Theory Manual

The Theory Manual provides an in-depth explanation of Multicontinuum Theory (MCT) and discusses how MCT is implemented in Simulation Composite Analysis.

It also describes the important process of characterizing a composite material for use with the MCT multiscale material model.

Topics in this section

Nomenclature and Conventions Used in the Theory Manual
View common notations used throughout the document.
Introduction to Multicontinuum Theory (MCT)
View a brief overview of Multicontinuum Theory.
Constituent Average Stress and Strain States
This section introduces the concept of constituent average stress and strain states for both unidirectional and woven composites.
The MCT Decomposition
This section describes two different methods used by Simulation Composite Analysis to decompose composite average stress and strain states into constituent average stress and strain states.
MCT Constituent-Based Failure Criteria
Examine the MCT failure criterion.
Pre-Failure Nonlinearity (Nonlinear Longitudinal Shear Response)
Examine the effects of the nonlinear longitudinal shear response of unidirectional composite materials.
Hydrostatic Strengthening
Fiber-reinforced polymer-matrix composites typically exhibit shear strengthening in the presence of a hydrostatic compressive stress.
Nonlinear Elastic Fiber
When unidirectional composites are loaded to large fiber-oriented axial strains they tend to exhibit nonlinear elasticity.
The MCT Multiscale Material Characterization Process
Characterize a material for use with MCT and Simulation Composite Analysis.
Temperature Dependent Material Properties
Evaluate a material characterized at multiple temperatures.
Thermal Residual Stresses
Consider the effects of thermal residual stresses on unidirectional composites.
Progressive Fatigue
View the theory and technical details of our approach to predicting composite fatigue life for unidirectional and woven polymer reinforced composite materials.
Convergence Issues for Progressive Failure Analyses
Address the common difficulty experienced with most progressive failure problems.
Energy-Based Material Degradation
Use an energy-based material degradation scheme for progressive failure.
Delamination
Simulation Composite Analysis provides a powerful User-Defined Material Subroutine for modeling cohesive element-based delamination.
Alternative Failure Criteria
Simulation Composite Analysis provides eight different failure criteria that can be used as alternatives to the default MCT constituent-based failure criteria.
References

Parent topic: Autodesk Simulation Composite Analysis