Importing from Ansys ACP

Altair Forum User

Hi,
For an analysis I have the .cdb source available from Ansys ACP, where each ply is represented as a layer of SOLID185 elements. Upon importing, I have changed the element type to CHEXA, and I would like to get the material orientation right next. Upon changing the the orientation of each elements THETA to zero, only a quarter of the elements actually face the true zero direction, as can be seen on the screenshot below. The node represents the origin of the model.
I am also unable to import the system collectors/rosettes from ACP. I have tried using vectors to get the desired zero orientation, but without success. Do you have a suggestion on what the methodology would be to obtain the desired direction? <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>

Altair Forum User

Hi Balazs,

 

Please check element normals first before you change the orientation. make sure all the element normals are facing towards same direction, then you assign the material orientaion.

Please refer below video.

 

Another work around is try orientation review option. Which is shown below.

 

Thank you

Altair Forum User

Thank you for your previous reply, this has helped me to advance, although I have a follow up question. When I assign a PSOLID property to the elements, with a MAT9ORT material, the material direction ignores THETA and shows the zero direction vector for all elements. Could you help me with the correct property setup?

Thank you! 

Altair Forum User

I fount the solution. It seems like when the property is applied the directions change to zero degrees in the visual representation, but during the analysis the theta is taken into account.