Composite Construction Software

Discussion in 'Fiberglass and Composite Boat Building' started by Hypercat, Feb 26, 2005.

  1. Hypercat
    Joined: Apr 2004
    Posts: 10
    Likes: 0, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: New Jersey

    Hypercat Junior Member

    Is there software where one can calculate strengths of composite materials and cored construction? I know result vary on methode of construction but I need approximate values anyways. Thanks.
     
  2. Eric Sponberg
    Joined: Dec 2001
    Posts: 2,021
    Likes: 248, Points: 73, Legacy Rep: 2917
    Location: On board Corroboree

    Eric Sponberg Senior Member

    Actually, there are various packages of software that might work, but you really have to know a bit about composite engineering and composite fracture mechanics to use them. The engineering of composites gets into non-linear cross-linking in the three orthongonal directions which gets into some pretty complicated matrix alegbra. Then, of course, you have to make assumptions on the direction of the load, which is not always in line with the orientation of the fibers. Finally, you have to depend on reliable data for the fabric properties going in, and many times this is incomplete. One of the most critical inputs to most programs, shear modulus, is one of the least tested for in composite engineering--it simply is not available nor published most of the time.

    Having said all that, I will defer to others who may have some respectable programs. I have a program that I wrote for my own use, it is a DOS based program. It works OK, but has not really been tested enough for use by the general public. Others have produced better programs I am sure. Just remember that they will be more complicated to use than you may expect.

    Eric
     
  3. dionysis
    Joined: Jan 2003
    Posts: 258
    Likes: 3, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 44
    Location: Tasmania, Australia

    dionysis Senior Member


  4. yokebutt
    Joined: Aug 2004
    Posts: 545
    Likes: 2, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 15
    Location: alameda CA

    yokebutt Boatbuilder

    Jim Antrim sells a program called PBJ. you can find him at 510-223-9680

    Yokebutt.
     
Loading...
Similar Threads
  1. Mark C. Schreiter
    Replies:
    29
    Views:
    2,803
  2. Smokeyr67
    Replies:
    16
    Views:
    2,480
  3. Michael Hyder
    Replies:
    5
    Views:
    2,592
  4. fallguy
    Replies:
    120
    Views:
    8,090
  5. mrdebian
    Replies:
    15
    Views:
    1,379
  6. Chotu
    Replies:
    8
    Views:
    1,211
  7. bajansailor
    Replies:
    13
    Views:
    1,263
  8. cando2
    Replies:
    10
    Views:
    1,395
  9. Robert Biegler
    Replies:
    61
    Views:
    5,510
  10. Markusik
    Replies:
    11
    Views:
    1,338
Forum posts represent the experience, opinion, and view of individual users. Boat Design Net does not necessarily endorse nor share the view of each individual post.
When making potentially dangerous or financial decisions, always employ and consult appropriate professionals. Your circumstances or experience may be different.