Cl x Documentation

7/24/2019 Cl x Documentation

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Composites Link Executable

Welcome to Composites Link Executable (CLX), which allows users to transfer

composites data readily between different environments to greatly increase theefficiency of the composites development process.

Version 5.22/6.12x

February 2012

Contact

For general enquiries, please contact your Dassault Systemes account manageror reseller.

Introduction

The Composites Link Executable (CLX) encapsulates Simulayts Layup technology

into an executable to undertake specific operations, typically related to data

transfer. The desired operation is selected by specifying the appropriatecommand mode behind the command line switch CLXCommand, thenappropriate parameter for the command are entered using further switches.

The Map command mode maps an existing ply layup onto a new mesh and writesthis as a Layup file or an Abaqus input file. Abaqus support is possible due to its

use of *DISTRIBUTION to transfer continuously-varying thicknesses andorientations in an efficient manner, removing the need to generate an excessivenumber of sections.

The MapAndCreateProperties command mode transfers an existing ply layupwithin a Layup file (usually created by Simulayts CATIA Composites Link) into

element properties (orientations and sections) referenced by shell elements in aNastran Bulk Data File (BDF). First, CLX maps the Layup onto the shell meshusing matching or piercing algorithms in the same way as the Map command.

Second, the ply layup is converted to an equivalent property definition withinuser-defined tolerances.

The CreateLayupFromLaminate command mode converts a laminate in a Nastraninput file, into a ply layup stored in a Layup file. This mode operates in twofashions depending on whether the laminate defines global plies, or only locallayers.

The Mirror command model mirrors Layup or mesh models about the XZ plane.

Installation

Licensing

Simulayt licensing is based on the industry-standard FLEXnet (formerly FLEXlm)

licensing system. This provides standard licensing methods for nodelocked

(fixed), dongle or network (floating) licenses. The standard location of theSimulayt license files is in the directory:


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C:\Program Files\Simulayt\LicenseorC:\Program Files (x86)\Simulayt\License (for 64 bit workstations)

It is necessary to set up an Environment Variable to enable applications to locate

the license file. This is explained below.

In all cases the application must be restarted after creating the variable for thechange to take effect.

Nodelocked

For nodelock licenses, the user must specify the path and name of the nodelock

license file using the environment variable SIMULAYT_LICENSE_FILE. An examplesetting is shown below:

SIMULAYT_LICENSE_FILE=C:\Program Files\Simulayt\License\license.lic

DongleAs with nodelock licenses, the user must specify the path and name of the

nodelock license file using the environment variable SIMULAYT_LICENSE_FILE.However, the FLEXnet HostId is provided by a dongle, allowing use on multiplemachines by transferring the dongle.

Network

For network licenses, the user must specify the port and name of the networklicense server using the environment variable SIMULAYT_LICENSE_FILE. Anexample setting for using port number 24500 of the license server calledtrent

is shown below:

SIMULAYT_LICENSE_FILE=24500@trent

Location

The standard location of the CLX installation on Windows (32 bit) machines is:C:\Program Files\Simulayt\CLX

For 64 bit machines this will be:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Simulayt\CLX

Prerequisites

The operation of CLX requires an existing Layup file (usually created by

Composites Link, Anaglyphs Laminate Tools or other application supportingSimulayts Layup Technology) and an existing Nastran Bulk Data File (BDF,created from a suitable meshing application, e.g. MSC.Patran, ANSA, Femap,Hypermesh, etc.)

Execution

As an executable with command line parameters, CLX lends itself to use within

automated processes. For manual running, perhaps for testing, the use of acommand file is recommended. This allows input parameters to be set using a

text editor. A rem statement can be used for comments, and carets (^) can beused to place parameters on separate lines to aid editing. It is also good practice

to specify a message file so that appropriate messages can be tracked to validateoperation.


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Command Modes

CLX supports a number of command modes, which are selected using theCLXCommand switch on

the command line. Required input data are input using additional command line parameters that are

specific to each command mode. Supported command modes include:

-

Map

- Map and Create Properties

- Create Layup from Laminate (PCOMPG)

-

Create Layup from Laminate (PCOMP)

-

Mirror Layup or Mesh Files

The following sections summarise the process supported by these modes, explanation of the

required parameters, and an illustrative example.


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Map

The process flow CLX usually maps a Layup file from a design tool onto a mesh file created using an

analysis tool to create new output file with properties for subsequent use in analysis.

Process

A typical process utilising CLX follows the following steps, with CLX being controlled by a user

interface within the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tool.

CATIA V5 Composites Link Exports Layup file based on tessellation

FEA Tool

Exports Mesh as Nastran bdf

Simulayt CLX

Reads Layup and Mesh

Maps Layup onto Mesh

Writes Mesh + Properties as Abaqus inp

FEA Tool

Imports Mesh + Properties as Abaqus inp

The detailed steps within CLX are as follows:

Read mesh from the Input file

Read the Map file/s and map the ply layup onto the mesh using mapping tolerances

Write mesh and properties to the Output file


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Command Line Parameters

CLX Command Line Parameters

Parameter Type Values Default Comments

CLXCommand String Map

MessageFile String Name of message file. (optional)

InputFile String Name of input file.

InputFileFormat String Nastran Nastran Format of input file.

OutputFile String Name of output file.

OutputFileFormat String (Abaqus,Layup) Abaqus Format of output file.

MapFile String

Name of map files, separated by

semi-colons.

MapFileFormat String Layup Layup Format of map file

MapAngleTolerance Real >= 0.0 45 Mapping tolerance

MapDistanceTolerance Real >= 0.0 10 Mapping tolerance

MapSplitWidth Real >= 0.0 0 Mapping split width

PartName String Writes part with given name

MaterialOrientation String Existing Existing Uses *DISTRIBUTION

Extrusion String (None,Single) None Extrusion of shells to solids

Files are specified to define the data flow

Mapping Tolerances are set for mapping

The parameters in blue control the transfer from ply layup to Abaqus definition.


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MessageFile

Reflect the Commands in Message File (useful for debugging purposes)

For example:

$# Layup Lib 20110719 API 20110719 File 20110630$# Message file opened

$# CLX 2011.0808

$#

$# -CLXCommand : Map

$# -MessageFile : ./blade_mesh_map_abaqus.msg

$# -InputFile : ./blade_mesh.bdf

$# -InputFileFormat : Nastran

$# -OutputFile : ./blade_mesh_map_abaqus.inp

$# -OutputFileFormat : Abaqus

$# -MapFile : ./blade_theoretical.Layup

$# -MapFileFormat : Layup

$# -MapAngleTolerance : 45$# -MapDistanceTolerance : 10

$# -MaterialOrientation : Existing

$# -PartName :

$# -Extrusion : None

$#

MapAngleTolerance, MapDistanceTolerance and MapSplitWidth

In general, the input file containing the analysis mesh and the map file containing the Layup

will be on dissimilar meshes and mapping between them will be required as described in the

section entitled Mapping of Layup Data. The MapDistanceTolerance and

MapAngleTolerance define the maximum distance and angle differences between source

and destination meshes. MapSpitWidth ignores darts of the given width on the source ply.

MaterialOrientation

When the output format is Abaqus, material orientations are defined using the existing

orientations in the mesh file (Existing). Material orientations on each element are written

using the *DISTRIBUTION command which allows efficient definition of material

orientations.

PartName

If defined, writes part and assembly using the given name. Properties and distributions areprefixed by the name. If undefined, the prefix will be the root of the output file name, to

differentiate multiple areas of the model.

Extrusion

When the output format is Abaqus, the standard shell mesh can be extruded into solid

elements of the appropriate thickness using the Extrusion parameter. This parameter has a

default value of None for no extrusion, or an optional value of Single, to extrude each shell

with a layup definition into a single solid element.

Example

Input file: blade_mesh.bdf


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Provides mesh to be mapped on to

No existing composites properties or materials

Map file: blade.Layup

Contains all materials, ply and layup information

Tessellated mesh generated by CATIA Composites Link

Command file: run_clx_map_abaqus.cmd


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See command line parameters

Output file blade_mesh_map_abaqus.inp

Run from Command Prompt

CLX command enclosed within due to space in the path to the executable file

Output file: blade_mesh_map_abaqus.inp

Input mesh

all materials, ply and layup information from Layup file mapped onto existing mesh

"c:\Program Files\Simulayt\CLX\clx.exe" ^

-CLXCommand Map ^

-MessageFile ./blade_map_abaqus.msg

-InputFile ./blade_mesh.bdf ^

-InputFileFormat Nastran ^-OutputFile ./blade_mesh_map_abaqus.inp

-OutputFileFormat Abaqus ^

-MapFile ./blade_theoretical.Layup ^

-MapFileFormat Layup ^

-MapAngleTolerance 45.0 ^

-MapDistanceTolerance 10.0

-MaterialOrientation Existing

-Extrusion None


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Map and Create Properties

The process flow CLX usually maps a Layup file from a design tool onto a mesh file created using an

analysis tool to create new output file with properties for subsequent use in analysis.

Process

A typical process utilising CLX follows the following steps, with CLX being controlled by a user

interface within the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tool.

CATIA V5 Composites Link Exports Layup file based on tessellation

FEA Tool

Exports Mesh as bdf

Simulayt CLX

Reads Layup and Mesh

Maps Layup onto Mesh, Creates Properties

Writes Mesh + Properties as bdf

FEA Tool Imports Mesh + Properties as bdf

The detailed steps within CLX are as follows:

Read mesh from the Input file

Read the Map file/s and map the ply layup onto the mesh using mapping tolerances

Create properties from the mapped layup

Reduce laminates using adjacency rules if required

Write mesh and properties to the Output file


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CLX Command Line Parameters


CLXCommand String MapAndCreateProperties

MessageFile String Name of message file. (optional)




OutputFileFormat String (Nastran,SimXpert) Nastran Format of output file.

MapFile String

Name of map files, separated by

semi-colons.

MapFileFormat String Layup Layup Format of map file

MapAngleTolerance Real >= 0.0 45 Mapping tolerance

MapDistanceTolerance Real >= 0.0 10 Mapping tolerance

MapSplitWidth Real >= 0.0 0 Mapping split width

MaterialOrientation String (THETA,Existing) THETA Material orientation.

AngleTolerance Real >= 0.0 15 Property merge tolerance

ThicknessTolerance Real >= 0.0 15 Property merge tolerance

FirstPID Integer >0 1

First PID of created property

sets.

FirstGPlyId Integer >=0 1001 If 0, creates PCOMPs

IgnoreThickening Bool (0,1) 1 Ignores thickening due to shear

EquallySpacedVariables Bool (0,1) 1 0,15,

LaminateReduceIters Integer >=0 0 Removes isolated laminate refs.

Files are specified to define the data flow

Mapping Tolerances are set for mapping


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The parameters in blue control the transfer from ply layup to laminate definition. These

parameters mirror those on the Nastran Export GUI of Composites Link.

The laminates generated can be removed if isolated.


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MessageFile

Reflect the Commands in Message File (useful for debugging purposes)

For example:

OutputFileFormat

The standard output format is Nastran, where materials, properties and mesh are exported

to a single bulk data format file. For SimXpert, materials and properties are written to a

Nastran format file, while a separate association file (with extension cl2simx) is written that

associates the properties with elements. This allows updating of properties without

disturbing the mesh definition in SimXpert. Note that for SimXpert, the Material Orientation

must be set to THETA.

MapAngleTolerance, MapDistanceTolerance and MapSplitWidth

In general, the input file containing the analysis mesh and the map file containing the Layup

will be on dissimilar meshes and mapping between them will be required as described in the

section entitled Mapping of Layup Data. The MapDistanceTolerance and

MapAngleTolerance define the maximum distance and angle differences between source

and destination meshes. MapSpitWidth ignores darts of the given width on the source ply.

MaterialOrientation

Material orientations are defined either using the existing orientations in the mesh file

(Existing) or by defining an angle with respect to the first edge of each element (THETA). For

the THETA option, the orientation of the lowest ply on each element with a nominal

direction of 0 degrees is used to define the angle, otherwise the orientation of the lowest ply

of arbitrary direction is used.


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AngleTolerance and ThicknessTolerance

PCOMP/PCOMPG cards are created to reflect the Stacking with respect to the material

orientation. Cards are merged where possible using the Angle Tolerance and Thickness

Tolerance values defined in degrees and percent respectively.

FirstPIDThe First PID value defines the value of the PID of the first property card. It is common

practice to define PID values corresponding to different parts of a model, and this feature

allows the user to set appropriate PID values.

FirstGPlyId

The user can specify a first GPlyID corresponding to the first ply in the Stacking. These values

are then exported via PCOMPG cards. If a zero value is input, no GPlyIDs are set and PCOMP

cards are written instead.

IgnoreThickeningThe Ignore Thickening option reduces the number of properties by ignoring the thickening

due to shearing.

Equally Spaced Variables

If the Equally Spaced Variables option is selected, only angles and thicknesses which are an

integer multiple of the input tolerances are used. For example, if the Angle Tolerance is 15

degrees, only allowable PCOMP layer angles of 0, 15, 30... degrees are allowed.

LaminateReduceIters

This allows the user to delete lonely PID assignments where a majority of the neighbours

of an element have a different property. The rule used is: if an element with a non-zero PID

has 4 (3) sides and 3 (2) neighbours share a different PID, the element is assigned the shared

PID. The new properties are assigned after all possible modifications are identified. The rule

runs multiple times until the user-defined limit is reached or until no further changes are

possible.

Example

Input file: blade_mesh.bdf


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Provides mesh to be mapped on to

No existing composites properties or materials

Map file: blade.Layup

Contains all materials, ply and layup information

Tessellated mesh generated by CATIA Composites Link

Command file: run_clx.cmd


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See command line parameters

Output file blade_mesh_props.bdf

Run from Command Prompt

CLX command enclosed within due to space in the path to the executable file

Output file: blade_mesh_props.bdf

Input mesh

all materials, ply and layup information from Layup file mapped onto existing mesh

"c:\Program Files\Simulayt\CLX\clx.exe" ^

-MessageFile ./blade.msg ^

-InputFile ./blade_mesh.bdf ^

-InputFileFormat Nastran ^

-OutputFile ./blade_mesh_props.bdf -OutputFileFormat Nastran ^

-MapFile ./blade.Layup ^

-MapFileFormat Layup ^

-MapAngleTolerance 45.0 ^

-MapDistanceTolerance 10.0 ^

-MaterialOrientation THETA

-AngleTolerance 15.0 ^

-ThicknessTolerance 15.0 ^

-FirstPID 1 ^

-FirstGPlyId 1001 ^

-IgnoreThickening 1 ^

-EquallySpacedVariables 1


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Create Layup from Laminate (PCOMPG)

Process

From version 2004, MSC Nastran has supported the concept of a global ply using the PCOMPG card.

This format is therefore widely used for transferring ply information in the analysis community. This

command mode allows the user to convert a ply layup stored in the PCOMPG format into a ply layupin Simulayts Layup file format. This allows ready data transfer to any tool based on Simulayts Layup

technology. The PCOMPG mode is indicated if the LaminateType parameter has the value GlobalPly.

The PCOMPG format lacks the detail of the Layup file format, so the essential missing information is

created according to the following rules:

If multiple disconnected regions share the same GPlyId, a separate ply is created for each

region.

The seed point is placed at the centroid of the element having lowest ID.

The application direction is opposite the element normal at the seed point. The reference direction is along the fiber direction at the seed point.

The ply element orientations are set to be consistent over the extent of each ply.

A feasible layup ply order is calculated if possible. Note that the global ply ids may define a

sequence that is impossible to manufacture, particularly with branched surfaces.



CLXCommand String CreateLayupFromLaminate

LaminateType String GlobalPly

MessageFile String Name of message file.




OutputFileFormat String Layup Layup Format of output file.

Example

The conversion of GPlyId data is readily demonstrated using the file simple_testpart_PCOMPG.bdf,

which contains on a simple flat plate with six PCOMPG records, one of which is as follows:


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The thicknesses of the laminates over the structure can be visualised using Laminate Tools or similar

application.

To convert this information to a Layup file, run clx with the appropriate flags, noting that

LaminateType must be set to GlobalPly.

The result of the operation is a Layup file with individual plies defined, as well as an associated Layup

sequence.

rem Converts a laminate to a layup (global plies).

rem "c:\Program Files\Simulayt\CLX\clx.exe" ^

"C:\Simulayt\Development\Simulayt\CATIAv5\Development\clx\Release\clx.exe" -CLXCommand CreateLayupFromLaminate

-LaminateType GlobalPly ^

-MessageFile ./test_pcompg.msg

-InputFile ./simple_testpart_PCOMPG.bdf


-OutputFile ./test_pcompg.Layup

-OutputFileFormat Layup ^


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Create Layup from Laminate (PCOMP)

Process

Legacy Nastran bulk data files with only PCOMP data do not have sufficient data to define plies

uniquely, but it is possible to define a non-unique set of plies that will result in the target PCOMP

information. In this way, it is possible to convert a PCOMP file to a Layup file. This transfer is selectedwhen setting LaminateType to LocalLayer.

Due to the complexity of the task, the following restrictions are placed on the input data:

Layups will only be generated on areas (called Layup Surfaces) with no surface branches, e.g.

T-sections. For branched surfaces, each unbranched area will be identified automatically and

treated separately.

The orientation of each Layup Surface will be defined by the orientation of the element with

the lowest ID.

All plies will be assumed to be applied in an opposite direction to the normals of the LayupSurface.

The reference direction is along the fiber direction at the seed point.

Given these simplifications, it is possible to identify feasible plies using the following approach:

Identify sets of neighbouring elements having consistent material, thickness and orientation.

The allowable variation in thickness and orientation can be set using the Thickness

Difference Tolerance and the Angle Difference Tolerance.

Identify zones on the Layup Surface containing adjacent elements with the same sequence

of sets in the normal direction.

Determine a feasible solution for the order of application of sets over the surface.

From this information, it is possible to determine a minimum feasible set of plies that will generate

the input laminate. This information can also be written to a spreadsheet when Write mode is

chosen, modified by the user, and read into CLX to generate a corresponding ply layup.



CLXCommand String CreateLayupFromLaminate

LaminateType String LocalLayer






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OutputFileFormat String Layup Layup Format of output file.

ElementSetId Integer >=0 0 Name of map file.

ThickDifferenceTol Real >= 0.0 5 Thick. difference tolerance

AngleDifferenceTol Real >= 0.0 5 Angle difference tolerance

StartGPlyId Integer >0 1001 Start global ply id.

SpreadsheetMode String (None,Write,Read) None Spreadsheet mode

SpreadsheetName String Spreadsheet name

ElementSetId

The id of the element set containing elements to be considered in the ply creation process. If

not specified, all elements will be chosen. The selected region should be unbranched to

prevent unforeseen effects.

ThickDifferenceTol and AngleDifferenceTol

Sets the tolerance used when creating sets of similar material, thickness and angle. The

input values determine whether layers on adjacent layers have compatible thickness and

angle tolerance.

StartGPlyId

Sets the starting global ply ID generated.

SpreadsheetMode

Sets the spreadsheet mode to None, Write or Read. If Write is chosen, the set ids on each

zone are written to a spreadsheet with an initial feasible layup. The user can modify this and

read in the changed spreadsheet in Read mode in order to fine-tune the result.

SpreadsheetName

Sets the name of the spreadsheet written or read with the appropriate spreadsheet mode.

Example

Conversion of PCOMP data into plies can be demonstrated using the previous model, but with

PCOMP data only: simple_testpart_PCOMP.bdf. In this case, we need to define LaminateType as

LocalLayer, as well as additional parameters including setting the spreadsheet mode to Write, and

supplying a spreadsheet name. This is illustrated in the sample command file below:


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The identified sets, zones and candidate plies are written to the spreadsheet:

Material/Thickness/Angle Sets:

SetId MatId Min. Thk.

Max.

Thk. 1st Ang. ElemIds

1 7 0.15 0.15 -89.999 Elem 1:15

2 7 0.15 0.15 0 Elem 1:3 6:8 11:15 18:20 23:25

3 8 0.25 0.25 -44.999 Elem 1:12 16:17 21:22

4 9 0.15 0.15 0 Elem 1:25

5 10 0.25 0.25 0 Elem 1:25

6 10 0.25 0.25 -45 Elem 4:5 9:10 14:25

7 9 0.15 0.15 -90 Elem 16:25

Zones:

ZoneIds 1 2 3 4 5 6

NumNeig

hs 3 2 3 3 2 3

NeighIds Zone 2:3 5 Zone 1 4

Zone 1 4

6

Zone 2:3

6 Zone 1 6 Zone 3:5

NumEle

ms 8 4 1 2 4 6

ElemIds

Elem 1:3 6:8

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Elem 4:5

9:10 Elem 13

Elem

14:15

Elem 16:17

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Elem 18:20

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NumLyrs 5 5 5 5 5 5

LyrSetIds 1 1 1 1 7 7

2 3 2 2 3 2

3 6 2 6 6 6

4 4 4 4 4 4

5 5 5 5 5 5

Stack:

rem Converts a laminate to a layup.


"C:\Simulayt\Development\Simulayt\CATIAv5\Development\clx\Release\clx.exe"

-CLXCommand CreateLayupFromLaminate

-LaminateType LocalLayer ^-MessageFile ./test_pcomp.msg

-InputFile ./simple_testpart_PCOMP.bdf


-OutputFile ./test_pcomp.Layup ^

-OutputFileFormat Layup ^

-ElementSetId 0 ^

-ThickDifferenceTol 5.0 ^

-AngleDifferenceTol 5.0 ^

-StartGPlyId 1001 ^

-SpreadsheetMode Write

-SpreadsheetName ./test_pcomp.csv


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ZoneIds 1 2 3 4 5 6

ply.1001 7 7

ply.1002 1 1 1 1

ply.1003 2 2 2 2

ply.1004 2

ply.1005 3 3 3

ply.1006 6 6 6 6

ply.1007 4 4 4 4 4 4

ply.1008 5 5 5 5 5 5

If the user wishes to change the Layup, the plies may be modified subject to 1) the layup order on

each element not being changed, and 2) each ply being part of the same set. An example modified

spreadsheet could be:

Stack:

ZoneIds 1 2 3 4 5 6

ply.1001 1 1 1 1

ply.1002 7 7

ply.1003 2 2

ply.1004 2 2 2

ply.1005 3 3 3

ply.1006 6 6 6 6

ply.1007 4 4 4 4 4 4

ply.1008 5 5 5 5 5 5

This new configuration can be used to define the plies by re-running clx in Read mode.

After plies have been generated, a Layup file is created and this can be used in the usual way by all

tools based on Simulayts technology.


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Mirror

The Mirror command will mirror the input file about the chosen plane, before outputting the file in

the same format. Node coordinates are reversed about the specified mirror plane. The x and z axes

of coordinate systems are similarly reversed, so the y-axes change sense and ply reference angles

must be reversed. Element normals are flipped, so angles measured with respect to the first edge of

the element are unchanged, but the stacking sequence for both ply layups and laminates must be

reversed.



CLXCommand String Mirror



InputFileFormat String Nastran, Layup Nastran Format of input file.


MirrorPlane String XZ XZ Mirror plane.

MirrorAngles String Yes Yes Mirror angles flag.

MirrorPlane

This is the plane about which the model is mirrored. The XZ plane (y=0) is the only plane

supported at present.

MirrorAngles

When mirroring, it is necessary for the reference angles on plies to be reversed to maintain

symmetry. If yes, ply reference angles are changed in sign.

ExampleAny Layup or mesh file can be mirrored as shown in the sample command file below:


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rem Mirror a Layup file.


"C:\Simulayt\Development\Simulayt\CATIAv5\Development\clx\Release\clx.exe"

-CLXCommand Mirror

-MessageFile ./blade.msg -InputFile ./blade.Layup ^

-InputFileFormat Layup ^

-OutputFile ./blade_mirrored.Layup

-MirrorPlane XZ ^

-MirrorAngles Yes


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Appendices

Mapping of Layup Data

The ply layup in a Layup model is defined on a shell/tessellated mesh. It is necessary to map the

layup from one mesh to another when a Layup is transferred from a design system to an analysis

system.

For example, when Composites Link is used to transfer a Layup from CATIA, the Layup model is

usually based on a tessellation of the surface geometry. In general, the resolution of this tessellated

mesh is determined by the curvature of the underlying surface by limiting the allowable sag. Thus a

flat region is described using large facets, with a highly-curved region necessitating fine facets. This

mesh is therefore, in general, very different to an analysis mesh.

The Map Layup capability in CLX has been developed to allow users to map data from design

systems. In order to do this, it is necessary to generate a mapping between the analysis mesh and

the imported mesh. This mapping is calculated by element matching or piercing between theimported (source) mesh and the analysis (current/destination) mesh.

CLX first tries to find a direct match between current and imported elements by identifying elements

with the same nodal coordinates. Where such a match is identified, the layup on the imported

element can be transferred directly to the current element as necessary. The matching process is

almost instantaneous and is used first where possible.

However, where a current element has no direct match, mapping is determined through piercing.

Here, a normal vector is calculated at the centroid of each current (destination) element and any

intersections with imported (source) elements are calculated. The distance between the centroid

and intersection point is calculated, as is the angle between the current normal and the normal of

the intersected imported element.

If both the calculated distance and angle are less than the distance and angular tolerances

respectively (MapDistanceTolerance and MapAngleTolerance parameters), the layup on the

intersected element is mapped onto the current element. The relative tolerance is the fraction of

the largest diagonal distance in the destination mesh, whereas the absolute tolerance uses the input

value directly. If there are multiple intersections onto a single ply, the closest intersection is used. If

there are multiple intersections on multiple plies, all are taken into accountthis situation can occur

if multiple CATIA ply groups are mapped onto a single layer of shell elements.


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Some possible problems are:

An over-large distance tolerance could pick up layups on imported surfaces faraway from the current elements. In this case, use an absolute distance tolerance

small enough to ignore erroneous surfaces, or carefully choose sets of elementsto import onto.

Where the target mesh is outside the analysis mesh, we can get problems atcorner.

Documents

Cl x Documentation