Creating Ramp Supports

You can create ramp supports based on the ramp definition, with possible multi-slope, and ordering of curves for plies generation. Information is provided to guide you.

Notes:
  • This task is available in Composites Design.
  • The content of the table varies with the type of the curves.
  • In general, input curves must lay on the reference surface.

  1. From the Grid Design section of the action bar, click Grid Ramp Support and select a reference element. Alternatively:
    1. Right-click a ramp support in the tree and select Definition.
    2. Or double-click a Grid Ramp Support node.

    The Reference Element name is not editable.

  2. Select a ramp definition in the list and the corresponding side.
  3. Select From reference element to work with the ramp definition specified on that element.

    The ramp support is linked to the default ramp definition, or to the ramp definition specified for a sub-staggering sector.

    1. Optional: Click Edit to modify this ramp definition and edit the reference element.

      For more information, see Specifying a Ramp Definition.

      Note: Some restrictions may apply when modifying the reference element from the ramp support.

      If the ramp definition is modified or replaced by another one at the reference element level, that ramp support is updated.
  4. Alternatively, select Override reference element spec with, for example to manage multislope drops.

    The ramp definition currently applied to the reference element is proposed in the list.

    1. Select another ramp definition from the list.
    2. Click New to specify a new ramp definition.

      For more information, see Specifying a Ramp Definition.

    3. Optional: Change the Offset value.
    The ramp support is used to generate plies for the selected default ramp definition or sub-staggering, but if the ramp definition is modified on the reference element, the ramp support is not up-dated.
  5. Specify the number of curves to create (You can add or remove curves, except for Custom ramp definition type).

    If relevant, the last curve is marked as (bottom curve).

  6. Optional: Edit the drop-off order of the curves for plies generation.

    Tip: Edit drop-off order:
    • To invert the order of all curves.
    • When plies need to be dropped two by two. For example, to reduce the number of generated curves, indicate that the first curve is used to drop the first and second plies, the second curve to drop the third and fourth plies, and so on.

A Ramp Support node is created under the Reference Element. It contains the ramp support curves. They can be

  • Multi-Parallel
  • Parallel/Parallel Chained
  • Offset/Offset
  • Offset/Parallel curves
  • Angle to Spine
  • Between Two Curves
  • Custom.