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Modeling compsites for hand layup
2

Modeling compsites for hand layup

Modeling compsites for hand layup

(OP)
Is anybody willing to share how they model hand laid carbon/glass composites in SW? I have a problem to solve with varying number of layers in various locations. What do mold shops like in a 3D model for this type of construction.  

TOP
CSWP, BSSE
www.engtran.com  www.niswug.org

"Node news is good news."

RE: Modeling compsites for hand layup

Here the models are created using Laminate Tools, creating FEA and flat patterns. http://anaglyph.co.uk/

Then the parts are modeled in SW as surfaces. I wish they were linked.

Chris
SolidWorks 09 SP4.1
ctopher's home
SolidWorks Legion

RE: Modeling compsites for hand layup

What is the manufacturing method?  Usually I was working with vacuum bagging and would just make a model of uniform thickness with an offset surface from the mold geometry.  I hope this helps.

Rob Stupplebeen

RE: Modeling compsites for hand layup

kellnerp,

   I have had a shop ask for the SolidWorks model of a fibreglass enclosure.  They converted the model to sheet metal and they flattened it out to figure out how to cut their glass fibre mat.  

   What do your fabricators say?

               JHG

RE: Modeling compsites for hand layup

Creating the patterns with a specific software like fibersim will provide more accurate results.  I have usually created the patterns myself and done the initial layups myself.  I hope this helps.

Rob Stupplebeen

RE: Modeling compsites for hand layup

kellnerp,

Are you trying to create the actual composite structure?

RE: Modeling compsites for hand layup

(OP)
At this stage I don't have a manufacturer. I was looking for what the industry considers standard for representing a laid up part.

My part has varying thicknesses for stress and mechanical reasons. A simple shell(ed) model would not work.

The anaglyph and fibersym suggestions where some help. I haven't found anything that bills itself as a SW addin. For my purposes and if I had the money analgyph would make more sense because it helps the FEA figure out ply orientation. Maybe fibersim also does that but I didn't find it popping out on their website.

There are apparently two issues that need resolution. My question was specific to representing a composite layup to the manufacturer without knowing in advance who was doing the manufacturing. I don't know if there is an ASME standard for this.

CBL brought up the point of actually modeling a thin shell with varying thicknesses. This I know how to do.  

TOP
CSWP, BSSE
www.engtran.com  www.niswug.org

"Node news is good news."

RE: Modeling compsites for hand layup

For actual composite part models, we use CBLs method.  For the flat patterns, we use fibersim, which is quite an investment by itself.

"Good to know you got shoes to wear when you find the floor." - Robert Hunter
 

RE: Modeling compsites for hand layup

The link I added is what our engineers use. It figures out the grain/ply orientaions and think runs Nastran FEA somehow . I have not used it, but it is widely used at our parent comapany.

Chris
SolidWorks 09 SP4.1
ctopher's home
SolidWorks Legion

RE: Modeling compsites for hand layup

"CBL brought up the point of actually modeling a thin shell with varying thicknesses."

"For actual composite part models, we use CBLs method."

While it's always nice to be given credit for doing something good ... the credit belongs elsewhere. I didn't mention "a thin shell with varying thickness", nor did I suggest a method. ponder

RE: Modeling compsites for hand layup

(OP)
My bad. You didn't suggest anything, just asked a question. censored

TOP
CSWP, BSSE
www.engtran.com  www.niswug.org

"Node news is good news."

RE: Modeling compsites for hand layup

kellnerp,

   If you do not have a manufacturer yet, you should go out and find one and ask questions.  You could be digging yourself a very interesting hole!

               JHG

RE: Modeling compsites for hand layup

Sorry for that, CBL.  Been too lazy today to pay much attention, forgive me.
 

"Good to know you got shoes to wear when you find the floor." - Robert Hunter
 

RE: Modeling compsites for hand layup

Nothing to forgive. I don't mind being given credit for good stuff. smile  I just didn't want to steal someone else's thunder.  

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