CompositesWorld
Issue link: https://cw.epubxp.com/i/532917
TRENDS JULY 2015 18 CompositesWorld Web-based composites design frm CompoSIDE (Cowes, Isle of Wight, UK) has teamed with Stephen Tsai, profes- sor research emeritus, Stanford University, to demonstrate further the benefts of Tsai's trace-based scaling approach to composites design (see endnote). Using CompoSIDE's functionalities, Tsai's team at Stanford and the CompoSIDE team say they have demonstrated that his innovative scaling approach to composites design can be applied to three-dimensional composite structures to develop designs within 2-3% accuracy margins, without the need for exten- sive and costly modeling and material testing. The next stage is to work with an industrial partner with a compos- ites pilot project to benchmark the theory in the feld. Tsai says, "The evaluation performed by CompoSIDE shows trace-based scaling models to have strong correlation with the FE results. We are seeking a highly loaded structure that has weight and cost challenges so we can confrm the potential of this new approach." CompoSIDE joint managing director Julien Sellier adds, "Trace-based scaling removes many of the complexity and cost barriers to using composites." According to Tsai's theory of universal stifness and strength for trace-based composite laminates, trace- normalized stifness components for all modern carbon- polymer composites laminates converge to nearly identical values. This universal stifness means linear scaling, such CompoSIDE/Tsai cooperate in trace-based design demonstration as that found in a homogenous material, can be applied to the design. As a result, only a few simple tests are required to characterize composite materials. This approach reportedly simplifes composites design to the extent that it is similar to designing with aluminum and, therefore, provides designers and engineers a new framework for composites design, testing and manufacturing validation. It can thus deliver stronger, lighter, lower cost and more reliable composite structures with a simpler and faster methodology. Read more abut CompoSIDE's Web-based composite design engineering solution | short.compositesworld.com/CompoSIDE For background on Tsai's work and the signifcance of trace in the arena of laminate design, review the following at the CW Web site: •"Overnight design allowables? An invariant-based method for accelerating aerospace certifcation testing" | short.compositesworld.com/TsaiCerTst •"Tsai book expands on invariant-based method for mate- rial characterization" | short.compositesworld.com/TraceBook •Tsai's paper on this subject, co-authored with Jose Daniel D. Melo, Alan Nettles, Waruna Seneviratne and Jared Nelson, is titled "Rapid and Accurate Design Allowable and Certifcation" and may be dowloaded at the CW web site in PDF format | short.compositesworld.com/R