COCOMAT, a CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) System for Composite Structures Design

摘要

In the preliminary design phase of an aircraft structure a number of alternative designs must be evaluated considering different requirements, such as strength and stiffness properties at minimal weight. Using composite materials the design process becomes even more complicated, as the number of design variables increases considerably. In this situation, the utilization of computer aided engineering (CAE) tools can be of great help for the designer. To fulfill requirements with regard to the analysis to be performed, different, mostly special purpose, analysis programs will be utilized. Controlling these programs imposes requirements on such CAE tools with respect to flexibility and generality during operations. Built-in expertise has to be provided to assist the designer during creation and modification of composite structures and to control the execution of analysis programs. COCOMAT is a CAE system for assistance during the preliminary design phase of a structure.