Introduction

Autodesk Helius PFA is composed of a set of two software modules and a composite material database that integrate seamlessly with the ANSYS finite element analysis system. This provides you with excellent material modeling capability for fiber-reinforced composite materials. It utilizes a form of multiscale material modeling based on Multicontinuum Theory (MCT). The MCT modeling methodology provides an unsurpassed combination of accuracy and efficiency in predicting damage evolution and material failure in composite materials.

In contrast to traditional continuum mechanics, where physical quantities of interest (e.g., stress and strain) are averaged over the entire heterogeneous microstructure of the composite material, Multicontinuum Theory retains the identities of the distinct material constituents within the microstructure. Consequently, physical quantities of interest are averaged over each individual constituent material. These constituent average quantities provide much deeper insight into the thermo-mechanical behavior of the composite material than the traditional composite average quantities. To briefly summarize, Multicontinuum Theory focuses on two concepts: 1) the development of relationships between the various constituent average quantities of interest, and 2) the development of relationships that link the composite average quantities to the constituent average quantities. For a complete discussion of Multicontinuum Theory and the advantages that it provides in the analysis of composite materials, please refer to the Theory Manual.

Additionally, Helius PFA can provide delamination predictions using ANSYS cohesive elements (e.g. INTER 205) defined with a cohesive user material. The delamination model uses some of the same material models provided by ANSYS MAPDL, however, Helius PFA provides robust convergence and allows analyses to use both ply level and cohesive level progressive failure models without a significant increase in analysis time.