Ply-Based Modeling Approach

Ply-Based Modeling Approach

There are two ways in which a complex composite laminate, with different layups in different parts of the structure, can be modeled:

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Using a zone-based modeling approach

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Using a ply-based modeling approach

The zone-based modeling approach is a traditional way of defining a layup in a composite laminate. First, all zones in the composite laminate that have different layups are identified. Second, the layup in each zone is defined using the or node. This approach works fine as long as there is a limited number of ply drop-offs, so that the number of zones is limited.

In the case of a complex composite laminate with many ply drop-offs, and thus many zones, identifying and then defining the layup for each zone individually becomes a cumbersome process. In such a scenario, a ply-based modeling approach can be used. Here, only one layup is defined for all the zones using a node. Each ply then has its own selection, which is a subset of the selection of the node. This is different compared to the zone- based modeling approach, where each ply in the has the same selection.

Figure 3-14: Zones created in the ply-based modeling approach. The layup in each zone can also be seen. A ply having sectioning represents the variable thickness ply.

Based on the overall layup information and the selection of each ply, different zones are automatically created and shown in the section of the node. Each zone is treated as a different layered material, and can be used accordingly in the physics and in post-processing.

The typical steps involved in defining a complex layup using the ply-based modeling approach are:

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Use a node and make the selection where you want to define a layup.

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Add all the plies to the node in the specified stacking sequence using its subnodes — , or .

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Define the boundary selection of each ply where it is physically present. This selection should be a subset of the node’s selection.

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Based on the specified stacking sequence and the selection of each ply, the entire selection is divided into various zones which can be seen in the section in the node.

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The table in the section lists the of the zones, the in each zone, and the geometric of each zone.

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Click on each row in the table to visualize the boundary selection of the zones in the window.

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Click on the plot button to visualize all the zones and their stacking sequence, as shown in Figure 3-14.

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Click on the plot button to visualize the overall stacking sequence, and further, click on each row of the table to visualize the stacking sequence in each zone.


	In the COMSOL Multiphysics Reference Manual: Layered Material Stack