To edit fiber mat composite properties

The principal orientation of the fiber mat composite needed for a warp analysis can be different from the orientation of the preform used for the flow analysis. To run a warp analysis in RTM you need to specify the properties of your fiber mat composite, in addition to completing the other analysis setup tasks.

This task assumes you have assigned the element property Preform (3D) to all the preform elements.

1. If the Preform element (3D) dialog is closed, select a preform element, right click, and select Properties.

2. Select the Composite Properties tab.

3. Choose the Fiber mat composite. If you haven't added yours to a personal database, accept the default material.

4. Click Edit to open the Fiber mat composite (3D) dialog.

5. Enter the requested information in the Description tab, so you can identify the source of the data you enter, later.

6. Select the Mechanical Properties of composite tab.

7. If you don't know the mechanical properties of your composite, leave the default setting; Calculate from resin and fiber properties, but make sure you provide accurate data for the resin and fiber (preform) materials.

   Important: Check the elastic modulus of your resin, in the Mechanical Properties tab of the Thermoset material database, and ensure that it is not too low.

8. If you do know the mechanical properties of your composite, select Specified from the drop-down menu.

   1. Click Edit values and change the values to those of your composite.

   2. Click OK to close the dialog.

   3. Enter a unique name for this fiber mat composite, to ensure you don't overwrite an existing material, and click OK.

      Important: Your new fiber mat composite is associated with this study only. Duplicate the study to include the fiber mat composite in another study. To create a new fiber mat composite that you can select from any study, create a personal database and add the material to your personal database.

9. Click OK to close the Preform element (3D) dialog.