Preform element (3D) - Composite Properties dialog

The Composite Properties tab of the Preform element (3D) dialog is used to specify the properties of the fiber mat composite.

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.

Dialog elements

Widget	Explanation
Fiber mat composite	Enables you to select a specific fiber mat composite. To make changes to an existing preform, select the preform and then click Edit.
Composite orientation (1st principal direction)	Specify the orientation of the fiber mat composite in the 1st principal direction, in global coordinates. For example: Along the x-axis: dx=1, dy=0 dz=0. Along the y-axis: dx=0, dy=1, dz=0. 45° from the x and y-axes: dx=1, dy=1 and dz=0.
Composite orientation (2nd principal direction)	Specify the 2nd principal direction of the fiber mat composite in global coordinates. For example: Along the x-axis: dx=1, dy=0 dz=0. Along the y-axis: dx=0, dy=1, dz=0. 45° from the x and y-axes: dx=1, dy=1 and dz=0.
Adjust composite orientation to follow along the local surface	Enables you to change the composite orientation to automatically follow along the part surface. This option is selected by default.