Introduction

In this tutorial we use Helius PFA to simulate the progressive failure response of a composite plate. This tutorial provides instructions for modifying an existing Autodesk Inventor Nastran bulk data file to achieve compatibility with Helius PFA.

The following sections of the input file are modified in this tutorial to accommodate Helius PFA.

  1. Solver
  2. Material definition
  3. Composite Layup
  4. Nonlinear solution parameters

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.

plate

The unmodified bulk data file (Tutorial_1_Nastran.nas) used for this tutorial is available for download here.