PCOMP - Analysis with different LAM options

Altair Forum User

Hello everyone,

i have question regarding the laminate options in the PCOMP property card. I do not really understand the difference in the calculation when using “SMEAR” option and incase of turning the Laminate option to “OFF”. I have tried both of them and the results varry dramatically. I would appreciate it if you could briefly clarify the difference between those two options or direct me to a specific tutorial.

 

As a background information: i am measuring the stiffness of a carbonfibers reinforced cylinder which could be helically winded or braided. Also I am evaluating the fracture using STRN and HASHIN failure theories. The cylinder is loaded mainly under Torsion, but there are secondary bending loads as well.

usually with the Smear option the Stiffness is so much higher (50% higher) and ofcourse this affects the stresses and strains i get at the end. I'd appreciate any help.

 

Thanks,

Regards,

Mohamed Abdelrafea

Altair Forum User

Hi Mohamed,

 

I am not sure what you mean by Laminate option is OFF.

 

But let me explain what smear does in brief. Smear options consider the laminate INDEPENDENT of stacking sequence (or it makes the laminate as a homogenized part).

 

So, what ever the stacking sequence is, you should get the same result when you have Smear.

 

This will be very useful for conceptual designing (optimization). Since you are not dealing with conceptual design, you can ignore SMEAR option.