Composite mechanical properties values dialog

The Composite mechanical properties values dialog for the fiber mat composite (3D) is used to specify the properties of the fiber mat composite material, for use in a warp analysis in Resin Transfer Molding (RTM).

To access this dialog, select the preform elements on your model, click (Geometry tab > Properties panel > Edit), or right-click and select Properties, then select the Composite Properties tab. Click Edit associated with the Fiber mat composite, select the Mechanical Properties of composite tab, select Specified from the drop-down menu, and click Edit values.

The thermo-mechanical property calculation for fiber-filled composites is based on the orthotropic assumption that fiber-filled material properties are different in three orthogonal principal directions. Under this assumption, there are 9 independent mechanical constants and three independent thermal expansion coefficients.

Nine (9) mechanical constants (E1, E2, E3, v12, v23, v13, G12, G23, G13) and three (3) CTE’s (thermal expansion coefficient in first/second/third directions) are used in the calculation. In a Fiber analysis, this complete set of thermo-mechanical properties with orthotropic assumption is necessary for a Warp analysis.

Dialog elements
Symbol Explanation
E1 Elastic modulus, parallel to the flow
E2 Elastic modulus, perpendicular to the flow
E3 Elastic modulus, through the thickness
v12 In-plane Poisson's ratio
v23 Out-of-plane Poisson's ratio perpendicular to the flow
v13 Out-of-plane Poisson's ratio parallel to the flow
G12 In-plane Shear modulus
G23 Out-of-plane Shear modulus perpendicular to the flow
G13 Out-of-plane Shear modulus parallel to the flow
Alpha1 Thermal expansion coefficient in the flow direction.
Alpha2 Thermal expansion coefficient in the transverse direction.
Alpha3 Thermal expansion coefficient through the thickness