Tutorial A9: View Results

Viewing contour plots of specific state variables is the best way to evaluate the structural performance of the coupon. In particular, we will examine the damage state and the matrix tangent elastic modulus.

  1. If the results are not loaded after the simulation is complete, click Results > Load Results.
  2. Browse for the .FNO results file and click Open.
  3. Click Results > Contour.
  4. Use the legend to switch to the AME result type.
  5. Choose the SOLID MATRIX TANGENT MODULUS result.
  6. Step through the analysis and monitor the matrix tangent elastic modulus as the tensile displacement load is applied to the coupon. Notice how the values in the notched gage region are much lower than the remainder of the coupon. This indicates a large amount of plasticity, or material softening. (Shown at Time = 0.76).

  7. Now switch to the SOLID AME DAMAGE STATE result to examine the rupture state of the composite part. A value of 1.0 indicates the composite has not failed. A value of 2.0 indicates the composite has failed.
  8. By monitoring the damage state throughout the load history, we can see that failure progresses very quickly between Step Time = 0.76 and 0.77. It is possible that if we reduce the load, or increase the number of intervals in the step, we could capture a better progression of failure.