How to review and adjust the material orientation of a Ply-by-Ply Solid Composite model? (CHEXA, PCOMPLS)

Altair Forum User · March 2019

Hello,

I build a Ply-by-Ply composite model using solid elements (CHEXA). Referring to this PDF from Altair --> I think Altair calls this technique 'multiple solid layer modeling'. Part of my model is attached to this post.

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FYI, the steps I did to build the model are the following:

1. First I meshed a midsurface, using Quad4-elements (CQUAD4) only. I assigned the normal-direction. Then I assigned the material-orientation of all elements along the x-axis. From the mid-surface a build the ply-by-play shell model. To assign the different orientation of each ply I used the PCOMPP card. In the shell model I was able to visually review each the fiber-direction of each ply.

2. In the second step I converted the shell model to a ply-ply solid model (Aerospace -> Composites -> Shell To Solid Conversion). Each ply is now a separate component. And all the elements are now form the typ Hex8 (CHEXA). I have assigned a separate PCOMPLS card to each ply. For each ply, I have adjusted the thickness in the PCOMPLS card. And I think in the PCOMPLS card i have to assign the fiber orientation using the THETA.

My questions:

1) On the last slide in this PDF from Altair Advanced_Laminate_Composite_Modeling.pdf, it is explained how to set the coordinate system for solid-elements. But I don't really understand the steps. Can you explain them step by step? Maybe on my model, which is attached to this topic.

2) How can I review the fiber-direction of my solid-plies or the solid-element itself? See my pictures, i found many options but don't know which one to use for solids.

2) How adjust the normal-direction and fiber-direction of solid elements?

I found many options to view coordinate systems, but none shows the correct orientation, for example for a +/-45° ply (colored red).

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