Composites Lab Workbench

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jcoppola
Posts: 13
Joined: Fri Nov 12, 2021 11:07 pm

Composites Lab Workbench

Post by jcoppola »

Wasn't too much work writing a script in the python console in conjuction with selecting the surface face to peel layers of a solid using a surface offset by a thickness in the normal direction.

The purpose of this is to create layer cut patterns for a laminated solid part. Next steps is to mesh and flatten the layers so they can be transfered to an XY cutter or printer.

Also useful would be to add FEA analysis. So this is the gestation of the workbench add-on for Composites Lab.

Composites lab should also auto generate the mold needed to do the lay-up.

Anyway i leave you with a few screenshots of a foil test case. Zoom into the pictures to see the precise profiles of the layers.

Best,
John Coppola
Attachments
split into normal layers 1.jpg
split into normal layers 1.jpg (35.29 KiB) Viewed 3483 times
split into normal layers 2.jpg
split into normal layers 2.jpg (27.37 KiB) Viewed 3483 times
split into normal layers 4.jpg
split into normal layers 4.jpg (38.56 KiB) Viewed 3483 times
split into normal layers 5.jpg
split into normal layers 5.jpg (39.92 KiB) Viewed 3483 times
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johnwang
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Re: Composites Lab Workbench

Post by johnwang »

So this is a showcase?
hfc series CAE workbenches for FreeCAD (hfcNastran95, hfcMystran, hfcFrame3DD, hfcSU2 and more)
jcoppola
Posts: 13
Joined: Fri Nov 12, 2021 11:07 pm

Re: Composites Lab Workbench

Post by jcoppola »

Not yet. just feeling people out. Currently just prototyping the algorithms. Moved onto the flattening algorithm. If you notice in this set of screenshots, the solid is split up into successive layers using a surface normal. You need to zoom in to see it on a small screen
jcoppola
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Re: Composites Lab Workbench

Post by jcoppola »

Normal paths algorithm working... Experimenting more here before moving on...
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fibers laid across 2.jpeg
fibers laid across 2.jpeg (202.29 KiB) Viewed 3116 times
fibers laid across 3.jpeg
fibers laid across 3.jpeg (133.27 KiB) Viewed 3116 times
fibers laid across 1.jpeg
fibers laid across 1.jpeg (88.54 KiB) Viewed 3116 times
jcoppola
Posts: 13
Joined: Fri Nov 12, 2021 11:07 pm

Re: Composites Lab Workbench

Post by jcoppola »

Rudimentary surface flattening initial draft.
Screenshots attached. the real question... Is it right? Appears about right. Once i finish the algorithms, i will attach materials for someone to validate.
Attachments
first flattened surface without mesh design unwrap 2.jpeg
first flattened surface without mesh design unwrap 2.jpeg (26.45 KiB) Viewed 2993 times
first flattened surface without mesh design unwrap 1.jpeg
first flattened surface without mesh design unwrap 1.jpeg (26.69 KiB) Viewed 2993 times
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Pauvres_honteux
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Re: Composites Lab Workbench

Post by Pauvres_honteux »

jcoppola wrote: Mon Nov 22, 2021 4:33 pm ... just feeling people out. Currently just prototyping the algorithms.
This is really exciting stuff!
Any chance of getting your goal/overall/long term plan for this workbench?
jcoppola
Posts: 13
Joined: Fri Nov 12, 2021 11:07 pm

Re: Composites Lab Workbench

Post by jcoppola »

Currently, I am experimenting with flattening algorithms without the use of mesh flatten. But maybe i go that route and use meshes since they need to be setup for FEA analysis. Regardless once i have a number of geometries working and get decent performance, i will hobble together an add-on so the broader community can start using it and contribute. Keep in mind this is work outside of work so might be a while before anything is released.
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Pauvres_honteux
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Re: Composites Lab Workbench

Post by Pauvres_honteux »

jcoppola wrote: Fri Dec 03, 2021 4:55 pm ... this is work outside of work ...
Roger that!
... and it's done when it's done, as Jürgen used to say.

In the meantime, I'll keep admiring it and looking forward to it! :P
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