ACP Framework

1. ACP Pre-Module: The ACP Pre module was dragged into the workbench.

Figure 1 ACP Pre-Module

2. Material Definition: The first step for composite analysis was to define the material. Users
could choose from existing materials in the engineering data sources or create their own.
If a new material is created, it is necessary to input its density and orthotropic elasticity. In
this case, a pre-existing material called Epoxy Carbon was used.

Figure 2 Material Definition

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3. Geometry: The next step was to create or import a geometry. Here, SpaceClaim was used
to make a simple hollow cylinder with a length of 500 mm, an internal diameter of 144
mm, and an external diameter of 150 mm. Since the thickness of the cylinder was small
compared to the other dimensions, it could be modeled as a shell.

Figure 3 Solid Hollow Cylinder

The 'Midsurface' command in the 'Prepare' tab was used to create a mid-surface from the
solid.

Figure 4 Midsurface

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 Figure 5 Shell Model

4. Model: The Model tab was opened, and the material and thickness were assigned to the
geometry.

Figure 6 Model

A mesh was created for the body, and a named selection for the circumferential edge was
made. This named selection would be used in the next steps to define fiber directions.

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 Figure 7 Mesh

Figure 8 Named Selection for edge

5. Setup: In this step, the layup sequence, fiber directions, and thickness directions were
defined.

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 Figure 9 ACP Pre GUI

 First, the preferred units, preferably mm for length, were selected. Then, fabric properties
were defined, including material and thickness for a single layer of the composite.

Figure 10 Fabric Definition

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 Figure 11 Fabric Properties

In the analysis tab of fabric properties, polar plots of elastic modulus and shear modulus
were viewed.

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 Figure 12 Fabric Polar Plots

 Next, the stackup was defined, specifying the number of layers and the orientation of each
layer.

Figure 13 Stackup Definition

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 Figure 14 Stackup Properties

In the analysis tab of stackup properties, the layup sequence, layer angles, and polar
properties were visualized.

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 Figure 15 Stackup analysis

This tab also showed Laminate stiffness and Compliance Matrices and the Laminate
Properties.

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Figure 16 Laminate stiffness and Compliance Matrices

Figure 17 Laminate Properties

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 To define fiber directions, a rosette (type: 'Edge Wise') was created using the edge set
defined earlier in the Model tab. An origin point on the surface was selected, and directions
were adjusted to align with the requirements.

Figure 18 Rosette Definition

 To define thickness directions, oriented selection set properties were configured. In the
elements tab, 'All Elements' were selected, and the previously defined rosette was chosen.
A point on the surface was selected, and directions were adjusted as needed.

Figure 19 Oriented Selection Set Definition

 The final step was to define a Modelling Group to specify different plies using the stackup
sequence and oriented selection set defined earlier.

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 Figure 20 Modelling Group Definition

 It’s important to update at each step by clicking on the lightning sign at the top left of the
ribbon. To view fiber directions and the mesh, the appropriate tabs from the ribbon were
selected.

Figure 21 Direction Controls

The fiber directions for 0, 45 and -45 degrees are shown:

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 Figure 22 First layer

Figure 23 Second layer

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 Figure 24 Third layer

 Finally, to check the composite model's mass, a sensor property was defined, and the units
were changed to kg.

Figure 25 Sensor Definition

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 6. Static Structural: The Setup of ACP(Pre) was imported into the Static Structural Model.

Figure 26 Static Structural Module

Loads and boundary conditions were defined.

Figure 27LBC's

The analysis was run. The tab was exited, and the workbench was updated.

7. ACP (Post): The ACP (Post) was dragged into the ACP (Pre) Model, and the Static
Structural solution was imported into the Results of ACP(Post).

Figure 28 ACP (Post) Module

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The Results tab was opened, and different results were plotted.

Figure 29 ACP (Post) GUI

Under the solutions tab, plots for stress and deformation were created.

Figure 30 Solution Definition

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 Figure 31 Stress Plot

The maximum shear stress is shown in above plot, however there are different choices
which are maximum stress in each of the three directions and normal stresses.

Figure 32 Deformation Plot

The deformation shown in the above plot is translational. Rotational deformations can also
be plotted in a similar manner.

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Under the Definitions tab, failure criteria were defined. Finally, under the solutions tab,
plots for the inverse reverse factor for different failure criteria were created.

Figure 33 Failure Criteria Definition

Figure 34 Inverse Reverse Factor-Tsai Wu

Figure 35 Inverse Reverse Factor-Tsai Hill

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