About Build Algorithms in Flexible Routes

The computation is based on the following assumptions:

• The computation takes into account flexion, tension, and gravity forces.
• Tension is a supposed constant between two fixed points.
• Flexibility and gravity (or linear mass) are supposed constants everywhere.
• The computation does not take into account the strength of the torsion.
• Flexion forces are considered isotropic. They have a regular section.

The computation is based on the following constraints:

• Cables go through given points called fixtures.
• The computation takes free points into account.
• A tangent can be imposed on points.
• The radius of curvature along the curve must be lower than a given value.
• The cable must have the shortest length to comply with the previous conditions.

Flexibility

You can define the flexibility of a segment using two modes:

• With the Standard mode, you can specify a low or high flexibility using a slider.
• With the Material mode, you can specify the flexibility of a segment using the properties of a material.

Material Definition

The material used for flexible routes must be a core material with a Simulation Domain. When you do not define a core material, the Simulation Domain uses a default material whose characteristics depend on the flexibility value. The flexibility value ranges from 1 (stiff) to 6 (flexible).

In the Material Definition: Simulation Domain dialog box, you must select the following options and specify values for these options:

• Density.
• Elastic (under Mechanical > Elasticity).

  In addition, you must specify values for the Young's Modulus and Poisson's Ratio.

• Thermal Expansion coefficient (under Multiphysics Coupling > Thermal-Mechanical).

For more information about Simulation domain definition, see Structural Validation User's Guide: Defining a Simulation Domain.

Material Management

After you define a material, you must apply that material on the segments of the route using the Material Browser command.

For more information, see Material Definition User's Guide: Managing Materials with the Material Browser.

Applying a material is not detected by the flexible route. Even if the Update command is launched, the center curve is not recomputed. To correctly take into account the application of a material and recompute the center curve, select the route, click Edit Properties on the context toolbar, and click OK in the Flexible Route Definition dialog box.

You can use a computation to specify customized material properties for each segment built with the FLX algorithm.

Computed Bend Radius

With the FLX algorithm, CATIA computes the effective minimum bend radius because the algorithm input corresponds to the physical properties of the segment (such as diameter) and not to pure mathematical parameters.

The bend radius, which is therefore no longer an input, is an attribute of the segment used for verifications.

Status lights show whether the computed Bend Radius complies with the specified minimum bend radius.

Local Slack

You can add local slack to a segment of a flexible route.

For more information, see Managing Slack on a Flexible Route.

Design Range Management

Using the FLX algorithm in large range contexts can induce a loss of performance.