Scope set to Element Set “All_Elements” for ‘rotx’:
>>> defo_plot = db.active_model.solutions['Solution.1'].plots.create_deformation_contour_plot(self, nam

create_failure_plot(name=None, id=None, active=True, scope_entire_model=True,

data_scope=[], component=None, spot=None, ply_wise=False, show_on_solids=False, show_crit-
ical_failure_mode=True, show_critical_layer=False, show_critical_load_case=False,
text_threshold=0.0, text_threshold_auto=True, failure_criteria_definition=None, show_ply_off-
sets=False, ply_offset_scale_factor=1.0, solution_set=- 1)

Create a Failure Criterion Plot object.

Parameters

• name: Name of the plot

• id: ID for the plot

• active: Whether the plot is active or not.

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• scope_entire_model: If true, then the scope of this plot is the entire model. If not, then set
to false and use the data_scope to specify a sub scope.

• data_scope: Object(s) defining the scope for which data is computed and returned. Applicable
are: Element Set, Oriented Selection Set, Modeling Ply, Sampling Point

• component: ‘irf’, ‘mos’, or ‘rf’, which are Inverse Reserve Factor, Margin of Safety, and Reserve
Factor

• ply_wise: True or False (default). Decides whether to evaluate for individual plies or pick the
most critical ply per element.

• show_on_solids: True or False (default). Whether to show the results on the shell or solid
model (if present).

• show_critical_failure_mode: True (default) or False. Whether to show the text, which indicates
the mode of failure.

• show_critical_layer: Ture or False (default). Whether to show the text, which indicates the
number of the failing ply (only if ply_wise = False)

• show_critical_load_case: Ture or False (default). Whether to show the text, which indicates
the load case for which failure is predicted (only for Envelope Solutions)

• text_threshold: Threshold value above/below which text for an element is hidden. This helps
to declutter the text plot.

• text_threshold_auto: True (default) or False. If True, suggested text_thersold values are used.

• failure_criteria_definition: Object of the failure criterion definition to be used for this plot.

• show_ply_offsets: True or False (default). Whether to display ply-wise visualizations with ply
offsets or not.

• ply_offset_scale_factor: Scale factor for the offsets of the visualized plies if show_ply_off-
sets=True.

• solution_set: Selection of the Solution Set.

Returns

the plot object

Example:

Create a failure criterion plot with Data Scope set to Element Set “All_Elements”, showing
the inverse reserve factor with the most critical layer per element for failure criterion “MyFC”,
and not showing any text.:
>>> fc_plot = db.active_model.solutions['Solution.1'].plots.create_failure_plot(self, name="MyPlot", da

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create_material_plot(name=None, id=None, active=True, scope_entire_model=True,

data_scope=[], show_on_solids=False, show_ply_offsets=False, ply_offset_scale_factor=1.0,
add_to_active_set=True, locked=False, component='E1', use_all_available_fields=True,
field_variable_names=[], shear_angle_enabled=False, temperature_enabled=False, solution_set=-
1)

Create a Material Plot object.

Parameters

• name: Name of the plot

• id: ID for the plot

• active: Whether the plot is active or not.

• scope_entire_model: If true, then the scope of this plot is the entire model. If not, then set
to false and use the data_scope to specify a sub scope.

• data_scope: Object(s) defining the scope for which data is computed and returned. Applicable
are: Element Set, Oriented Selection Set, Modeling Ply, Sampling Point

• show_on_solids: True or False (default). Whether to show the results on the shell or solid
model (if present).

• show_ply_offsets: True or False (default). Whether to display ply-wise visualizations with ply
offsets or not.

• ply_offset_scale_factor: Scale factor for the offsets of the visualized plies if show_ply_off-
sets=True.

• component: Specifies the component

• use_all_available_fields: True (default) or False. Whether to enable all available field variables
in the evaluation or not.

• solution_set: Selection of the Solution Set.

Returns

the plot object

create_progressive_damage_plot(name=None, id=None, active=True, scope_entire_mod-

el=True, data_scope=[], component=None, spot=None, ply_wise=False, show_on_solids=False,
show_ply_offsets=False, ply_offset_scale_factor=1.0, solution_set=- 1)

Create a Progressive Damage Plot object.

Parameters

• name: Name of the plot

• id: ID for the plot

• active: Whether the plot is active or not.

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• scope_entire_model: If true, then the scope of this plot is the entire model. If not, then set
to false and use the data_scope to specify a sub scope.

• data_scope: Object(s) defining the scope for which data is computed and returned. Applicable
are: Element Set, Oriented Selection Set, Modeling Ply, Sampling Point

• component: ‘state’, ‘fc’, ‘ft’, ‘mc’, ‘mt’, ‘s’ which are damage status, fiber compressive/tension
damage, matrix compressive/tension damage and shear damage.

• spot: ‘bot’, ‘top’, ‘mid’ (only if ply_wise = True)

• ply_wise: True (default) or False. Decides whether to evaluate for individual plies or return
the result of the finite element.

• show_on_solids: True or False (default). Whether to show the results on the shell or solid
model (if present).

• show_ply_offsets: True or False (default). Whether to display ply-wise visualizations with ply
offsets or not.

• ply_offset_scale_factor: Scale factor for the offsets of the visualized plies if show_ply_off-
sets=True.

• solution_set: Selection of the Solution Set.

Returns

the plot object

Example:

Create a progressive damage plot with Data Scope set to Element Set “All_Elements” for
‘e1’ at ‘mid’ in ply_wise mode:
>>> pd_plot = db.active_model.solutions['Solution.1'].plots.create_progressive_damage_plot(self, name="

create_strain_plot(name=None, id=None, active=True, scope_entire_model=True,

data_scope=[], component=None, spot=None, ply_wise=True, show_on_solids=False,
show_ply_offsets=False, ply_offset_scale_factor=1.0, solution_set=- 1)

Create a Strain Plot object.

Parameters

• name: Name of the plot

• id: ID for the plot

• active: Whether the plot is active or not.

• scope_entire_model: If true, then the scope of this plot is the entire model. If not, then set
to false and use the data_scope to specify a sub scope.

• data_scope: Object(s) defining the scope for which data is computed and returned. Applicable
are: Element Set, Oriented Selection Set, Modeling Ply, Sampling Point

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• component: ‘e1’, ‘e2’, ‘e3’, ‘e12’, ‘e23’, ‘e13’, ‘eI’, ‘eII’, ‘eIII’

• spot: ‘bot’, ‘top’, ‘mid’ (only if ply_wise = True)

• ply_wise: True (default) or False. Decides whether to evaluate for individual plies or return
the result of the finite element.

• show_on_solids: True or False (default). Whether to show the results on the shell or solid
model (if present).

• show_ply_offsets: True or False (default). Whether to display ply-wise visualizations with ply
offsets or not.

• ply_offset_scale_factor: Scale factor for the offsets of the visualized plies if show_ply_off-
sets=True.

• solution_set: Selection of the Solution Set.

Returns

the plot object

Example:

Create a strain plot with Data Scope set to Element Set “All_Elements” for ‘e1’ at ‘mid’ in
ply_wise mode:
>>> strain_plot = db.active_model.solutions['Solution.1'].plots.create_strain_plot(self, name="MyPlot",

create_stress_plot(name=None, id=None, active=True, scope_entire_model=True,

data_scope=[], component=None, spot=None, ply_wise=True, show_on_solids=False,
show_ply_offsets=False, ply_offset_scale_factor=1.0, interlaminar_normal_stresses=False, solu-
tion_set=- 1)

Create a Stress Plot object.

Parameters

• name: Name of the plot

• id: ID for the plot

• active: Whether the plot is active or not.

• scope_entire_model: If true, then the scope of this plot is the entire model. If not, then set
to false and use the data_scope to specify a sub scope.

• data_scope: Object(s) defining the scope for which data is computed and returned. Applicable
are: Element Set, Oriented Selection Set, Modeling Ply, Sampling Point

• component: ‘s1’, ‘s2’, ‘s3’, ‘s12’, ‘s23’, ‘s13’, ‘sI’, ‘sII’, ‘sIII’

• spot: ‘bot’, ‘top’, ‘mid’ (only if ply_wise = True)

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• ply_wise: True (default) or False. Decides whether to evaluate for individual plies or return
the result of the finite element.

• show_on_solids: True or False (default). Whether to show the results on the shell or solid
model (if present).

• show_ply_offsets: True or False (default). Whether to display ply-wise visualizations with ply
offsets or not.

• ply_offset_scale_factor: Scale factor for the offsets of the visualized plies if show_ply_off-
sets=True.

• solution_set: Selection of the Solution Set.

Returns

the plot object

Example:

Create a stress plot with Data Scope set to Element Set “All_Elements” for ‘s1’ at ‘mid’ in
ply_wise mode:
>>> stress_plot = db.active_model.solutions['Solution.1'].plots.create_stress_plot(self, name="MyPlot",

create_temperature_plot(name=None, id=None, active=True, scope_entire_model=True,

data_scope=[], component=None, spot=None, ply_wise=False, show_on_solids=True, solution_set=-
1)

Create a Temperature Plot object.

Parameters

• name: Name of the plot

• id: ID for the plot

• active: Whether the plot is active or not.

• scope_entire_model: If true, then the scope of this plot is the entire model. If not, then set
to false and use the data_scope to specify a sub scope.

• data_scope: Object(s) defining the scope for which data is computed and returned. Applicable
are: Element Set, Oriented Selection Set, Modeling Ply, Sampling Point

• spot: ‘bot’, ‘top’, ‘mid’ (only if ply_wise = True)

• ply_wise: True (default) or False. Decides whether to evaluate for individual plies or return
the result of the finite element.

• solution_set: Selection of the Solution Set.

Returns

the plot object

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Example:

Create a temperature plot with Data Scope set to Element Set “All_Elements” with spot set
to ‘mid’ in ply_wise mode:
>>> temp_plot = db.active_model.solutions['Solution.1'].plots.create_temperature_plot(self, name="MyPlo

create_user_defined_plot(name=None, id=None, active=True, scope_entire_model=True,

data_scope=[], user_data=[], user_text=[], user_script=None, user_script_enabled=False,
show_on_solids=False, show_user_text=False, show_ply_offsets=False, ply_offset_scale_factor=1.0,
add_to_active_set=True, locked=False, solution_set=- 1)

Create a User-Defined Plot object.

Parameters

• name: Name of the plot

• id: ID for the plot

• active: Whether the plot is active or not.

• scope_entire_model: If true, then the scope of this plot is the entire model. If not, then set
to false and use the data_scope to specify a sub scope.

• data_scope: Object(s) defining the scope for which data is computed and returned. Applicable
are: Element Set, Oriented Selection Set, Modeling Ply, Sampling Point

• show_on_solids: True or False (default). Whether to show the results on the shell or solid
model (if present).

• show_user_text: True or False (default). Whether to show the text, which the user provided.

• show_ply_offsets: True or False (default). Whether to display ply-wise visualizations with ply
offsets or not.

• ply_offset_scale_factor: Scale factor for the offsets of the visualized plies if show_ply_off-
sets=True.

• solution_set: Selection of the Solution Set.

Returns

the plot object

Example:

Create a user-defined plot with Data Scope set to Element Set “All_Elements”:
>>> u_plot = db.active_model.layup_plots.create_user_defined_plot(self, name="MyPlot", data_scope=db.ac

6.11.2. PlotData Classes

This section contains the following topics:

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6.11.2.1. PlotData
6.11.2.2. ContourData
6.11.2.3. AngleData
6.11.2.4.ThicknessData
6.11.2.5. ScalarFieldData
6.11.2.6. DrapingData
6.11.2.7. FieldDefinitionData
6.11.2.8. LayupMappingData
6.11.2.9. UserDefinedData
6.11.2.10. DeformationContourData
6.11.2.11. StrainData
6.11.2.12. StressData
6.11.2.13. FailureData
6.11.2.14.TemperatureData
6.11.2.15. ProgressiveDamageData

6.11.2.1. PlotData
class compolyx.plot_data.PlotData(graph, obj, parent=None)

active

Whether the plot is active or not; an inactive plot is not updated and it does not contain data.

active_display_data

Returns a dictionary containing display data for this plot owned by the active scene

add_data_scope_entity(entity)

Add 1 entity to the Data Scope of a plot.

Parameters

• entity: Entity to be added. Applicable are Element Set, Oriented Selection Set, Modeling Ply,
Production Ply, Analysis Ply, and Sampling Point

Example:

Add the Element Set “My_ESet” to a my_plot:

>>> my_plot.add_data_scope_entity(entity = db.active_model.element_sets['My_ESet'])

all_display_data

Returns a list of all display data classes in existence for this object

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changed

Status boolean. Set to true if the underlying data has been changed. Write only property

clear_data_scope()

Cleares the complete data scope of a plot, i.e. all scope entities are removed at once.

component

The requested result component for a specific plot, e.g. s1 for the stress in the 1-direction

components

Return the possible component set on this plot type

data_scope

Data scope of the plot where results will be evaluated.

description_changed

Status boolean. Set to true if the object’s description has been changed. Write only property

display_data_create(parent=None)

Function for internal use, not meant for scripting.

enabled

Whether this object is currently enabled or not. Mainly defined through the current application
mode pre or post.

eval_position

The finite element position at which the results are given, e.g. centroid or nodal.

get_data(visible=None, selected=None)

Get data of plot.

Parameters

• visible: Object(s) defining visible scope

• selected: Selected object(s) for ply-wise evaluations.

Returns

Resulting n-dimensional array with plot data for each selected object. The scope of the data is
evaluated identically as for get_element_xx functions as the intersection of - data_scope of plot
- visible_scope defined by visible - selection_scope defined by selected

Data is returned independent of update status of plot, but only if results for the current plot
configuration are available, else an empty array is returned.

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Examples:

Get data for current ply-wise plot with visible scope set to element set “All_Elements” and
with ply1 and ply2 selected:
>>> data = my_plot.get_data(visible=db.active_model.element_sets['All_Elements'], selected=[ply1, ply2]

Get data for current element-wise plot with visible scope equal to all objects visible in current
scene:
>>> data = my_plot.get_data(visible=db.active_model.active_scene.active_set.entities)

get_deformations(visible=None, selected=None)

Function used internally to query matching nodal deformations for a given plot. To query de-
formations in a script it is recommended to create a separate deformations plot and query its
data using normal get_data(…) method.

get_element_indices(visible=None, selected=None)

Get element indices (ACP internal element numbers starting from 0) of plot

Parameters

• visible: Object(s) defining visible scope

• selected: Selected object(s) for ply-wise evaluations.

Returns

Resulting array with element indices from the intersection of - data_scope of plot - visible_scope
defined by visible - selection_scope defined by selected

Indices are returned independent of update status of plot, but only if results for the current
plot configuration are available, else an empty array is returned.

Examples:

Get element indices for current plot with visible scope set to element set “All_Elements”
and with ply1 and ply2 selected:
>>> eis = my_plot.get_element_indices(visible=db.active_model.element_sets['All_Elements'], selected=[p

Get element indices for current plot with visible scope equal to all objects visible in current
scene:
>>> eis = my_plot.get_element_indices(visible=db.active_model.active_scene.active_set.entities)

get_element_labels(visible=None, selected=None)

Get element labels (element numbers as read from / written to mesh files) of plot.

Parameters

• visible: Object(s) defining visible scope

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• selected: Selected object(s) for ply-wise evaluations.

Returns

Resulting array with element labels from the intersection of - data_scope of plot - visible_scope
defined by visible - selection_scope defined by selected

Labels are returned independent of update status of plot, but only if results for the current plot
configuration are available, else an empty array is returned.

Examples:

Get element labels for current plot with visible scope set to element set “All_Elements” and
with ply1 and ply2 selected:
>>> eis = my_plot.get_element_labels(visible=db.active_model.element_sets['All_Elements'], selected=[pl

get_full_description()

This function returns information displayed together with the legend. Internal use only, not
meant for scripting.

has_element_wise

Whether the plot offers element-wise data.

has_ply_wise

Whether the plot offers ply-wise data.

locked

Returns the locked status of the plot

name

Name of object

ply_wise

Whether to plot ply-wise or element-wise.

remove_data_scope_entity(entity)

Remove 1 entity to the Data Scope of a plot.

Parameters

• entity: Entity to be removed. Applicable are Element Set, Oriented Selection Set, Modeling
Ply, Production Ply, Analysis Ply, and Sampling Point

Example:

Remove the Element Set “My_ESet” from my_plot:

>>> my_plot.remove_data_scope_entity(entity = db.active_model.element_sets['My_ESet'])

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scope_entire_model

Whether the plot scope is the entire model or a subset defined by the datadd_data_scope.

serialize()

Serialize to Python string

serialize_properties()

Serialize to Python string

show_on_solids

Whether to plot results on solid or shell elements.

solution

Solution underlying the plot.

solution_set

Solution Set selection.

spot

Whether to plot data at bot, mid or top of the layer or laminate.

spots

Return the possible spot set on this plot type

updated

Status boolean. Set to true if the underlying data has been changed. Write only property

uptodate

Whether the plot is uptodate.

6.11.2.2. ContourData
class compolyx.plot_data.ContourData(graph, obj, parent=None, display_data=None)

Bases: compolyx.plot_data.plot_data.PlotData

get_ply_offsets(visible=None, selected=None)

Get the offset between plies and reference surface.

Parameters

• visible: Object(s) defining visible scope

• selected: Selected object(s) for ply-wise evaluations.

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Returns

Resulting n-dimensional array of arrays with the ply-offset vectors for each node within the
object/ply-selection: [ [array(float, float, float), array(float, float, float), …] … ]

The scope of the data is evaluated as the intersection of

• data_scope of plot

• visible_scope defined by visible

• selection_scope defined by selected

Example:

Get the ply-offsets for the current ply-wise plot with visible scope set to element set
“All_Elements” and with ply1 and ply2 selected:
>>> p_offs = my_contour_plot.get_ply_offsets(visible=db.active_model.element_sets['All_Elements'], sele

minmax

Min and max value of current data

minmax_last_query

Min and max value of data of last query

ply_offset_scale_factor

Offset scale factor

serialize()

Serialize to Python string

6.11.2.3. AngleData
class compolyx.plot_data.AngleData(graph, obj, parent=None, display_data=None)

Bases: compolyx.plot_data.contour_data.ContourData

spot

Not applicable to an angle plot

6.11.2.4. ThicknessData
class compolyx.plot_data.ThicknessData(graph, obj, parent=None, display_data=None)

Bases: compolyx.plot_data.contour_data.ContourData

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spot

Not applicable to a thickness plot

6.11.2.5. ScalarFieldData
class compolyx.plot_data.ScalarFieldData(graph, obj, parent=None)

Bases: compolyx.plot_data.contour_data.ContourData

get_support_point_coordinates()

Get the coordinates of the supporting points.

Returns

Resulting n-dimensional array with the coordinates for each supporting point.

Data is returned independent of update status of plot.

Examples:

Get coordinates for supporting points defining look-up table plot:

>>> coords = my_plot._get_support_point_coordinates()

get_support_point_labels()

Get the identifiers for the supporting points.

Returns

Resulting n-dimensional array with the supporting point labels.

Labels are returned independent of update status of plot.

Examples:

Get labels for supporting points defining look-up table plot:

>>> coords = my_plot._get_support_point_labels()

get_support_point_values()

Get the scalar values defined at the supporting points.

Returns

Resulting n-dimensional array with the scalar values as defined at the supporting points.

Values are returned independent of update status of plot.

Examples:

Get scalar values for supporting points defining look-up table plot:

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>>> coords = my_plot._get_support_point_values()

scalar_field

The underlying scalar field.

serialize()

Serialize to Python string

show_supporting_point_labels

Whether to plot supporting points.

show_supporting_points

Whether to plot supporting points.

spot

Not applicable to a scalar field plot

6.11.2.6. DrapingData
class compolyx.plot_data.DrapingData(graph, obj, parent=None)

Bases: compolyx.plot_data.plot_data.PlotData

serialize()

Serialize to Python string

serialize_properties()

Serialize to Python string

show_draping_mesh

Whether to plot the draping mesh.

show_flatwrap

Whether to plot the flatwrap.

6.11.2.7. FieldDefinitionData
class compolyx.plot_data.FieldDefinitionData(graph, obj, parent=None, dis-
play_data=None)

Bases: compolyx.plot_data.contour_data.ContourData

field_variable_name

The underlying field variable name.

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serialize()

Serialize to Python string

spot

Not applicable to a field definition plot

6.11.2.8. LayupMappingData
class compolyx.plot_data.LayupMappingData(graph, obj, parent=None, dis-
play_data=None)

Bases: compolyx.plot_data.contour_data.ContourData

spot

Not applicable to a layup mapping plot

6.11.2.9. UserDefinedData
class compolyx.plot_data.UserDefinedData(graph, obj, parent=None, dis-
play_data=None)

Bases: compolyx.plot_data.contour_data.ContourData

serialize_properties()

Serialize to Python string

show_user_text

Whether to show the user-defined text labels or not.

spot

Not applicable to a user-defined plot

user_data

Access to the user-defined data of the plot.

user_element_centroids

Retrieve the centroids of the elements consistent with the current user element indices/labels.

user_element_indices

Access the indices for the given data-scope.

user_element_labels

Access the labels for the given data-scope.

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user_script

Body of the script to be executed is user_script_enabled is set to True

user_script_enabled

Whether to run a custom script on update

user_text

Access to the user-defined text of the plot.

6.11.2.10. DeformationContourData
class compolyx.plot_data.DeformationContourData(graph, obj, parent=None, dis-
play_data=None)

Bases: compolyx.plot_data.contour_data.ContourData

6.11.2.11. StrainData
class compolyx.plot_data.StrainData(graph, obj, parent=None, display_data=None)

Bases: compolyx.plot_data.contour_data.ContourData

6.11.2.12. StressData
class compolyx.plot_data.StressData(graph, obj, parent=None, display_data=None)

Bases: compolyx.plot_data.contour_data.ContourData

interlaminar_normal_stresses

Whether to evaluate normal stresses.

6.11.2.13. FailureData
class compolyx.plot_data.FailureData(graph, obj, parent=None, display_data=None)

Bases: compolyx.plot_data.contour_data.ContourData

get_text(visible=None, selected=None, str_results=True)

Get text data of failure plot.

Parameters

• visible: Object(s) defining visible scope

• selected: Selected object(s) for ply-wise evaluations.

• str_results: Whether to return failure modes as strings or enums. (default is str)

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Returns

Resulting n-dimensional array with a dict with data for each selected object/ply: [ dict( “fm” :
array(int/str), “li” : array(int), “lc” : array(int) ), dict( “fm” : array(int/str), “li” : array(int), “lc” : array(int)
), … ] Possible keys: - fm: Failure Mode (enum) - li: Layer index - lc: Load case (for envelope
solutions only)

The scope of the data is evaluated identically as for get_element_xxx functions as the intersection
of: - data_scope of plot - visible_scope defined by visible - selection_scope defined by selected

Text data is returned independent of update status of plot, but only if results for the current
plot configuration are available, else an empty array is returned.

Examples:

Get text data for current ply-wise plot with visible scope set to element set “All_Elements” and
with ply1 and ply2 selected:
>>> text = my_plot.get_text(visible=db.active_model.element_sets['All_Elements'], selected=[ply1, ply2])

Get textdata for current element-wise plot with visible scope equal to all objects visible in current
scene:
>>> text = my_plot.get_text(visible=db.active_model.active_scene.active_set.entities)

serialize()

Serialize to Python string

show_critical_failure_mode

Whether to evaluate and show the critical failure mode.

show_critical_layer

Whether to evaluate and show the critical layer.

show_critical_load_case

Whether to evaluate and show the critical laod case; available only for Envelope Solutions.

spot

Not applicable to a failure plot

text_threshold

Threshold below/above which failure mode text is shown or not.

text_threshold_auto

Whether the threshold for visualization of failure text is set automatically or not.

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6.11.2.14. TemperatureData
class compolyx.plot_data.TemperatureData(graph, obj, parent=None, dis-
play_data=None)

Bases: compolyx.plot_data.contour_data.ContourData

6.11.2.15. ProgressiveDamageData
class compolyx.plot_data.ProgressiveDamageData(graph, obj, parent=None, dis-
play_data=None)

Bases: compolyx.plot_data.contour_data.ContourData

spot

Not applicable to a progressive damage plot

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 Release 2022 R1 - © ANSYS, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information
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