In the first tutorial, a model of a composite plate was created in Patran and analyzed using Helius PFA to simulate the progressive failure response of the plate. This tutorial provides instructions for modifying an existing MSC Nastran bulk data file to achieve compatibility with Helius PFA. The MSC Nastran bulk data file is based on the problem from Tutorial 1, except all Helius PFA specific modifications have been left out. Therefore, the mesh, layup, dimensions, etc. for this model are the same as the mesh, layup, dimensions, etc. for the model from Tutorial 1.
The following sections of the bulk data file will be modified in this tutorial to accommodate Helius PFA.
- Material definition
- Step definition
- Output definition
- User subroutine definition
The model is based on coupon level test results from the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR). Specifically, it is based on an open-hole tension (OHT) plate made from T700/2510. The plate layup is [45/0/-45/90]3S, and the plate dimensions are given below.
The unmodified bulk data file (Tutorial_2_Nastran.bdf) used for this tutorial is available for download here.