Center for Composite Materials

02 / Capabilities

Solve composite problems from
constituents through structures.

Explore the engineering problems CDS solves: connected data, effective-property prediction, laminate mechanics, processing and environmental response, structural performance, and reusable engineering results.

Embedded models & coupling

Browse the complete model list and coupling guide →

Explore capabilities by physics

42 model families organized around engineering applications. Expand a branch for formulations, theory, assumptions and an exercise.

Materials & micromechanics

Design a ply or reinforced feedstock

  1. Constituents & architecture
  2. Homogenization
  3. Ply properties
Explore 1 family · 9 model choices
Micromechanics · 9

Models browser → Micromechanics · source: Micro

InputsConstituents, architecture, fractions and calibrated modifiersResults / handoffReference ply properties for each linked laminate ply
  • Halpin–Tsai
  • Rule of mixtures
  • Modified rule of mixtures
  • Chamis
  • Mori–Tanaka
  • Hashin–Rosen
  • Self-consistent scheme
  • Woven fabric bridging
  • Cox shear-lag elastic

One compatible homogenization model per Micro recipe. Use separate recipes for comparisons; they are not combined in a single ply.

Heat, moisture & manufacturing

Cure, pultrusion, conditioning and tool release

  1. Material laws & boundary cycles
  2. Transport & reaction
  3. History & compatible process fields
Explore 4 families · 14 model choices
Cure, crystallization & material transport · 8

Models → material-model folders · assigned through Materials

InputsCalibrated kinetics, modulus or transport laws and material assignmentResults / handoffMaterial laws consumed by compatible Micro or transport calculations
  • Kamal–Sourour autocatalytic
  • Kamal–Sourour with diffusion control
  • Nth-order Arrhenius
  • CHILE (degree of cure)
  • UV intensity-dependent cure
  • Nakamura–Avrami
  • Temperature-dependent tabular
  • 1D Fickian diffusion

Independent model records can be linked together through material inputs. A saved model must be assigned to a material before it contributes to a simulation.

Thermal transport · 3

Models browser → Thermal transport · source: CASES / Thermal

InputsLaminate transport properties, initial state and the thermal case’s own surface cycleResults / handoffTemperature and supported polymer-state histories; mapped fields only when coupling is enabled
  • 1D transient heat transfer
  • 1D steady-state heat transfer
  • 1D pultrusion thermal cure

One transport formulation per thermal case. Select its laminate and configure its own initial conditions and surface cycle; pultrusion additionally requires a distance-based die schedule and pulling velocity.

Moisture transport · 2

Models browser → Moisture transport · source: CASES / Moisture

InputsLaminate diffusion properties, initial moisture and its own boundary scheduleResults / handoffMoisture history and enabled swelling contribution
  • 1D transient moisture diffusion
  • 1D steady-state moisture diffusion

One formulation per moisture analysis. Thermal and moisture analyses can both be linked in Simulation; each needs its own boundary conditions.

Tool-release shape · 1

Structural models → Tool-release shape

InputsLaminate and prescribed temperatures, CTE and effective post-gel shrinkageResults / handoffFree-release CLT curvature and separate corner spring-in estimate; not an automatic process-history handoff
  • Free-release eigenstrain & spring-in

Free CLT release from prescribed ply-local shrinkage/thermal eigenstrains. Corner spring-in is a separate uniform-strain estimate. Stress-free temperature and effective post-gel shrinkage need calibration. No tool friction, cure kinetics or viscoelastic restraint history.

Structural mechanics

Size plates, beams, shells, sandwich panels and joints

  1. Laminate & geometry
  2. Load response / stability
  3. Displacements, stresses & modes
Explore 7 families · 17 model choices
Plate · CLT & FSDT · 6

Structural models → Laminate mechanics · CLT / FSDT

InputsLaminate stiffness, finite plate dimensions, supported edges and study choiceResults / handoffFSDT static bending or selected buckling / modal results; not progressive damage
  • CLT
  • FSDT
  • Static bending
  • Modal
  • Buckling
  • Buckling and modal

Choose a formulation and study. Buckling and modal can be requested together; static bending requires FSDT. These are reference-elastic studies, separate from coupled process or progressive failure.

Cylinder · 2

Structural models → Cylinder models

InputsLaminate, cylinder dimensions and formulation-compatible pressure / axial loadingResults / handoffThin-wall membrane response or layerwise radial fields, with distinct assumptions
  • Linear thin-wall membrane
  • Layerwise thick-wall elasticity

Choose one cylinder formulation per case record. Geometry and plies remain shared; thick-wall radial results exclude torsion and process strains.

Membrane, bending & beam buckling · 3

Structural models → Laminate mechanics → Membrane, bending & beam

InputsLaminate, compatible section and static or Euler load caseResults / handoffMembrane / bending response or separate Euler buckling result
  • Linear static
  • Linear static with failure indices
  • Beam Euler buckling

Geometry and the case determine the membrane or beam-test interpretation. Euler buckling requires a compatible beam section and a separate reference-elastic study; it is not a strength or local-buckling pass.

Layerwise sections, joints & delamination · 3

Structural models → Layerwise sections & joints

InputsSection or lap geometry, laminate, loads and calibrated interface propertiesResults / handoffx–z fields; coupled ply damage and delamination only for the supported layerwise plate path
  • Layerwise x-z plane strain
  • Single-lap x-z plane strain
  • Coupled delamination growth

Coupled delamination is available only for the layerwise Plate section and needs calibrated interface and ply properties. Lap-shear uses its separate joint geometry and perfectly bonded elastic formulation.

Sandwich bending · 1

Structural models → Sandwich bending

InputsFaces, core, dimensions and three-point-bend loadResults / handoffDeflection and separate face, core and nominal bond-shear screening
  • Sandwich three-point bend

Dedicated sandwich screening. Check core, faces and nominal bond shear separately; peel, mixed-mode debonding and crack growth are not assessed.

Analytical bonded joint · 1

Structural models → Layerwise sections & joints → Analytical bonded joint

InputsIdentical equivalent-elastic adherends, adhesive, overlap, width and tensile forceResults / handoffVolkersen shear and Goland–Reissner shear / peel; no debond growth
  • Volkersen & Goland–Reissner joint

Identical equivalent-elastic adherends, long free arms and a thin elastic adhesive. Compare shear-only Volkersen with eccentric single-lap shear and peel. Not a debonding, plasticity or strength calculation.

Cylinder buckling · 1

Structural models → Cylinder models → Cylinder buckling

InputsThin specially orthotropic shell, radius, length, axial compression and prescribed knockdownResults / handoffIdeal / knocked-down Donnell axial buckling and governing mode; no pressure or postbuckling
  • Donnell cylinder · axial buckling

Simply supported, thin, specially orthotropic cylinder under uniform axial compression. Discrete Donnell modes; prescribed knockdown factor explores imperfection sensitivity, not a prediction from measured imperfection amplitude. No pressure, torsion, postbuckling or strength pass.

Failure, durability & variability

Assess strength, service life and sensitivity

  1. Ply response & calibration
  2. Selected assessment
  3. Indices, envelopes & life estimates
Explore 7 families · 15 model choices
Failure & envelope comparison · 5

Structural models → Laminate mechanics → Failure criteria

InputsEligible CLT load case, strengths / strain limits and selected criterionResults / handoffFirst-ply envelopes or supported progressive ply-damage histories; criteria are not blended
  • Maximum stress
  • Maximum strain
  • Tsai–Hill
  • Tsai–Wu
  • Hashin

One primary failure criterion per load. In Response → Failure, compare all eligible theories or a custom selection in the envelope controls. Each theory runs independently; criteria are not blended.

Fatigue S–N · 5

Structural models → Laminate mechanics → Fatigue

InputsIntact ply stresses, cyclic loads and measured S–N calibrationResults / handoffSeparate life assessment; no automatic laminate degradation
  • Kim–Zhang
  • Sendeckyj
  • Weibull S–N
  • Kohout–Vechet
  • Basquin

Select calibrated S–N curves for each material, direction and stress sign in Fatigue. Different sources can use different models. S–N life does not define residual stiffness or strength.

Open-hole strength · 1

Structural models → Laminate mechanics → Failure criteria → Open-hole strength

InputsSpecially orthotropic laminate, hole radius, unnotched strength and calibrated distancesResults / handoffPoint / average stress strength screening and radial stress profile
  • Whitney–Nuismer open-hole tension

Infinite-width, specially orthotropic tension screening. Point and average stress distances must be calibrated independently for this laminate. Not compression, bearing or a joint allowable.

Creep & stress relaxation · 1

Structural models → Laminate mechanics → Creep & stress relaxation

InputsLaminate Ex, Prony fractions / times and held stress or strain at calibration temperatureResults / handoffSeparate axial creep and relaxation curves with time-refinement safeguards
  • Generalized Maxwell · axial Prony

Linear uniaxial response at the calibration temperature. Reference Ex is the instantaneous modulus. Three Maxwell branches; creep is solved from stress equilibrium, not the reciprocal relaxation modulus. No thermal shifting or nonlinear creep.

LaRC04 failure initiation · 1

Structural models → Laminate mechanics → Failure criteria → LaRC04

InputsLaminate, membrane / bending resultants and calibrated effective ply strengthsResults / handoffLinear-shear LaRC04 initiation indices at ply faces; no progressive degradation
  • LaRC04 · linear shear

NASA LaRC04 linear-shear specialization, evaluated at both faces of every ply under membrane and bending loads. Supplied ply strengths are effective/in-situ values; no automatic thin-ply enhancement. Initiation only, not degradation or nonlinear-shear instability.

Fatigue residual properties · 1

Structural models → Laminate mechanics → Fatigue → Residual properties

InputsModulus, independently fitted stiffness / strength retention laws, life and elapsed cyclesResults / handoffResidual-property curves for the specified constant-amplitude calibration; saved laminate is unchanged
  • Calibrated residual-property fatigue

Prescribed power-law retention fitted to constant-amplitude tests at a fixed stress ratio, amplitude and temperature. Stiffness and strength have independent coefficients. S–N life alone cannot calibrate either. Does not modify the saved laminate.

Uncertainty & sensitivity · 1

Structural models → Uncertainty & sensitivity

InputsLaminate, bounded modulus / thickness / angle variations, seed and axial loadResults / handoffABD axial-strain percentiles and signed correlations; not certified reliability
  • Seeded laminate uncertainty

Seeded independent uniform sampling of shared modulus, ply-thickness and angle offsets. Recomputes laminate ABD for each sample. Bounds are assumptions, not measured distributions. Percentiles and sensitivity are exploratory, not reliability certification.

Virtual test lab

Explore specimen behavior and calibration

  1. Specimen & material inputs
  2. Virtual test
  3. Response & comparison
Explore 10 families · 10 model choices
D6641 · Compression coupon · 1

Models → Structural models → ASTM · Virtual Test Lab

InputsLinked laminate and explicit specimen, load or measured calibration inputsResults / handoffUniform small-strain compression using linked laminate Ex and thickness. Measured compressive strength supplies a screening ratio; fixture, tabs, buckling and failure evolution are not simulated.
  • Virtual test · compression coupon

Uniform small-strain compression using linked laminate Ex and thickness. Measured compressive strength supplies a screening ratio; fixture, tabs, buckling and failure evolution are not simulated.

D5379 / D7078 · Shear coupon · 1

Models → Structural models → ASTM · Virtual Test Lab

InputsLinked laminate and explicit specimen, load or measured calibration inputsResults / handoffUniform nominal shear between notches using linked laminate Gxy and thickness. Not a notch/fixture stress field or nonlinear shear solution. Gauge length is the effective shear deformation length, not crosshead travel.
  • Virtual test · nominal shear coupon

Uniform nominal shear between notches using linked laminate Gxy and thickness. Not a notch/fixture stress field or nonlinear shear solution. Gauge length is the effective shear deformation length, not crosshead travel.

D5528 · DCB opening · 1

Models → Structural models → ASTM · Virtual Test Lab

InputsLinked laminate and explicit specimen, load or measured calibration inputsResults / handoffIdeal Euler–Bernoulli DCB with equal homogeneous 0° arms, each half the linked laminate thickness. No root rotation, shear, large displacement or cohesive growth. Critical load is an initiation estimate from supplied GIc.
  • Virtual test · DCB beam compliance

Ideal Euler–Bernoulli DCB with equal homogeneous 0° arms, each half the linked laminate thickness. No root rotation, shear, large displacement or cohesive growth. Critical load is an initiation estimate from supplied GIc.

D7905 · ENF sliding · 1

Models → Structural models → ASTM · Virtual Test Lab

InputsLinked laminate and explicit specimen, load or measured calibration inputsResults / handoffIdeal equal-arm, homogeneous 0° ENF beam; support span is twice the half-span. Crack must be shorter than the half-span. No shear/root correction or unstable crack growth. GIIc is supplied, not fitted automatically.
  • Virtual test · ENF beam compliance

Ideal equal-arm, homogeneous 0° ENF beam; support span is twice the half-span. Crack must be shorter than the half-span. No shear/root correction or unstable crack growth. GIIc is supplied, not fitted automatically.

D6671 · Mixed-mode fracture envelope · 1

Models → Structural models → ASTM · Virtual Test Lab

InputsLinked laminate and explicit specimen, load or measured calibration inputsResults / handoffBenzeggagh–Kenane envelope from calibrated GIc, GIIc and exponent. Supplied GI/GII are energy-release rates from a separate test reduction or analysis. This does not resolve the MMB lever fixture or propagate a crack.
  • Virtual test · BK mixed-mode envelope

Benzeggagh–Kenane envelope from calibrated GIc, GIIc and exponent. Supplied GI/GII are energy-release rates from a separate test reduction or analysis. This does not resolve the MMB lever fixture or propagate a crack.

D5229 · Moisture uptake calibration · 1

Models → Structural models → ASTM · Virtual Test Lab

InputsLinked laminate and explicit specimen, load or measured calibration inputsResults / handoffHomogeneous slab, initially dry, both faces held at equilibrium moisture. Fits diffusivity from two early uptake measurements (both ≤50% saturation) using the square-root-time approximation. Edge ingress and temperature dependence are excluded. Does not overwrite material properties.
  • Virtual test · Fickian uptake calibration

Homogeneous slab, initially dry, both faces held at equilibrium moisture. Fits diffusivity from two early uptake measurements (both ≤50% saturation) using the square-root-time approximation. Edge ingress and temperature dependence are excluded. Does not overwrite material properties.

D5961 · Bearing / bypass screening · 1

Models → Structural models → ASTM · Virtual Test Lab

InputsLinked laminate and explicit specimen, load or measured calibration inputsResults / handoffSingle-pin nominal bearing, net-section and shear-out checks with independent measured allowables. Bypass tension is added to net-section load only. No contact, bolt preload, load redistribution or validated bearing–bypass interaction envelope.
  • Virtual test · bearing bypass screening

Single-pin nominal bearing, net-section and shear-out checks with independent measured allowables. Bypass tension is added to net-section load only. No contact, bolt preload, load redistribution or validated bearing–bypass interaction envelope.

D6484 · Open-hole compression · 1

Models → Structural models → ASTM · Virtual Test Lab

InputsLinked laminate and explicit specimen, load or measured calibration inputsResults / handoffNominal gross/net stress and demand relative to measured open-hole compressive strength for this geometry and layup. This is test-data screening, not an uncalibrated notch-strength prediction. No local buckling or kink-band simulation.
  • Virtual test · measured open-hole compression

Nominal gross/net stress and demand relative to measured open-hole compressive strength for this geometry and layup. This is test-data screening, not an uncalibrated notch-strength prediction. No local buckling or kink-band simulation.

D6742 · Filled-hole comparison · 1

Models → Structural models → ASTM · Virtual Test Lab

InputsLinked laminate and explicit specimen, load or measured calibration inputsResults / handoffCompares user-measured open- and filled-hole compressive strengths using gross-section stress. Use matched layup, hole, environment and fastener condition. Filling a hole does not automatically recover strength; no fastener contact/preload model is applied.
  • Virtual test · measured filled-hole comparison

Compares user-measured open- and filled-hole compressive strengths using gross-section stress. Use matched layup, hole, environment and fastener condition. Filling a hole does not automatically recover strength; no fastener contact/preload model is applied.

D7136 / D7137 · Impact & CAI assessment · 1

Models → Structural models → ASTM · Virtual Test Lab

InputsLinked laminate and explicit specimen, load or measured calibration inputsResults / handoffIncident energy from measured impact velocity; residual compressive strength from measured peak CAI force. Rebound energy estimates energy not returned to the striker, NOT damage energy. No impact/contact solver, damage-area prediction or energy-to-strength extrapolation.
  • Virtual test · measured impact and CAI

Incident energy from measured impact velocity; residual compressive strength from measured peak CAI force. Rebound energy estimates energy not returned to the striker, NOT damage energy. No impact/contact solver, damage-area prediction or energy-to-strength extrapolation.

Electromagnetics & RF

Design dielectric mixtures, shielding and periodic layers

  1. Electrical properties & layers
  2. Effective medium / wave propagation
  3. Permittivity & RF response
Explore 13 families · 13 model choices
Wiener series and parallel · 1

Models → Electromagnetics · RF → Wiener series and parallel

InputsExplicit host/inclusion electrical properties and fractionsResults / handoffEffective permittivity; manual handoff to an RF layer, not an automatic mechanical-property update
  • EM · Wiener series and parallel

Positive lossless dielectric bounds; complex directional estimates.

Looyenga / Landau–Lifshitz–Looyenga · 1

Models → Electromagnetics · RF → Looyenga / Landau–Lifshitz–Looyenga

InputsExplicit host/inclusion electrical properties and fractionsResults / handoffEffective permittivity; manual handoff to an RF layer, not an automatic mechanical-property update
  • EM · Looyenga / Landau–Lifshitz–Looyenga

One cube-root mixing law, not two independent models.

Maxwell–Garnett · 1

Models → Electromagnetics · RF → Maxwell–Garnett

InputsExplicit host/inclusion electrical properties and fractionsResults / handoffEffective permittivity; manual handoff to an RF layer, not an automatic mechanical-property update
  • EM · Maxwell–Garnett

Dilute subwavelength spherical inclusions in a host.

Normal-incidence laminate TMM · 1

Models → Electromagnetics · RF → Normal-incidence laminate TMM

InputsExplicit dielectric A/B layers, thicknesses, repetition, frequency and supported polarizationResults / handoffReflection, transmission, absorption and shielding spectra; no mechanical coupling
  • EM · Normal-incidence laminate TMM

Coherent isotropic nonmagnetic layers between air half-spaces.

Bruggeman symmetric EMT · 1

Models → Electromagnetics · RF → Bruggeman symmetric EMT

InputsExplicit host/inclusion electrical properties and fractionsResults / handoffEffective permittivity; manual handoff to an RF layer, not an automatic mechanical-property update
  • EM · Bruggeman symmetric EMT

Two positive-permittivity phases; no explicit contact network.

EM Mori–Tanaka · 1

Models → Electromagnetics · RF → EM Mori–Tanaka

InputsExplicit host/inclusion electrical properties and fractionsResults / handoffEffective permittivity; manual handoff to an RF layer, not an automatic mechanical-property update
  • EM · EM Mori–Tanaka

Scalar principal-axis ellipsoidal field approximation.

EM self-consistent · 1

Models → Electromagnetics · RF → EM self-consistent

InputsExplicit host/inclusion electrical properties and fractionsResults / handoffEffective permittivity; manual handoff to an RF layer, not an automatic mechanical-property update
  • EM · EM self-consistent

Scalar principal-axis self-consistency; spherical case equals Bruggeman.

Differential effective medium · 1

Models → Electromagnetics · RF → Differential effective medium

InputsExplicit host/inclusion electrical properties and fractionsResults / handoffEffective permittivity; manual handoff to an RF layer, not an automatic mechanical-property update
  • EM · Differential effective medium

Incremental mixing with time-step refinement check.

Coated sphere and interphase · 1

Models → Electromagnetics · RF → Coated sphere and interphase

InputsExplicit host/inclusion electrical properties and fractionsResults / handoffEffective permittivity; manual handoff to an RF layer, not an automatic mechanical-property update
  • EM · Coated sphere and interphase

Concentric subwavelength coated spheres; no dynamic Mie scattering.

Generalized multiphase EMT · 1

Models → Electromagnetics · RF → Generalized multiphase EMT

InputsExplicit host/inclusion electrical properties and fractionsResults / handoffEffective permittivity; manual handoff to an RF layer, not an automatic mechanical-property update
  • EM · Generalized multiphase EMT

Spherical multiphase Bruggeman with convergence checks.

Oblique polarized laminate TMM · 1

Models → Electromagnetics · RF → Oblique polarized laminate TMM

InputsExplicit dielectric A/B layers, thicknesses, repetition, frequency and supported polarizationResults / handoffReflection, transmission, absorption and shielding spectra; no mechanical coupling
  • EM · Oblique polarized laminate TMM

TE or TM waves; scalar isotropic layers, no polarization conversion.

1D transmission line matrix · 1

Models → Electromagnetics · RF → 1D transmission line matrix

InputsExplicit dielectric A/B layers, thicknesses, repetition, frequency and supported polarizationResults / handoffReflected and transmitted pulse histories and spectra; mesh and energy checks
  • EM · 1D transmission line matrix

Normal-incidence lossless delay-line mesh with pulse decay, energy and mesh-refinement safeguards. Explicit Run required; not a 3D solver.

1D Floquet–Bloch periodic layers · 1

Models → Electromagnetics · RF → 1D Floquet–Bloch periodic layers

InputsExplicit dielectric A/B layers, thicknesses, repetition, frequency and supported polarizationResults / handoffPeriodic-cell eigenvalues, folded Bloch phase and stop-band decay
  • EM · 1D Floquet–Bloch periodic layers

Lossless isotropic A/B unit-cell eigenvalues, folded Bloch phase and stop-band attenuation at normal incidence. Not arbitrary-cell homogenization.

Connected workflow → · Packages and pricing →

Explore this section

8 destinations

Connected engineering data

Operate the master tree, bulk moves, multi-count duplication, responsive tabs, local settings, loading, saving, and entity selection from one connected window.

Workbench simulation setup linking laminate, geometry and process records with thermal, moisture and structural analysis selectionsConnected ply editor and colored laminate stack
InputEngineering inputs
ModelConnected model tree
OutputTraceable decisions
Data Management

Material property management

Create source-aware material records with constituent, transport, strength, thermoset cure, thermoplastic crystallization, and editable completion data.

T700S material editor with source provenance, elastic property inputs and material comparison outputsMaterial comparison table and Ashby chart
InputFiber and matrix data
ModelProperty management
OutputReusable material record
Mechanical + thermal

Micromechanics prediction

Generate each ply’s complete 3D elastic, strength, expansion, density, and transport definition, then optimize properties against microstructure and model inputs.

Micromechanics controls with unidirectional architecture, Halpin–Tsai selection and a fiber cross-section previewDISCOVER woven fabric GUI with repeating unit cells; illustrative geometry
InputConstituents and architecture
ModelMicromechanics prediction
OutputReusable ply properties
Constituent to ply

Laminate mechanics & failure

Route each ply independently, then couple ABD response, process residual stress, environmental loading, carpet maps, envelopes, laminate optimization, and progressive failure.

Sixteen-ply laminate editor showing solved-lamina sources, ply angles, thicknesses and the live stackFive-criterion laminate failure envelope
InputPly models, loads, and environment
ModelCoupled progressive failure
OutputFields, properties, and events
Real Time Design

Process & environmental response

Solve steady-state or transient heat and moisture histories with independent surfaces, cure exotherm, evolving modulus, shrinkage, and process-cycle optimization.

Autoclave process editor with upper and lower boundary tabs, schedule inputs and boundary temperature profilesSolved through-thickness temperature field
InputThermal and moisture history
ModelHeat and diffusion response
OutputThrough-thickness fields
Environmental effects

Structural performance

Evaluate supported plate, cylinder, beam, section and joint studies with explicit model limits.

Workbench Response stress view with global component curves across the laminate thicknessReal combined membrane and bending progressive failure with through-thickness stresses
InputGeometry, loading, and supports
ModelStructural mechanics
OutputStress and deformation
Factors of safety

Engineering results & automation

Save optimization snapshots, compare results, automate studies, and export traceable tables and model validation data to common engineering formats.

Laminate Ex–Ey carpet plot with an interactive design point and corresponding live laminate stackSaved process optimization comparison
InputDesign study cases
ModelAutomate and compare
OutputReports and model exports
Repeatable validation data

Integrated composite workflow

Connect materials, micromechanics, laminates, processing, structural analysis, and design decisions in one continuous engineering path.

Workbench simulation setup linking laminate, geometry and process records with thermal, moisture and structural analysis selectionsConnected ply editor and colored laminate stack
InputMaterial and design requirements
ModelConnected CDS workflow
OutputDefensible design validation data
End-to-end engineering