Manual Design Approach Method on CATIA 3DEXPERIENCE for Composites Design

The tutorial focuses on acquiring knowledge about the Manual Approach Design method on CATIA 3DEXPERIENCE.

The Manual Design approach is the simplest method within 3DEXPERIENCE Composites, suitable for low design complexity scenarios with minimal ply drop-offs and a small number of plies.

The tutorial uses an engine part geometry for demonstration purposes.

By the end of the tutorial, viewers will be able to log in to 3DEXPERIENCE, prepare the environment, define Composites Parameters, create plies group and plies, view plies sections, modify plies geometry, and manage plies.

To begin, users need to log in to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform by entering their ID and password and clicking on Log In.

After logging in, users should import the file named Frame_Engine.3dxml into the Composites Design application.

Defining composite parameters is crucial before starting composites design as these parameters enable the activation of composite design commands.

Materials in the 3DEXPERIENCE platform contain properties of associated materials and play a vital role in determining material-related characteristics for composite design.

The tutorial imports the CPD_HTAM21 material file for use in the composite design.

Fiber directions represent predefined parameters indicating the fiber direction of plies, with each direction associated with a specific color.

A rosette is a graphical representation of fiber orientations that defines the referential for fiber direction of plies, computed from a 3D axis system to a specific location on a surface.

The Edit button allows users to select inputs like curves or parameters to define the rosette, with options to choose the Transfer Type as Cartesian and specify the Constant model size as 3mm. Clicking on Preview Rosette Transfer displays the rosette behavior on the selected surface, allowing adjustments to density using a slider.

The first step involves creating a plies group, a feature containing plies and sequences for composites design. It is recommended to structure plies data into plies groups, with each group containing plies sharing the same support surface. A new plies group is necessary when using a new support surface. By clicking on the Plies Group icon in the Plies Design section, users can create and name a plies group, with the Stacking feature automatically generated in the tree.

A ply in CATIA Composites Design is defined by closed contours on a surface, material, fiber orientation, and rosette. The shape of a ply is determined by the shape of its base surface, where users can create a ply by selecting curves to define a closed contour and specifying material, direction, and rosette attributes. Each ply created is displayed in the geometry area, with the color of the ply boundary reflecting its defined directions.

To create multiple plies efficiently, users can copy and paste sequences with the same contour and attributes within a plies group. By using the Copy Paste option, users can speed up the process of creating plies. It is essential to maintain a smooth drop-off by respecting basic rules like having bigger size plies at both ends of the stacking and smaller size plies in the middle. Modifying ply geometry can be done by using the Limit Contour feature to trim entities and ensure a smooth transition.

To visualize the thickness of a part, users can create sections of plies to understand their location on the surface and the part's thickness. By un-hiding the Ply_Section plane and creating plies sections across it, users can select the Surface option to display the sections and observe the positions of plies on the surface. Modifying ply geometry for specific plies, especially in the middle level, is crucial for maintaining a smooth and steady drop-off in the stacking.

The direction of the curves indicates where the ply material will remain.

Using the Multi-selection icon, specify a Staggering Value of 3mm for the distance between cut plies.

The green arrow on the curve shows Curve orientation, while the triangle indicates a staggering direction. Use the Invert button to reverse their directions.

The Stacking Management command allows for managing ply attributes, including plies groups, sequences, and plies of a composite part. It provides options to modify component properties, reorder groups and sequences, create new sequences or plies, and check 3D Contours.

Using the Multiple Row Edition icon, you can change the Orientation Name option to 90° for selected entities. Similarly, renaming sequences and plies can be done efficiently.

After defining plies with Stacking Management, the part is fully designed. Information such as Area, Volume, mass, Center of Gravity, and Cost can be accessed in the Numerical Analysis section.

Numerical Analysis can be performed at different levels like Stacking, Ply Group, Ply, and Cut Piece. The data can be exported to a spreadsheet for further manipulation.

Utilize the Core Sampling tool to create core samples at different thickness areas. The tool allows for creating samples with varying thicknesses and numbers of plies.

The web widget 3D Annotation Insights enables reviewing a part's composites definition from mobile devices for design, manufacturing, or repair purposes. It provides visual representations of plies and core samples.

The tutorial covered logging in to 3DEXPERIENCE, preparing the environment, defining Composites Parameters, creating plies group and plies, viewing plies sections, modifying plies geometry, and managing plies. Viewers are encouraged to rewatch the tutorial for a better understanding.