Example G-6: Planar Composite with Circular Inclusions

In this example, the graphical user interface (GUI) is used to create a filled 2D part in which circular shapes of different materials are present. The final structure is a 2D model of a composite.

The structure is two dimensional with a shape of 50×50 voxels and has a base material of 1 and a voxel size of 0.02 units in all directions. The parameter log_debug is set to True for demonstration purposes.

Afterwards, four circles are defined in the Model Manipulations tab. The necessary parameters are the center points and radius of each circle and the material to be assigned to it. In the case of this example each circle has a unique material code, one of which is 0 which signifies empty space.

The part is then exported to an Abaqus™ input file in 2D mode with CPE4R elements. The Non-Empty elements are requested to be exported.

The following figures show the various tabs of the GUI in this example:

../_images/ex_g6_shape_array_2d_1.png — Fig. 51 The GUI’s “Basic Model Information” tab for Example G-6.

../_images/ex_g6_shape_array_2d_2.png — Fig. 52 The GUI’s “Model Manipulations” tab for Example G-6.

../_images/ex_g6_shape_array_2d_3.png — Fig. 53 The GUI’s “Boundary Conditions” tab for Example G-6.

../_images/ex_g6_shape_array_2d_4.png — Fig. 54 The GUI’s “Output” tab for Example G-6.

After filling the form, the model can be created by pressing the “Create Model” button. The screen automatically switches to the Run tab and will show the program log.

At the end of the process, a dialog box announces the completion and gives the path to the output file.

Also, the program log and a summary of model information will be shown in the Process Log section of the Run tab. It will also be written to a .log file in the output folder.

Finally, a configuration file based on the examples will be written to the output folder and can be used to import the model in the future. It will look like this.

The final model looks like Fig. 55. Note that the stepping visible in the part is due to the low resolution of the model. A bigger model will result in a better shape.