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
Composites Lab Workbench
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Composites Lab Workbench
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- split into normal layers 1.jpg (35.29 KiB) Viewed 3485 times
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- split into normal layers 2.jpg (27.37 KiB) Viewed 3485 times
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- split into normal layers 4.jpg (38.56 KiB) Viewed 3485 times
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- split into normal layers 5.jpg (39.92 KiB) Viewed 3485 times
Re: Composites Lab Workbench
So this is a showcase?
Re: Composites Lab Workbench
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
Re: Composites Lab Workbench
Normal paths algorithm working... Experimenting more here before moving on...
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- fibers laid across 2.jpeg (202.29 KiB) Viewed 3118 times
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- fibers laid across 3.jpeg (133.27 KiB) Viewed 3118 times
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- fibers laid across 1.jpeg (88.54 KiB) Viewed 3118 times
Re: Composites Lab Workbench
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.
Screenshots attached. the real question... Is it right? Appears about right. Once i finish the algorithms, i will attach materials for someone to validate.
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- first flattened surface without mesh design unwrap 2.jpeg (26.45 KiB) Viewed 2995 times
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- first flattened surface without mesh design unwrap 1.jpeg (26.69 KiB) Viewed 2995 times
- Pauvres_honteux
- Posts: 728
- Joined: Sun Feb 16, 2014 12:05 am
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Re: Composites Lab Workbench
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.
- Pauvres_honteux
- Posts: 728
- Joined: Sun Feb 16, 2014 12:05 am
- Location: Far side of the moon