The Contribution of Dassault Systemes to Digital Composite Technology

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) delivers the main input for composite design.

Communication between finite element analysis and 3D modelling tools defines design cycle duration, which in turn has an impact on cost. Dassault Systèmes provide two tools to make this communication efficient. Composite Link, embedded in CATIA, allows communication in between the 3D modelling tool CATIA and the majority of leading finite element analysis tools. Information regarding mesh, ply boundary, orientation and rosettes can be transferred easily without any loss of data. In addition, Composite Laminate Modeller, embedded within ABAQUS, allows communication between ABAQUS and most leading finite element analysis tools.

One of the biggest challenges the Composites industry is facing is the lack of standardisation in composite manufacturing.

Specifically, ply laying processes vary from organisation to organisation making it difficult to control the quality of parts.With the addition of a new tool for simulating producibility analysis graphically, standardisation of the ply laying process will be a reality. Instead of totally relying on the experience of the operator, the CATIA Composite Fibre modeller will allow manufacturing engineers to define the optimum manufacturing parameters for laying ply. In fact, with use of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform for composite part manufacturing this can be standardised, and well documented using the process planning and work instruction modules.

Dassault Systèmes is working with many composite manufacturers and research institutes to develop the digital tools required to implement newly developed manufacturing technologies in the design phase. The best example of this is the composite braiding tool. The composite braiding tool helps to develop the mandrel required for manufacturing composite parts using braiding technology. Inputs for this design are machine parameters, which help to make design for manufacturing a reality.

One of the time consuming process in composite manufacturing is the hand laying of ply on tool surfaces. It requires numerous references to be used from design data, such as seed points and seed curve rosettes. Newly developed laser projection tools allow the automation of the transfer of data from CATIA composites to feed the laser projection systems. This reduces set up time on the shop floor, reducing the time and cost associated with manufacturing.

Composite design, finite element analysis and manufacturing require a great deal of electronic data generation.

These are including part files, analysis files, excel files, dxf files etc. To manage these files independently is a big challenge. With the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, developed by Dassault Systèmes, the management of composite related data has become very efficient and well structured. With 3DEXPERIENCE, all of the tools developed by Dassault Systèmes for the design, analysis and manufacture of composites are available in one single interface, making them a game changer in Digital Composite Technology. The images used in this blog are used from Dassault Systèmes marketing presentations.