An Approach Towards Interoperability of CSM Models in the Virtual Structural Sizing and Testing of Lightweight Composite Structures

Abstract

At DLR, the 'virtual product' is at the forefront of the research work. It generally refers to a highly-accurate mathematical-numerical representation of aircraft, including its properties and components, such as aerodynamics, structure and systems. In the concept, the physical domain as well as the digital thread of an aircraft include its complete life span, a digital twin. The data range extends from design, via tests and certification, production to operation until the end of life. In the project 'Virtual Product House - Multifunctional Moveable' the testing and simulation-based certification aspects of a composite moveable are addressed. Based on an initial design the structure undergoes virtual manufacturing. Afterwards it is numerically tested for structural performance using computational structural mechanics (CSM) tools as well as in coupled system models. Analyses include the draping and laying of plies, the infusion process as well as the curing. After these manufacturing steps, different structural analyses are carried out. These use different model fidelities, from shell to stacked solid models. To make matters even more complex, different structural analysis codes are used. At the institute of composite structures and adaptive systems several methods are currently developed to allow improved interoperability between different structural analysis models and codes. These include parametric modeling capabilities based on a common language as well the use of a analysis method library applicable to a wide range of structural analysis codes. The present contribution gives an overview of approaches for interoperability for computer-aided engineering (CAE) at our institution, identifies open topics and shows how the planned integration of VMAP may help alleviate some of the problems.