Advances in Simulation Optimizes Use of Composites by Chaining Molecular Dynamics to Full-Scale Damage Prediction

e-Xstream engineering, part of Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division, has launched the latest version of its Digimat multi-scale material modelling software, extending its advanced composite design capabilities across all scales as part of the Hexagon 10X Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) solution. Reducing the cost of developing new composites is a priority for materials suppliers and the manufacturers specifying composites, but material development remains highly complex because every aspect of a material system from the chemical composition of the resin to the manufacturing process affects final performance. To manage this complexity, Digimat’s integration with molecular dynamics software has been enhanced to extend its micro-level capabilities to predict a material’s properties based on its chemical structure. On the meso-level, the direct engineering workflow for unidirectional composites has also been enhanced, enabling ply properties prediction based on their physical and virtual constituents. The effect of defects, such as porosity or gaps from Automatic Fiber Placement can now be characterized at the full-scale coupon level using the state-of-the-art progressive failure analysis (PFA) models developed in collaboration with Pr. Camanho. As a result, the margins-of-safety engineers use to optimize material use and lightweight parts may be optimized with greater confidence. Furthermore, Digimat 2020 makes this advanced PFA modelling available within Marc, MSC Nastran as well as other structural analysis software via user subroutine, so that engineers can make detailed and accurate damage predictions of structures under load, reducing over engineering.