Analysis Interface

Enabling a Concurrent Composite Design and Analysis Process

Together with the FiberSIM Composite Engineering Environment (CEE) or FiberSIM Advanced Composite Engineering Environment (ACEE), the FiberSIM Analysis Interface enables engineers to design a composite part in their existing commercial 3D CAD system while concurrently exchanging composites data with structural analysts at any time during the design process.

Depending on the selected design methodology, data related to zones and laminate specifications or to plies and fiber directions are exported from FiberSIM to various commercial CAE software packages, or imported into FiberSIM from the CAE software.

The FiberSIM Analysis Interface is available in two versions—a Base and an Advanced option. With the Base option, the designer can perform producibility simulation and then use the complete definition of the part in its to-be-manufactured form as input into a finite element analysis (FEA) package. The analyst can then run the analysis using the ply definitions and fiber orientations from the detailed part design, as opposed to an idealized design that may in fact be impossible to manufacture—resulting in a more accurate assessment of the part.

The FiberSIM Analysis Interface Advanced option contains all the functionality of the Base option in addition to giving the designer and the analyst the ability to close the loop between their disciplines by returning an initial or modified FEA composite ply definition to the designer. This automated process saves time, reduces interpretation errors, and enables many more iterations between design and analysis— resulting in better performing composite parts. If the part is suited for grid-based or zone-based design, zones and laminate specifications can also be exchanged.

The VISTAGY CAE partner community includes all the major FEA software providers worldwide, from general analysis packages to specialized solutions for composite part optimization, simulation of manufacturing processes, stiffness, strength, delamination, failure, and fatigue analysis.

In addition, the FiberSIM Analysis Interface also supports an interface to flow modeling software for Resin Transfer Molding. Accurate local permeability and porosity properties can be derived from the FiberSIM detailed composite part model. This way, the resin flow simulation can provide more accurate results on pressure, temperature and velocity fields, injection times, and possible dry spot occurrences. Resin injection points and vent locations can be optimized.

For more detailed information on the capabilities of the FiberSIM Analysis Interface, please download the product brochures at the right.