SUMMARY
In this blog, the ANSYS Composite PrepPost (ACP) Winding Wizard is presented. This tool allows one to define a draped composite structure typical in high-pressure tanks automatically using just a few entries.
ACP Winding Wizard
The necessary information is inputted into the Winding Wizard. It is important to be aware of the 'Reference Radius,' which represents the radius of the cylindrical section, and the 'Axial Direction,' as both depend on the construction of each model.
Layers can be added by defining lines within the wizard or by uploading a CSV file. It is necessary to specify the nominal angle, which is the winding angle measured within the cylindrical portion of the tank. Additional useful features include axial direction limits and ply mirroring.
This wizard automatically creates the necessary Modeling groups (5 in this example) with a draping function guided by individual tables to modify the fiber directions in the tank ends.
The table is also created by the wizard and calculates the fiber orientation and thickness depending on the element position relative to the tank using the geodesic path approach.
If you use limits, a parallel rule will be added.
The thickness is augmented in the tank ends because the thickness correction, based in the element’s radial position.
The Youtube video
If you want to go deeper in the details and in a demo, this nice Ozen Inc. Youtube video will let you enjoy the use of this wizard.
CONCLUSIONS
This helpful and simple tool represents a significant improvement for productivity within the tank industry, enabling users to easily define winding orientation and thickness variation on the tank surface. Although the geodesic approach may not be optimal for modeling winding, it allows users to understand the structural behavior of the tank without the need for external winding modeling tools.