DISP
Fiber-reinforced composites, widely used across various industries, consist of reinforcing fibers embedded in a matrix. During the curing process, this mixture transforms into a stable material. Curing is a critical step to ensure the durability and strength of the final product. In one of our intermediate packages, we used Abaqus to analyze the curing process in composites with linear elastic models. While these models are straightforward and user-friendly, their accuracy is limited because composites exhibit viscoelastic behavior during curing, rather than elastic behavior.
To address this limitation, the current package introduces two more advanced and accurate models for analyzing residual stresses in composites: the viscoelastic model and the path-dependent model. These models offer significantly greater accuracy compared to linear elastic ones but involve added complexity. To simplify this complexity for users, the package begins with a comprehensive overview of the underlying theories and formulations for the viscoelastic and path-dependent models. It then provides detailed guidance on implementing these models using Abaqus subroutines. Finally, workshops are included to demonstrate how the viscoelastic model significantly improves the prediction of residual stresses in composites compared to the elastic models featured in our intermediate package.
An Efficient Stiffness Degradation Composites Model with Arbitrary Cracks | An Abaqus Simulation
Composite materials are critical in high-performance applications due to their exceptional strength-to-weight ratios and customizable properties. They are widely used in aerospace, automotive, and civil engineering. However, their complex structure makes them susceptible to various damage mechanisms, such as tunnel cracking and delamination, which can significantly affect their structural integrity. Accurate damage prediction is essential for effective use and maintenance. Traditional methods often rely on extensive experimental testing, but finite element analysis (FEA) has become a valuable alternative. Abaqus is particularly effective for modeling composite damage due to its comprehensive material modeling and customizable subroutines. The research presented utilizes Abaqus to develop a model for predicting Stiffness Degradation Composites laminates with arbitrarily oriented cracks, offering valuable insights into damage progression and stiffness loss under various loading conditions. To achieve this, UEL, UMAT, and DISP subroutines are used. Additionally, a Python script is provided to import the model into Abaqus.
Curing process simulation in Abaqus
Fiber-reinforced composites have found widespread use across various fields due to their remarkable properties. This necessitates a careful design of their manufacturing processes to attain industrial application quality. The critical factor influencing their quality is the curing process, wherein the resin transforms into a solid state under temperature cycles. However, the challenge lies in achieving optimal curing quality while maintaining production efficiency. To overcome this challenge, an effective approach involves utilizing numerical simulations to optimize temperature cycles during curing. Nonetheless, creating such a model is complex as it must consider multiple factors concurrently, including temperature release from chemical reactions, shrinkage strains, and stress resulting from temperature variations, topics covered in this package. The package begins with an introduction to fiber-reinforced composites, exploring their advantages, applications, and categorization. It guides you through the fabrication process, detailing curing techniques and associated challenges. Furthermore, the package introduces constitutive equations for simulating the curing process and the necessary Abaqus subroutines for implementation. Additionally, two practical workshops are included to offer experience in modeling the curing process with Abaqus. These workshops enable you to evaluate internal heat generation and analyze strain and stress distributions. They not only provide guidance on simulation and subroutine implementation but also are provided for verification purposes.
DISP and VDISP Subroutines in ABAQUS
In a very simple form, DISP and VDISP subroutines are used to define user-defined boundary conditions. For example, when you need to define a boundary condition to be time-dependent, location-dependent, or even both, you should use the DISP and VDISP subroutines. ABAQUS features cannot be sufficient for problems with location-dependent and time-dependent boundary conditions simultaneously. In these cases, this subroutine can be useful to solve the challenges. In This package, you will understand the usages of these subroutines and how to work with them in three conceptual and simple workshops.
Additive manufacturing simulation with Abaqus subroutine & python | Inherent Strain Method
3D printing is a technique for creating three-dimensional objects by layering materials such as plastic or metal based on a digital design. 3D printing simulation involves the use of software to predict and enhance the printing process, resulting in more efficient and precise production. This training package is based on the use of subroutines and Python scripting. Following an introduction to the 3D printing process, this method with all its details is explained. Two workshops are then conducted for this method. The first workshop covers 3D printing simulation of a gear with a uniform cross-section, while the second workshop covers a shaft with a non-uniform cross-section.
Additive Manufacturing or 3D Printing Abaqus simulation
3D printing is a process of creating three-dimensional objects by layering materials, such as plastic or metal, based on a digital design. 3D printing simulation involves using software to predict and optimize the printing process, allowing for more efficient and accurate production. This educational package includes two 3D printing modeling methods. The first method is based on the use of subroutines and Python scripting. After an introduction to the 3D printing process, the first method with all of its detail is explained; then, there would be two workshops for this method; the first workshop is for the 3D printing simulation of a gear with uniform cross-section and the second one is for a shaft with non-uniform cross-section. The second method uses a plug-in called AM Modeler. With this plug-in, the type of 3D printing can be selected, and after inserting the required inputs and applying some settings, the 3D printing simulation is done without any need for coding. Two main workshops will be taught to learn how to use this plug-in: "Sequential thermomechanical analysis of simple cube one-direction with LPBF 3D printing method using the trajectory-based method with AM plug-in" and "3D printing simulation with Fusion deposition modeling and Laser direct energy deposition method with AM plug-in".