Adding Materials

You can query and select the required materials directly from the database. They are stored in the Composites Parameters, as material cache features with a list of knowledgeware parameters corresponding to the material properties. This way, you can update the Composites Representation even if the material catalog is not available. A link to the corresponding material in the catalog is also kept.

Notes:
  • This task is available in Composites Design, Composites Manufacturing Preparation and Composites Braiding.
  • An alternative is to use Power Copy.

    For more information, see Managing Power Copies in Generative Shape Design User's Guide.

  • Not all material parameters are stored in the Composites Parameters: A FEA analysis cannot be performed if the catalog is not available.
  • Not loaded displayed instead of a numerical value means that the material has not been loaded in session.
  • The materials proposed in the commands defining zones and plies are only those defined in the Composites Parameters.
  • Use Reroute Material Link to replace a material in all plies.
Tip: An alternative is to use Power Copy.

For more information, see Managing Power Copies in Generative Shape Design User's Guide.

  1. From the Plies Design or from the Grid Design section of the action bar, click Composites Parameters .
  2. Select the Materials tab and click Add Material.
    1. Select a material with the Content Chooser or from a catalog or a library. Repeat as required.

      For more information about catalogs and libraries, see the Design IP Classification User's Guide.

    The dialog box is updated with the material information.

    All columns, as well as the dialog box, are resizable. Those columns list the material properties as follows:

    AbbreviationsMeaning
    Material...Material ID
    Mat...Material name
    Mat...Material type (Uni-directional, Bi-Directional, Non-Structural)
    Cur...Cured thickness (mm)
    Unc...Uncured thickness (mm)
    War...Warn angle (deg)
    Limi...Limit angle (deg)
    Wei...Weight per surf unit (kg_m2)
    Mat...Material density (kg_m3)
    Mat...Material warp weft angle (deg)
    Mat...Material warp weft ratio

    Notes:
    • The parameters are read from the material.
    • If parameters are not visible, it indicates that the material link is broken.
  3. Optional: The real name of a material is displayed in Material name. Enter an alias (Material ID), for example a shorter name, or a corporate name.

    • Material name changes if you change the material.
    • As Material ID is an alias, it remains unchanged (unless you edit it) while you modify its characteristics.

  4. Select one material and use the Up and Down arrows to change its order in the table (and in commands defining zones and plies).
  5. To make Material ID point to another material, or to fix a broken link, select one or several materials in the list, and click Reroute Material Link.
  6. Select a material as explained above.
    The new material and its properties are displayed in the list, at the same place as the original one, whereas Material name at the bottom still displays the information of the original material.
  7. Click OK to validate and exit the dialog box. Reopen it.
    Material ID (unchanged) and Material name (possibly changed) at the bottom display the information of the rerouted material.

    The Composites Parameters node in the tree is updated accordingly.