Introduction to TexGen
TexGen is a groundbreaking tool designed to address the challenge of identifying hotspots for damage initiation in large-scale composite structure designs efficiently. Traditionally, the high modelling cost involved in creating finite element (FE) models for these structures often leads to coarse meshing, hindering accurate predictions. Due to this limitation, established failure criteria are often not applicable, making it difficult to assess the structural integrity of composite materials under realistic stress conditions.
Innovative Abaqus Plugin
TexGen introduces an innovative Abaqus plugin that revolutionizes the process of hotspot identification in composite structures with repeated features. The plugin is built on a pre-computed database tailored to specific, heavily-repeated feature types within a given structural model. Developed using Python, the software is structured into two key components: feature generation and structural analysis. By leveraging a detailed 3D description of the features, this tool represents a submodel inserted into the main FE structure, enabling accurate hotspot detection with minimal computational cost.
Efficiency and Cost Savings
One of the primary advantages of TexGen is its ability to streamline the sizing and analysis of large-scale composite structures. By focusing on critical zones through 3D damage analysis, the tool minimizes the need for extensive modelling and computational resources, resulting in significant cost savings. Comparative studies against conventional FE modelling have shown promising agreement, validating the efficacy of TexGen in accurately identifying damage hotspots while enhancing efficiency in structural analysis.
Future Applications and Reusability
Moreover, TexGen offers the capability to store the pre-computed database in an HDF5 data file, facilitating its reuse in analyzing new structures featuring the same repeating features. This functionality not only enhances the scalability and applicability of the tool but also demonstrates its potential for broader applications within the field of composite structure design and analysis.