A comparison of FE modelling techniques of composite structure using MSC Patran/Nastran software

• Published in: AIP Conference Proceedings
• Main Author: Shah M.A.S.A.; Yunus M.A.; Rani M.N.A.
• Format: Conference paper
• Language: English
• Published: American Institute of Physics Inc. 2022
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85141838026&doi=10.1063%2f5.0103287&partnerID=40&md5=de28e76a67a11ab69e45f5b33f25b996

Analytical modelling of composite structures is found to be difficult to develop especially to predict the structural vibration responses due to the complicated of components itself such as matrix-reinforcement element, fibre orientation and unknown properties fibre raw material during fabrication stages of composite structures. The uncertainties of the finish product of components then indirectly affect the initial analytical model of the composites in comparison to measured vibration responses. Therefore, this paper aim to investigate the accuracy of analytical model of composite structure using finite element (FE) method. There are two methods that been investigated in this work by implemented MSC Patran/Nastran software which are simplified shell element property card (PSHELL) and complicated layered composite element property card (PCOMP). The accuracy of the both models are compared with experimental results obtained by using experimental modal analysis (EMA). Then, FE model updating was utilized to enhance the quality of analytical models. The results show that the PSHELL model provide the simplest technique in composite structure modelling, however PSHELL providing inaccurate prediction especially when the model required optimisation steps. Meanwhile, good achievement in term of prediction accuracy can be achieved by utilising the PCOMP model. However, complexity of the PCOMP modelling technique could become cumbersome in the large and more complex geometry structure due to it requirement to define all the properties of plies. © 2022 Author(s).