Author(s)

W.P. De Wilde

Abstract

Keynote Address Evolution of software for CAE with composites W.P. De Wilde Composite Systems and Adhesion Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan, 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium Introduction The structural design and analysis of composite materials parts is challenging. Indeed, unlike their competitors in traditional materials, they have an anisotropic and heterogeneous nature, which enforces analysis at various levels of sophistication. For instance, the analysis of failure mechanisms can be done at different levels : structural (global, e.g. failure of a laminate), at the level of the phases (e.g. fibre, matrix) or at microscale level (especially interphase failures). Each of these levels require more or less sophisticated analysis tools, some of which still not being readily developed and/or available. Software developments are not only significant in the field of structural analysis (stiffness, strength, dynamic behaviour), but also in related topi

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