Optimize Laminates on Finite Element Models

Collier Research Corp. has introduced HyperSizer Express, a tool that it says optimizes laminates on FE (finite element) models automatically. HyperSizer Express, adds the company, provides many of the key capabilities of its high-end HyperSizer software for designing, analyzing and optimizing composite and metallic structures in a user-friendly package aimed at the composite engineer.

Collier Research’s HyperSizer Express laminate optimization software is intended for designers and engineers working with composites but who do not require all the options of the company’s high-end lamination design and analysis system. Image courtesy of Collier Research Corp.

“Not every designer or engineer working with composites needs all the options in the professional version of our software,” said Craig Collier, company founder and president, in press statement. “But they do want the robustness of a proven, core analytical code running underneath, from the very early stages of their design process. HyperSizer Express provides all that — and it’s insanely fast and easy to use as well.”

According to the company, most users can import their FE models into HyperSizer Express to produce optimum media composite laminates that meet all analyses to load cases within 30 minutes without using their manual or requiring instruction. HyperSizer Express connects with FEA (finite element analysis) programs such as Abaqus, NASTRAN and OptiStruct.

HyperSizer Express works with most FEA systems, including Abaqus, NASTRAN and OptiStruct. Image courtesy of Collier Research Corp.

The HyperSizer Express interface uses wizards to guide users through the entire analysis process step-by-step to generate global plies according to manufacturability rules and failure analysis checks. Checkboxes on the status console confirm current progress — from model import through material selection, FEA solver choice, selection of failure and design criteria, laminate optimization and sequencing and analysis results. The FE model is automatically updated with the sequenced plies, and users can export this data to spreadsheets or into a CAD environment such as CATIA.

HyperSizer Express provides users with a variety of graphics capabilities throughout the optimization process such as the ability to view 3D global ply coverage, Here, a cut-plane on a finite element model is being used to visualize a 2D section cut of the global plies. Image courtesy of Collier Research Corp.

HyperSizer Express optimizes ply boundary patterns interactively. Users can trade weight versus manufacturability in real-time by visualizing the proposed ply shapes on the mesh. After the ply boundaries are set, HyperSizer Express optimizes the stacking sequence of the global laminate plies using such design constraints as ply percentage limits and maximum adjacent plies. Users can see designs through out the process as well as perform operations such as visualize a 2D section cut of global plies and plot ply drops, adds and counts.

For more information on HyperSizer Express, visit Collier Research.

Watch a video on HyperSizer Express.

Download the HyperSizer Express brochure.

Contact Collier Research to arrange a live demonstration.

Read DE contributing editor’s Pam Waterman’s “6 Composite Simulation Tips for New Users.”

See why DE‘s editors selected HyperSizer Express as their Pick of the Week.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.