How can I properly add plies to a composite leaf spring in ANSYS APDL?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the proper method for adding plies to a composite leaf spring in ANSYS APDL. Participants are exploring the use of different element types and their suitability for modeling composite materials, specifically in the context of a leaf spring with a defined thickness and ply configuration.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their setup for a composite leaf spring in ANSYS APDL, noting the thickness and assumed ply thickness, and expresses difficulty in adding plies correctly.
  • Another participant suggests that SHELL181 may not be appropriate for layered composite analysis and recommends using SHELL91 or SHELL99 instead.
  • A different participant asserts that SHELL181 is indeed a 3D layered element and mentions that SHELL99 and SHELL91 are no longer supported, indicating issues with solving the model when attempting to add those elements.
  • One participant comments on the transition from APDL to Ansys Mechanical Workbench, suggesting that it may offer better capabilities for handling composite elements.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the suitability of SHELL181 for composite analysis, with some advocating for alternative elements while others defend the use of SHELL181. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to take.

Contextual Notes

There are uncertainties regarding the compatibility of element types with composite materials and the specific requirements for modeling layered structures in ANSYS APDL. Additionally, there are references to potential limitations of older software versions.

Who May Find This Useful

Users working with composite materials in ANSYS APDL, particularly those interested in modeling techniques for layered structures and the transition to newer software interfaces.

salmansl
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Hi,
I'm analyzing a composite leaf spring using ANSYS APDL, the leaf spring has a thickness of 12mm, and since it is a composite material, it is composed of many plies, I'm assuming the ply thickness to be 0.125mm. I imported the geometry as a Parasolid x_t. And the element type I used is SHELL181. But when I go to SHELL options and try to add plies, it doesn't seem to be dividing the thickness of the leaf spring into the plies I add. What do you think I'm doing wrong?
If anyone has done anything like that before, any help is highly appreciated.
 
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From what I see in the element reference SHELL181 is a standard 2-D shell element, but not a layered structure element for analyzing composite geometry. Shouldn't you be using a layered element such as SHELL91 or SHELL99?
 
SHELL181 is a 3D layered element. SHELL99 and SHELL91 are not supported anymore, I can manually add them to my analysis, but then when I click solve, nothing happens.
 
APDL is just Ansys Parametric Design Language. It is the old school interface before they invented Workbench. Ansys Mechanical Workbench can import your SolidWorks file. Then you can get crazy with composite elements?
 

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