Product description (Laminate Tools version 4.0)
Overall Features
Typical usage scenarios for Laminate Tools are as follows:
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Use selected Finite Element Analysis (FEA) pre-processor applications to create an FE mesh, then use Laminate Tools to drape the mesh with composite fabric and build the layup for the entire structure. Alternatively, use any CAD system to define surfaces, then use Laminate Tools for material draping simulation.
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Having built a layup with Laminate Tools, use it to convert the ply information to layered material properties suitable for FE Analysis, and use this information with selected FEA applications.
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Post-process the results of FE Analyses in ways that are specific to composite materials, including the ability to examine the individual full global plies.
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Use the ply information for manufacturing: export the flat ply patterns for nesting and cutting, or project, using laser equipment, the ply outlines on the mould surface during manufacture.
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Simply view, review and approve the structural characteristics during design, and communicate the information digitally across departments or partners / subcontractors. Get the maximum out of a structure, minimise errors and maximise confidence in component performance.
What is not covered by Laminate Tools:
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Laminate Tools is not a CAD system, but communicates with CAD systems using industry-standard formats.
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Laminate Tools is not an FEA mesher, i.e. it does not convert surfaces into a finite element mesh. This is a task for the pre-processor that normally comes with an FEA application.
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Laminate Tools is not an FEA solver, but works closely with leading commercial applications that have been established as industry standards.
Laminate Tools is modular and consists of six modules. The View module exhibits read-only viewing functionality that allows for easy, in-depth examination and understanding of the composite design. The other five modules (Geometry, Design, Analysis, Check, Manufacture) extend the product's outstanding functionality by importing surface geometry, creating Ply and Layup material information, FE laminate properties, checking FEA stress results, generating failure indices, exporting Ply patterns and enabling information flow between third-party applications:
| VIEW | The View module is the simplest possible configuration. It provides powerful 3D visualisation capabilities. It is the user interface for the other modules. |
| GEOMETRY | The Geometry module enables the import of surface geometry via industry-standard formats, and automatic conversion into mesh suitable for the Layup Technology. |
| DESIGN | The Design module is used to create Layup information. |
| ANALYSIS | The Analysis module is used to generate laminate property data for Finite Element Analysis. |
| CHECK | The Check module displays FEA results and creates new failure results from the element stresses. It is used to check many analysis aspects in detail, down to individual layers and interfaces. |
| MANUFACTURE | The Manufacture module prepares and exports ply book information, flat patterns for nesting and cutting, and draped patterns for use in laser projection. |
The following diagram shows where Laminate Tools fits in the process of component structural design, and how it may interact with other applications (via the indicated file types).
System Requirements
PC with Intel Pentium or AMD processor, Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7 (32 or 64-bit), 1Gb RAM, 100Mb hard disk space, 3-button (or wheel) mouse, 16-bit+ OpenGL graphics, CD-ROM drive for installation. Graphics hardware with optimised OpenGL drivers and a high resolution display are highly recommended.
No additional software are required to run Laminate Tools. However, since the application does not create the model itself, the data to be used with Laminate Tools must originate from a CAD or FEA pre-processor application.