Importing PCOMPs and MAT8 cards to create groups and perform final analysis

[Phil]

When coupling HyperSizer with FEA, the process has traditionally been to import the FEM into HyperSizer, and then to create groups, specify materials and dimensions, assign components and then to size/analyze the structure.   

However, if you want to analyze an existing design in HyperSizer, where the layups and materials are already defined in the FEM with PCOMP and MAT8 cards, HyperSizer now includes the capability to read in PCOMPs, create sizing groups, define materials and dimensions, and assign components.  With this capability, you can import the model and go straight to the analysis with very little additional setup.

This capability includes the following features:

• PCOMP properties in a finite element model will be automatically imported to HyperSizer as layup and laminate materials.
• For honeycomb or laminate components, the PCOMPs will be used to define sizing groups and set up all of the sizing parameters (materials, dimensions, etc.)
• If a honeycomb core layer is found in the PCOMP, HyperSizer will separate the PCOMP into top and bottom facesheet laminates and set up the component  as a Honeycomb sandwich in the Sizing Form.
• If a material exists in the HyperSizer database that corresponds to a MAT8 or MAT1 card in the FEM, an association will be created between the materials that will be carried forward when exporting the properties and materials for FEA iteration.
• Offsets defined on PCOMP cards will automatically be imported and included as Reference Plane offsets on the sizing form.
• PBARL cards with associated MAT1 materials will also be used to create Beam components in HyperSizer.

The process for reading PCOMPs and automatically setting up groups and components is described in the attached powerpoint presentation, “AP1 model NASTRAN file Component IDs PSHELLS and PCOMP Import”. 

Download the powerpoint here.