This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
In Excel 2003, select "Tools/Options", then select the Security tab. Set "Macro Security..." to Medium. Then restart the file and enable macros.
What files are created during the installation? What files are needed to run the main Excel file?A series of files are copied to the destination directory. The main Excel file will not work if these files are not installed.Do not copy the main Excel file to another machine. Instead, run the full installation.
INPUT / OUTPUT
Can I save the main Excel file?
What are the "Read Data" and "Save Data" buttons for?These buttons should be used to export and import data. Formulas entered into input cells (light blue) will be preserved during import/export.
Against the recommendation, I accidently used the "Save" or "Save As" feature. Could this cause a problem?If the only modification was to the input cells, then a problem should not occur. A more effective way of exporting and importing data is to use the "read data" and "save data" buttons on the upper left.If you also unlocked the sheets and made further modifications, then it is likely that a destructive modification occurred.If you are not sure if a detrimental modification may have occurred, simply reinstall the program.
Macros must be enabled. Click the test button below to determine if macros are enabled. If a message box does not appear, then macros are disabled.
Using the "Save" or "Save As" feature is not recommended, but is allowed.
First, use the "SHOW" action in the navigation menu to the left.
The "SHOW" option performs two actions. Sheets (tabs) related to the tool will be displayed and the main sheet will be selected.
If the "HIDE" action is performed, the main Excel file will display the adjancent tab. In some cases, this tab may not be the main tab of a tool.
USE
How do I use the tools?The input cells are in light blue, while the the output cells are a darker blue.
COMMENTThe comment indicator should be shown in the cell above. If you cannot see the comment when hovering over the cell with the mouse, then comments are turned off. In Excel 2003, turn comments on by selectiong "Tools/Options", select the "View" tab, and Select "Comment Indicator Only"Full technical documentation on each tool is pending. In addition, the book "Practical Stress Analysis of Composite Aerostructures" by Brian Esp will be released in 2012. Most of the tools are fully documented in the planned publication.
Some of the tools generate a lot of data. Do I really need all of that information?Unlike other programs, which "bury" the data, this program provides the information to the user.You may not need this extra information, but it is provided in the event that you do. Many advanced users require intermediate data to check results or better understand the final results.
Can I unlock the sheet?
If you still wish to unlock the sheet, the password is "composites".
Who can use the FREE version?The free version can be used in a non commercial environment (academic or education) without restriction.
What does the PRO version offer?The pro version must be used in a commercial environment.The pro version removes the restrictions of the free version and adds functionality not demonstrated in the free version.
The "SHOW" and "HIDE" actions are
Most input cells have comments
Yes, but this is not recommended. The main Excel file
The free version may be used in a commerical environment for 30 days,
CAPABILITYCan an Excel file have the capability of traditional programs?
Normal use of an Excel is limited in capability. However, by allowing macros to be enabled, the VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) becomes available.VBA is a powerful programming language that dramatically increases Excel's capability.The combination of Excel with VBA yields a powerful tool for engineering tasks.
How does this software compare to other software?All programs have different objectives and capabilities.This program aims to implement practical composite analysis tools in a convenient interface. The software is simple enough to use for a beginner, but has the capabiliy required for an advanced user.In addition, the integration with the finite element solver CalculiX, creates an extremely powerful product.
KNOWN ISSUESWhy do some tools not work properly for international users?
For some languages, the "comma" and "period" may be reversed from the English system. This creates a problem when passing data to third party programs.To solve this problem, you can either change the language or change the Excel options to adjust the comma and period.
After using the "HIDE" action, the menu bar dissapears.Upon using the "HIDE" action, the nearest tab is displayed, which may not be the main tab of a tool. In some cases, the tool sub-tabs does not have a menu bar.To resolve this, select a different tab.
Why do some cells show "#######"?This may occur at certain zoom levels. Change the zoom level or expand the column width. The sheet will need to be unprotected first. The password is "composites".
Why do some graphics/number look strange?This occur as certain zoom levels. Change the zoom level slightly to improve the appearance.
Will this program work on the Mac?If you are using Winows on the Mac, then everything should run normally.If you are using the Mac version of Excel, this program may not be compatible.
COMPATIBILITYWhat version of Excel will this program work on?
Making a program that works on the various versions of Excel can be a challenging task. For example, Excel 2007 did not incorporate some of the VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) features that existed in previous versions.This program attempts to only use the most compatible coding and is tested on multiple versions for compatibility.
What is a Beta Version? Why is this program listed as a Beta?A Beta version is not the final version. The test phase is ongoing and there may be updates and improvements before the final version.
What files were installed?The only files installed reside in the "C:\eSuite" directory. Additionally, a desktop icon and start menu shortcuts (if selected during installation) were created.
In Excel 2003, select "Tools/Options", then select the Security tab. Set "Macro Security..." to Medium. Then restart the file and enable macros.
What files are created during the installation? What files are needed to run the main Excel file?A series of files are copied to the destination directory. The main Excel file will not work if these files are not installed.Do not copy the main Excel file to another machine. Instead, run the full installation.
What are the "Read Data" and "Save Data" buttons for?These buttons should be used to export and import data. Formulas entered into input cells (light blue) will be preserved during import/export.
Against the recommendation, I accidently used the "Save" or "Save As" feature. Could this cause a problem?If the only modification was to the input cells, then a problem should not occur. A more effective way of exporting and importing data is to use the "read data" and "save data" buttons on the upper left.If you also unlocked the sheets and made further modifications, then it is likely that a destructive modification occurred.If you are not sure if a detrimental modification may have occurred, simply reinstall the program.
be enabled. Click the test button below to determine if macros are enabled. If a message box does not appear, then macros are disabled.
Using the "Save" or "Save As" feature is not recommended, but is allowed. Instead, use the "Read Data" and "Save Data" buttons.
First, use the "SHOW" action in the navigation menu to the left. This will will display all sheets (tabs) for that tool.
The "SHOW" option performs two actions. Sheets (tabs) related to the tool will be displayed and the main sheet will be selected.
If the "HIDE" action is performed, the main Excel file will display the adjancent tab. In some cases, this tab may not be the main tab of a tool.
The input cells are in light blue, while the the output cells are a darker blue.
The comment indicator should be shown in the cell above. If you cannot see the comment when hovering over the cell with the mouse, then comments are turned off. In Excel 2003, turn comments on by selectiong "Tools/Options", select the "View" tab, and Select "Comment Indicator Only"Full technical documentation on each tool is pending. In addition, the book "Practical Stress Analysis of Composite Aerostructures" by Brian Esp will be released in 2012. Most of the tools are fully documented in the planned publication.
Some of the tools generate a lot of data. Do I really need all of that information?Unlike other programs, which "bury" the data, this program provides the information to the user.You may not need this extra information, but it is provided in the event that you do. Many advanced users require intermediate data to check results or better understand the final results.
If you still wish to unlock the sheet, the password is "composites".
The free version can be used in a non commercial environment (academic or education) without restriction.
The pro version must be used in a commercial environment.The pro version removes the restrictions of the free version and adds functionality not demonstrated in the free version.
The "SHOW" and "HIDE" actions are filters that provide a convenient way of displaying the individual tools.
Most input cells have comments that provide information about the input. Look for the red comment indicator by the cell.
Yes, but this is not recommended. The main Excel file should not be modified since the "Save Data" and "Read Data" functions may no longer work.
The free version may be used in a commerical environment for 30 days, for evaluation purposes only.
Can an Excel file have the capability of traditional programs?Normal use of an Excel is limited in capability. However, by allowing macros to be enabled, the VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) becomes available.VBA is a powerful programming language that dramatically increases Excel's capability.The combination of Excel with VBA yields a powerful tool for engineering tasks.
How does this software compare to other software?All programs have different objectives and capabilities.This program aims to implement practical composite analysis tools in a convenient interface. The software is simple enough to use for a beginner, but has the capabiliy required for an advanced user.In addition, the integration with the finite element solver CalculiX, creates an extremely powerful product.
Why do some tools not work properly for international users?For some languages, the "comma" and "period" may be reversed from the English system. This creates a problem when passing data to third party programs.To solve this problem, you can either change the language or change the Excel options to adjust the comma and period.
After using the "HIDE" action, the menu bar dissapears.Upon using the "HIDE" action, the nearest tab is displayed, which may not be the main tab of a tool. In some cases, the tool sub-tabs does not have a menu bar.To resolve this, select a different tab.
Why do some cells show "#######"?This may occur at certain zoom levels. Change the zoom level or expand the column width. The sheet will need to be unprotected first. The password is "composites".
Why do some graphics/number look strange?This occur as certain zoom levels. Change the zoom level slightly to improve the appearance.
Will this program work on the Mac?If you are using Winows on the Mac, then everything should run normally.If you are using the Mac version of Excel, this program may not be compatible.
What version of Excel will this program work on?Making a program that works on the various versions of Excel can be a challenging task. For example, Excel 2007 did not incorporate some of the VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) features that existed in previous versions.This program attempts to only use the most compatible coding and is tested on multiple versions for compatibility.
What is a Beta Version? Why is this program listed as a Beta?A Beta version is not the final version. The test phase is ongoing and there may be updates and improvements before the final version.
Use the uninstall feature from the control panel or from start menu (if selected during installation).
The only files installed reside in the "C:\eSuite" directory. Additionally, a desktop icon and start menu shortcuts (if selected during installation) were created.Why does the C:\eSuite directory remain after an uninstall?
In Excel 2003, select "Tools/Options", then select the Security tab. Set "Macro Security..." to Medium. Then restart the file and enable macros.
These buttons should be used to export and import data. Formulas entered into input cells (light blue) will be preserved during import/export.
If the only modification was to the input cells, then a problem should not occur. A more effective way of exporting and importing data is to use the "read data" and "save data" buttons on the upper left.
be enabled. Click the test button below to determine if macros are enabled. If a message box does not appear, then macros are disabled.
Instead, use the "Read Data" and "Save Data" buttons.
The "SHOW" option performs two actions. Sheets (tabs) related to the tool will be displayed and the main sheet will be selected.
If the "HIDE" action is performed, the main Excel file will display the adjancent tab. In some cases, this tab may not be the main tab of a tool.
The comment indicator should be shown in the cell above. If you cannot see the comment when hovering over the cell with the mouse, then comments are turned off. In Excel 2003, turn comments on by selectiong "Tools/Options", select the "View" tab, and Select "Comment Indicator Only"Full technical documentation on each tool is pending. In addition, the book "Practical Stress Analysis of Composite Aerostructures" by Brian Esp will be released in 2012. Most of the tools are fully documented in the planned publication.
These tools are pre and post processors to the open source finite element solver CalculiX. The CalculiX files were created during installation.
modified since the "Save Data" and "Read Data" functions may no longer work.
Normal use of an Excel is limited in capability. However, by allowing macros to be enabled, the VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) becomes available.
This program aims to implement practical composite analysis tools in a convenient interface. The software is simple enough to use for a beginner, but has the capabiliy required for an advanced user.
Finally, this software displays intermediate data, as opposed to providing a "black box" solution. This is useful and necessary for advanced structural analysis.This product is designed for structural analysts who desire a highly function product in a convenient user interface. It is NOT a "push button" analysis solution, but rather is a tool suitable for sizing of aircraft.
For some languages, the "comma" and "period" may be reversed from the English system. This creates a problem when passing data to third party programs.
Upon using the "HIDE" action, the nearest tab is displayed, which may not be the main tab of a tool. In some cases, the tool sub-tabs does not have a menu bar.
This may occur at certain zoom levels. Change the zoom level or expand the column width. The sheet will need to be unprotected first. The password is "composites".
Making a program that works on the various versions of Excel can be a challenging task. For example, Excel 2007 did not incorporate some of the VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) features that existed in previous versions.
A Beta version is not the final version. The test phase is ongoing and there may be updates and improvements before the final version.
The only files installed reside in the "C:\eSuite" directory. Additionally, a desktop icon and start menu shortcuts (if selected during installation) were created.
Full technical documentation on each tool is pending. In addition, the book "Practical Stress Analysis of Composite Aerostructures" by Brian Esp will be released in 2012. Most of the tools are fully documented in the planned publication.
Making a program that works on the various versions of Excel can be a challenging task. For example, Excel 2007 did not incorporate some of the VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) features that existed in previous versions.
The [A] matrix represents the laminate's in-plane stiffness properties.
M11
The [B] matrix represents the coupling between axial and bending.
M14
The [D] matrix represents the laminate's bending properties.
C15
Ply thickness
C16
Input coefficients of thermal expansion. Not required if thermal loading is not applied.
C18
Input coefficents of moisture expansion. Not required if moisture expansion load is not applied).
J18
The 6x6 matrix represents the [a], [b], and [d] matrices.
C22
Input either lamina based strain allowables or design strain cutoffs. Strain cutoffs may be used to account for notched laminates, etc.
C29
This section calculates the equivalent stress based strengths. They are converted from the strain allowable inputs above. Used as reference only. If strengths are to be directly input, the sheet can be modified such that the strain based allowables are functions of the stress based allowables. C22 to C26 are always the final values used.
I29
The "equivalent" properties are most valid when the laminate is symmetric.
M29
The equivalent bending properties represent the bending stiffness if the material were isotropic, with moment of inertia (1/12)bt3
O29
"Equivalent" coefficients of thermal expansions and coefficients of moisture expansion. Most valid for symmetric laminates.
C36
Input "running" or "line" loads and "running moments".
H36
All M.S. calculations are based on the mid-ply stresses/strains. The Marin of Safety is defined as the (Factor of Safety - 1) and a M.S. > 0.0 indicates acceptance while a M.S. < 0.0 indicates failure. Outer and inner fiber stresses/strains should be considered for thin laminates or thick layers. This can be calculated through spreadsheet modification as outer layer strains/stress are provided in the "Intermediate" tab. If lamina based strain allowables are used then the M.S. represents first ply failurel. *Note that unnotched failure predictions and material allowables may not be useful for laminates with holes, bolted joints, where impact damage tolerance is necessary, etc. Design strain cutoffs may be used to represent laminates with holes, bolted joints, impact tolerance, etc.
F37
The total laminate mid-plane strains and curvatures are shown here. The total hygrothermal strains are included so the result is a total strain.
I38
Max strain failure criterion for the 1, 2, and 1-2 direction failure modes. The minimum margin of any of the 3 failure modes is reported.
J38
Similar to the Max Strain failure criterion, but uses a stress based approach. The major difference between the two is due to the effect of Poisson's ratio.
L38
This failure criterion is the same as the max-strain, but only reports the margin in the 1-direction (fiber direction). This failure criterion disregards potentially subcritical failures in the matrix.
M38
A custome failure criterion may be used by modifying the "Intermediate" tab.
C42
Input the temperature gradient (T - T0), where T0 is the stress free temperature. For example, if the stress free temperature was assumed to be at 300.0F and the laminate is analyzed at 75.0F, then the input would be -225.0F.
F47
Global X,Y mid-ply strains. For hygrothermal loading, the related stress free strains are subtracted and not accounted for in the failure criteria. The result is an "effective strain" that can used to evaluate failure. For example, a laminate of all 0 degree plies would have finite strain upon thermal loading, but the individual lamina strains related to failure would be zero.
C50
Simply add a Mat ID entry for every lamina and the ply count will be automatically updated. Be sure not to have any blank rows between entries or the calculations will not be valid.
D50
Enter the corresponding ply angle. There must be a ply angle for every Mat ID entry.
Input the in-plane elastic properties after choosing from the material type below. You MUST have the appropriate entries for the given material type. Isotropic - 2 elastic constants Orthotropic - 4 elastic constants Anisotropic - 6 elastic constants + thickness
F5
Remote applied stresses at the infinite external boundary.
H5
The dimensions of the ellipse. Click the "Display Graphic" icon for details. If a and b are equal, the result with be a circle with a radius of a. The standard edition allows for a circular cutout. The pro edition allows for an elliptical cutout.
H6
Pro edition only. The standard edition only allows for a circular cutout of radius "a".
J6
The calculation mode can be changed here. When entering initial data, it may be more efficient to turn off automatic calculation. Automatic calculation mode must be started in order to view updated results.
H7
The characteristic dimension, d0, is the dimension from the edge of the hole. Local stresses and strains, shown below, are recovered at the physical location of d0. For example, a d0 of 0.0 would represent the hole edge. A very large d0 would indicate a position far away from the hole. d0 values are usually considered to be different for tension and compression and are specific to a given material system and layup.
H8
The "Width" of the plate is the smallest of either the actual width or height. Enter a very large value to simulate an infinite plate.
H9
The finite width correction factor amplifies the stresses. This solution employs the correction factor typically used for isotropic materials, but often exptrapolated to orthotropic or anisotropic materials. See the technical documentation for more information. The largest value of either a or b is used for conservatism. A value of 1.00 represents an infinite plate.
H10
The local stresses and strains to the cutout are shown in this section.
D13
Choose the type of material. Orthotropic properties for symmetric and balanced laminates may be obtained with eLaminate. Choosing anisotropic is the slowest, while isotropic is the fastest.
E18
Enter exactly 73 positions around the hole, in degrees. By default, results are reported at every 5 degrees between 0 and 360. Theta is measured from the global-x direction. Click the "display graphic" for more information.
If strength prediction is desired, enter the lamina strain allowables in each direction.
S5
The margin of safety is calculated by rotating the global strains in each of the four direction. This represents the local 1-2 system strains for each potential lamina.
Q14
The margin of safety is calculated for each of the four rotated angles, at each angle around the cutout (default is every 5 degress from 0 to 360). The max strain failure criterion is used and the failure modes in the 1, 2, and shear direction are considered. The minimum value around the entire cutout is reported. Margin of Safety = Factor of Safety - 1.
x [in] y [in]
0.000 1.000 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!
0.000 1.010 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!
0.000 1.020 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!
0.000 1.030 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!
0.000 1.040 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!
0.000 1.050 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!
0.000 1.060 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!
0.000 1.070 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!
0.000 1.080 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!
0.000 1.090 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!
0.000 1.100 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!
0.000 1.110 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!
0.000 1.120 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!
0.000 1.130 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!
0.000 1.140 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!
0.000 1.150 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!
0.000 1.160 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!
0.000 1.170 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!
0.000 1.180 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!
0.000 1.190 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!
0.000 1.200 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!
0.000 1.210 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!
0.000 1.220 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!
0.000 1.230 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!
0.000 1.240 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!
0.000 1.250 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!
0.000 1.260 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!
0.000 1.270 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!
0.000 1.280 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!
0.000 1.290 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!
0.000 1.300 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!
0.000 1.310 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!
0.000 1.320 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!
0.000 1.330 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!
0.000 1.340 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!
0.000 1.350 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!
0.000 1.360 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!
0.000 1.370 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!
0.000 1.380 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!
sx sy txy
B4
(Optional) Enter x,y positions manually to determine stress and strain components. A stress profile may be otained in this worksheet.
Input laminate based strain allowables. This should be an "unnotched strength" since the local stresses will be calculated.
C23
This section calculates the equivalent stress based strengths. They are converted from the strain allowable inputs above. Used as reference only. If strengths are to be directly input, the sheet can be modified such that the strain based allowables are functions of the stress based allowables. C18 to C21 are always the final values used.
B27
Bearing strength of laminate
B28
Fastener strength. Often times number if far less than the rated shear strength to account for the effects of fastener bending.
I31
The knockdown factors are incorporated in the M.S. reported on this sheet.
C32
Input bypass loads as "running" or "line" loads.
E32
Input the width. Valid range is W/D > 4.0 Enter 0.0 for an infinite plate. BJSFM accounts for the finite width effect due to bearing load, which has a significant impact. BJSFM does not account for the finite width effect due to bypass, which is less significant than due to bearing. If desired, this may be adjusted for by manually modifying the applied loads.
H32
The finite width correction factor for the open hole solution component is added since this is not part of the original BJSFM code. For W/D > 4, the isotropic FWC is a good approximation for anisotropic/orthotropic materials. The FWC applied in this manner is slightly conservative since it is applied to the combined bearing-bypass stress field.
C35
Input Bearing Load (Fastener Load) and Bearing Angle
E35
The "equivalent" properties are most valid when the laminate is symmetric.
C41
Simply add a Mat ID entry for every lamina and the ply count will be automatically updated. Be sure not to have any blank rows between entries or the calculations will not be valid.
D41
Enter the corresponding ply angle. Up to 8 orientations are allowed. Enter the thickness of all plies in each direction used. Each orientation is used only ONE time. For example, if there are 4 plies in the 0 degree direction, enter 0 only time, but use the total thickness of all 0 plies. There must be a ply angle for every Mat ID entry. The angle 9.99 is reserved and cannot be used.
E41
Enter to the TOTAL thickness in each direction. BJSFM does not account for stacking sequence effects and all laminates are assumed to be symmetric. No bending moments are accounted for.
I42
Input the "characteristic dimension" d0 here. The M.S. will be reported at the stresses/strains at a distance d0 from the hole edge. Valid range is 0.0 or greater.
I44
The M.S. (Margin of Safety) = Factor of Safety - 1. The max stress criterion is applied at the laminate level, not the ply level. The max strain criterion is applied at the laminate/lamina level since the strains are the same for either approach. Recommend max strain criterion to avoid confusion.