Release Notes

FibersimTM 13

January, 2013
This document describes features and enhancements included as part of the
FibersimTM 13 release, as well as information that allows for more effective use of the
product.

PLEASE NOTE: It is recommended that this document be reviewed prior to installing

and using the Fibersim product.

If you have any questions concerning the enhancements or modifications contained in

the product, please contact the Siemens PLM Software Global Technical Access Center
(GTAC) by telephone at (800) 955-0000 (U.S.) or +1 (714) 952-5444 (International).

Release Information ..................................................................... 3

Siemens PLM Global Technical Access Center (GTAC) Website....... 4
Installation ................................................................................. 5
Licensing (requires FLEXnet 11.8 or higher) ................................. 6

Product Enhancements
General Installation and Setup Notes
FIBERSIM_HOME replaces ENCAPTA_HOME .............................. 7
UGII_CUSTOM_DIRECTORY_FILE variable (NX) ........................ 8
FS_NX_VERSION variable (NX) ................................................. 9
[Link] replaces [Link] ...................... 10

Teamcenter Integration
Setting the connection (Installing the Fibersim extension on
the server) .............................................................................. 11
Setting the connection (New Encapta options) .............................. 13
Exporting files\data into Teamcenter ........................................... 14
List of export objects with Teamcenter load options ....................... 15

General Enhancements
Special User Interface Note: Visual Difference (NX) .................. 17
Special User Interface Note: Visual Difference (CATIA) .............. 18
 Customizable toolbars .............................................................. 19
Additional UI columns (available in Ply list view) ........................... 20
Geometry naming (enhancement) .............................................. 21

New Fibersim Design Approach

New design approach (Design-to-Extended) ............................. 22
Behavior of utilities for Design-to-Extended laminates .............. 24
Utilities not compatible with Design-to-Extended laminates ....... 25
Sample CAD images ............................................................ 26

Utilities
Ply Drop-Off – revamped layout ............................................... 28
Curve Offset – Name member .................................................. 29

Import/Export Enhancements
JETCAM PPI - Updates to file ................................................... 30
Virtek v4: New projected point shapes ....................................... 31
HDF5: Import/export objects .................................................... 32
CAE Exchange Format (HDF5 Display Import) .................. 32
Material Mapping ............................................................. 34
Analysis Rosettes ............................................................ 35
Component Review Window ............................................. 36
Mapping Data\Components .............................................. 37
Refining Curves – The Curve Fitting Tool ............................. 38
CAE Exchange Format (HDF5 Export) .............................. 42
Patran export – Now supports unit of meters .............................. 43
iCPS interface (New) ................................................................ 44
Flat Pattern Exports (auto-formatting text) .................................. 45

Product Enhancements (NX-Specific)

NX integration enhancements .................................................... 46
Placing Fibersim menu on the toolbar .......................................... 47
Selection of display geometry .................................................... 48
Hidden geometry shown in ―geometry selection‖ ........................... 49
Curve selection functionality (new) ............................................. 50
Curve replacement functionality (new) ........................................ 52
Surface replacement functionality (new) ...................................... 53

Resolved Customer Issues

List of resolved customer issues ................................................. 54

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 2 January, 2013

Release Information
This table summarizes the supported CAD system and Windows platforms:

WINDOWS

Professional/Enterprise

Professional/Enterprise
Windows 2000
Professional

Professional

Professional
Windows XP

Windows XP

Windows 7

Windows 7
(32-bit)

(32-bit)

(64-bit)

(32-bit)

(64-bit)
CATIA V5-6R2012 — X X — X
CATIA V5 R21 — X X — X
CATIA V5 R20 — X X — SP2+
CATIA V5 R19 — X X — SP6+
CATIA V5 R18 X X X — —

NX 8.5 — X X X X
* NX 8.0 — X X X X
**NX 7.5 — X X X X

Creo Parametrics
2.0
— X X X X
Creo Parametrics
1.0
— X X X X

Pro/E Wildfire 5 — X X M040+ M040+

NOTES:

 An ―X‖ indicates that the CAD system is supported on the operating system.

 A ―—‖ indicates that the CAD system IS NOT supported on the operating system.

 Mnnn+ and SPn+ indicate that the CAD system is supported on the operating
system with the minimum build or service pack required.

* To use Fibersim on NX 8.0, the minimum required version is 8.0.1.

** To use Fibersim on NX 7.5, the minimum required version is [Link] MP2.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 3 January, 2013

Siemens PLM Global Technical Access Center
(GTAC) Website
We continually evaluate the processes by which we support our customers, and in an effort
to provide world-class support to compliment our world-class products, we have a product
support website. The product support website allows users to do the following:
 Download Product Documentation
 Download our Products
 Submit Incident Reports, using WEBIR
 Interact with a User Friendly Interface

To access the GTAC website go here:

[Link]

If any questions or comments arise, please contact Siemens GTAC by telephone at (800)
955-0000 (U.S.) or +1 (714) 952-5444 (International).

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 4 January, 2013

Installation
Please be sure to follow the installation instructions provided with the Fibersim distribution.

Fibersim uses an installer that provides a consistent user interface across Windows
platforms.

 The installation instructions can be downloaded from product support website at:

[Link]

 Installation instructions are also included with each product distribution in the
$FIBERSIM_HOME\Fibersim\documentation directory.

For installation assistance, please contact Siemens GTAC by telephone at (800) 955-0000
(U.S.) or +1 (714) 952-5444 (International).

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 5 January, 2013

Licensing
Fibersim uses the FLEXnet v11.8 network license management system from Acresso
(formerly Macrovision) Software. The necessary FLEXnet license management tools can be
installed by using the Fibersim installer and choosing the ―License Setup‖ option.

When setting up the Fibersim license, you are encouraged to use the licensing tools
provided with the distribution. This ensures that the correct version of the FLEXnet is being
used for license management.

Please refer to the Installation Guide for information on how to properly install the
Fibersim license.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 6 January, 2013

General Installation and Setup Notes

FIBERSIM_HOME replaces ENCAPTA_HOME

There have been changes to the installation procedures when installing Fibersim. The
ENCAPTA_HOME variable is now replaced with the FIBERSIM_HOME variable.

Replaces “ENCAPTA_HOME”

SPECIAL NOTE: The existing ENCAPTA_HOME environment variable (from previous

Fibersim releases) should be deleted or commented out. The installer will not remove this
variable. This will need to be done manually.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 7 January, 2013

UGII_CUSTOM_DIRECTORY_FILE (NX)

Note also, when on the NX platform, the installation will create a new variable,
UGII_CUSTOM_DIRECTORY_FILE. The installer will prompt you to specify the location
for the custom directory file. The default is the FIBERSIM_HOME location:

%FIBERSIM_HOME\custom_dirs.dat

Note that you can specify a different the location for the .dat file.

The custom_dirs.dat needs to reflect what version of NX you are using. The file will
contain a line as shown below, and point to the FS_NX_VERSION variable. (See the next
page for details.)

$FIBERSIM_HOME\$FS_NX_VERSION

SPECIAL NOTE: The following environment variables, used in previous Fibersim versions,
should be deleted or commented out. The installer will not remove these existing variables.
This will need to be done manually.

 UGII_VENDOR_DIR
 UGII_SITE_DIR
 UGII_USER_DIR

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 8 January, 2013

FS_NX_VERSION variable

The FS_NX_VERSION variable will be set when Fibersim is installed. The variable should
be set to the current version of NX being used. The .dat file will reference this variable.

You will not need to update your Path variable, or .dat file. If you want to use a different
version of NX, simply change the version here.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 9 January, 2013

[Link] replaces [Link]

The configuration file, which was previously named [Link] is now named
[Link]. You will be able to edit this file for setting up the defaults file or
application extensions.

The default location for this file is:

%FIBERSIM_HOME%\[Link]

The defaults file (located at %FIBERSIM_HOME%\FiberSIM\FiberSIM_Defaults.xml) will get

used automatically.

Note that the defaults file can be placed at another location, by changing the path listed in
the [Link] file.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 10 January, 2013

Teamcenter Integration

This section discusses the necessary steps to set a connection between Fibersim and
Teamcenter.

a) Setting the Teamcenter connection – Installing the Fibersim extension on the

server

With Teamcenter successfully installed, you will need to install the special Fibersim
extension on the server to set a connection between Fibersim and Teamcenter. This will
allow you to successfully export Fibersim data into Teamcenter.

FILES NEEDED: Note that the Fibersim installation will now include a ―teamcenter‖ folder.
In this folder, inside the ―template‖ folder, you will find the feature_sesfs file. This file will
need to be selected in step 6 of the instructions below.

Use the Teamcenter Environment Manager to install the Fibersim extesnion:

1. Start the Teamcenter Environment Manager:

2. Set the Configuration Manager option and click Next.

3. Set the Perform maintenance on an existing configuration option and click

Next.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 11 January, 2013

 4. Select the proper server configuration where you will install the extension, and click
Next.

5. Select the Add/Remove Features option and click Next.

6. Press the Browse button, and go to your current FIBERSIM_HOME directory. In the
―teamcenter‖ folder, select the feature_sesfs file.

This will display a new option in the ―Select Features‖ window, in the ―Extensions‖
sub-menu. Check this option and click Next.

7. Continue with the remaining steps to complete the installation of the extension.

SPECIAL NOTE: To export data into Teamcenter, you will also need to make sure the
Teamcenter connection options are set in Fibersim, from the ―Teamcenter Options‖ menu.
See the next page.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 12 January, 2013

b) Setting the Teamcenter connection - (New Fibersim options)

In order for Fibersim to connect to Teamcenter, you will also need to provide the following
information:

 User Name
 Password
 Teamcenter Host URL (i.e. [Link]

From the main Fibersim toolbar, click on Tools > Options > Teamcenter Options. Once
the information is entered, click OK.

SPECIAL NOTE - LICENSE REQUIRED: A special license is required to be able to export

data to Teamcenter from Fibersim. For information on acquiring this license, please contact
GTAC Product Support.

Options to connect to Teamcenter

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 13 January, 2013

Exporting files\data to Teamcenter

Certain Fibersim export objects will contain a new option to allow exporting to Teamcenter.
When this option is checked, and the export is performed, Fibersim will export and upload
the file into Teamcenter.

PLEASE NOTE: The Fibersim extension will need to be installed on the server, and
connection fields will need to be set for this to be successful. These features are discussed in
the previous sections.

SPECIAL NOTE - LICENSE REQUIRED: Remember that a special license is required to be

able to export data to Teamcenter from Fibersim. For information on acquiring this license,
please contact GTAC Product Support.

When exporting to Teamcenter:

1. After a part from Teamcenter has been loaded into the CAD system, start Fibersim.

2. Be sure to enter Teamcenter details in the options panel (Username, Password, Host
name). See the previous sections for details.

3. Create the export object and check Export to Teamcenter.

4. Press the Export button to perform the export.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 14 January, 2013

List of Export Objects with Teamcenter export options

This is a list of the Fibersim exports that contain an option for exporting to Teamcenter:

EXPORT CATEGORY SUPPORTED PRODUCT FILE EXTENSION

Flat Patterns Cutting Edge .igs
DXF .dxf
(A)GFM-NS2 .dxf
IGES .igs
Magestic .mag
Optimation .igs, .ppi
JETCAM Expert .dxf, .ppi

EXPORT CATEGORY SUPPORTED PRODUCT FILE EXTENSION

Laser Projection Assembly Guidance .dat
Assembly Guidance APV .dat
General Scanning .prt, .cal
LAP .lpd, .cal
LPT .xml, .cal
SL .sl, .cal
Virtek .dat, .cal
Virtek v4 .ply, .cal
XML .xml
Dependent on the selected
Custom transform.

Continued on next page.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 15 January, 2013

List of Export Objects with Teamcenter export options (cont’d)

EXPORT CATEGORY SUPPORTED PRODUCT FILE EXTENSION

Fiber Placement MAG ACRAPLACE .fpl
MAG ACE V2 .xcl
Ingersoll .xml
Interim iCPS .xml
CGTech Vericut .xml
Coroilis CAD Fiber .xml

EXPORT CATEGORY SUPPORTED PRODUCT FILE EXTENSION

Tape Laying MAG ACE V2 .xcl
Mikrosam MikroPlace .xml

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 16 January, 2013

General Updates and Enhancements

This section discusses the general enhancements made to the Fibersim product, for the 13
release.

Special User Interface Note: Differences on NX

With the Fibersim 13 release, the Encapta user interface will have some visual changes,
when it is run on the NX CAD platform. Encapta will appear similar to how the NX
interface appears, and there will be some differences in certain object and member layouts.

The Enable Always on Top Mode option will allow for Fibersim to always be on top, in the
forefront, when running on NX.

PLEASE NOTE: These changes will initially be visible on the NX platform. However, you
have the option to switch back to the old UI appearance. Go to Tools > Options > Encapta
Options > in the “Appearance” tab, select the ―System Theme‖ option from the Windows
Style drop-down menu.

Fibersim, with NX-styled appearance

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 17 January, 2013

Special User Interface Note: Visual Differences on CATIA

With the Fibersim 13 release, the Encapta user interface will have visual changes, when it is
run on the CATIA CAD platform. Encapta will appear similar to how the CATIA interface
appears, and there will be some differences in certain object and member layouts.

PLEASE NOTE: These changes will initially be visible on the CATIA platform. However, you
have the option to switch back to the old UI appearance. Go to Tools > Options > Encapta
Options > in the “Appearance” tab, select the ―System Theme‖ option from the Windows
Style drop-down menu.

Fibersim, with CATIA-styled appearance

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 18 January, 2013

Customizable (Encapta) toolbars

Fibersim 13 now gives you the ability to show/hide the individual toolbar buttons for each
object toolbar.

When you right-click on a toolbar, the menu will appear, listing each toolbar function.
Check/uncheck each function that you want actively displayed on the toolbar.

Right-click on the toolbar to bring up the menu

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 19 January, 2013

User Interface column additions (in the Ply list view)

All members now appear when right-clicking in the Ply list\table view

All options have been added to the list and table views. When you right-click on the header
row, when in list view, notice the list of members, including all of the sub-menus (i.e.
―Simulation Options‖).

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 20 January, 2013

Geometry naming (enhancement)

This feature allows for geometries to be named after their parent geometric set. Previous
behavior meant that CATIA-created geometry could be created as a series of un-named
items in a geometry set. When this preference is enabled, geometry is named after the
geometry set.

Example: If the geometry set is called ―P001_Boundary‖, the geometry in that set is named
―P001_Boundary.1‖, ―P001_Boundary.2‖, etc. This allows you to search for and find the
geometry by name.

The Name geometry after parent feature option is found on the Fibersim Options panel
(Tools > Options > Fibersim Options).

NOTE: This option was previously only available on NX. Remember that in NX there are
groups instead of geometry sets.

NOTE: No renaming takes place when you create a geometry set feature for an already
existing group.

Fibersim Options Panel

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 21 January, 2013

New design approach - “Design-to-Extended” Boundary

Normal Fibersim behavior means you have one boundary that is totally user-controlled
(design boundary) and one that is extrapolated from this boundary (derived boundary).

Traditionally, the Net boundary is the design boundary and the Extended boundary is one
that is derived. This design approach is ideal for situations where the manufacturing
boundary is simply an offset of the design boundary. The manufacturing boundary for each
component can simply be derived by extending each boundary to the laminate’s
extended/manufacturing boundary.

However, there are cases where the laminate’s net and extended boundaries have
completely different shapes. In such scenarios, the correct extended boundary for each
component cannot be derived by extending its net boundary to the laminate’s extended
boundary. This is where the new “Design-to-Extended” design approach can be used to
achieve the correct design. It allows you to define your components to the extended
boundary, and the net boundary will be derived by trimming each component back to the
laminate’s net boundary.

The ―Design-to-Extended‖ design approach is activated by setting the new Design

Boundary member on the Laminate object to ―Extended‖. Note that it will always be set to
―Net‖ by default.

SPECIAL NOTE #1: Once an option is selected, and OK is pressed on the laminate, the
Design Boundary option becomes read-only, and cannot be changed.

SPECIAL NOTE #2: When set to Net, Fibersim functions exactly as it always has.

See the next page for additional notes on this feature.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 22 January, 2013

Notes on Design-to-Extended laminates:

 Both a net and extended boundary is required.

 All laminates created as children of a Design-to-Extended laminate will also be set as

design-to-extended. The Design Boundary option will be set to read-only, and
cannot be changed.

 Any component that would previously have been defined to the laminate Net
boundary, must now be defined to the laminate Extended boundary. This includes
plies, zones, layers, splice curves, darts, etc.

 Holes must be inside the laminate’s Net boundary.

Notes on Plies (when the ply is linked to a Design-to-Extended laminate):

 All of the ply’s ―net geometry‖ members will be read-only.

 The ply’s net boundary will not highlight, and net flat patterns cannot be generated.

 You cannot run net producibility on the ply.

Notes on layers:

 Net Geometry fields will become read-only, including net boundary and net shading.

 Result boundary features can only be generated for extended boundaries.

SPECIAL NOTE: Ply analysis data can still be produced for both net and extended
boundaries.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 23 January, 2013

Behavior of utilities when laminates are set to “extended”

This is a list of Fibersim utilities, and their behavior when using laminates set to ―extended‖:

UTILITY DESCRIPTION

3D Cross Section Boundary Type field is read-only, and

only runs on extended boundaries.
Design Station

Explode Laminate

Flat Pattern Layout

3D Cross Section

Explode Laminate

IML Curve Creation

Object Locator

Formed Laminate

Imports/Exports Boundary field is read-only, set to

―Extended‖.

*Exceptions are noted below.

Ply Drop-Off Boundary Type field is read-only.

You are also unable to select components
from multiple laminates.
BA8 MBD Publish Only supports extended boundaries.

Boundary Simplification

Ply Callout Only locates plies based on extended

boundaries.

Ply Books Only outputs extended information.

Ply-Based Explicit Surface Offset Only outputs extended surfaces.

Explicit Surface Offset (ESO) Note that Explicit Surface Offset (ESO)
ramps are not trimmed.
Parametric Surface Offset (PSO)

Stepped Solid Boundary field is read-only, and only

outputs ―extended‖ solids.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 24 January, 2013

Noted exceptions for Fibersim imports and exports, when using laminates set to ―extended‖:

UTILITY DESCRIPTION

MSC Laminate Modeler Exports to both Net and Extended are

Export supported.

Generic Format XML Export The extended definition is trimmed by the

laminate net boundary, and then exported.
Ansys ACP Export

Beta CAE ANSA HDF5 Export

Altair Hyperworks Export

NX Laminate Composites
Export

Composite Part Export Boundary Type must be set to

―Manufacturing‖ or ―Both‖ when exporting
components on a Design-to-Extended
laminate.
Composite Part Step - LOTAR Supports both Net and Extended.

Utilities not compatible with Design-to-Extended laminates

The following objects/utilities are not compatible with Design-to-Extended laminates:

 Structure-Based Design (SBD)

 Wind Blade Design Import (WBDI)
 Courses
 XMLv1 and MSCv1 Exports

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 25 January, 2013

Sample CAD Images (to demonstrate the Design-to-Extended Approach)

These images are visual examples of using the Design-To-Extended approach:

In this image, the laminate definition is as follows:

Manufacturing Boundary (Cyan), Net Boundary (Magenta)

This sample image shows Zones defined to the Extended boundary:

Manufacturing Boundary (blue), Net Boundary (Magenta)

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 26 January, 2013

This image shows a sample layer shape, where extending the net boundary to the
manufacturing (Design-to-Net approach) would not achieve the correct shape.

Using the Design-to-Extended approach would deliver the correct net and extended shapes
in this design.

Manufacturing Boundary (yellow), Net Boundary (Magenta)

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 27 January, 2013

Utilities
These are the enhancements made to Fibersim utilities for the 13 release.

Ply Drop-Off – revamped layout

The ―Offset‖ and ―Corner Type‖ options now appear on the main object window. The Drop-
off Pattern and Output Curve Type now appear on the ―Options‖ menu.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 28 January, 2013

Curve Offset - Add Name member

The Name member has been added to this object.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 29 January, 2013

Import/Export Enhancements (13)
Updates to the JETCAM Export (PPI files)

The JETCAM Expert export has been updated to create updated PPI files. The format of the
files has been updated to fit new requirements.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 30 January, 2013

Virtek v4: Projected point shapes (laser export)

In Virtek V4, by default, points are automatically projected as small triangles. There is now
a "Point Style" drop-down in the ―Options‖ menu. You can control point styles interactively.
Virtek now supports the following shapes:

 Triangle
 Square
 Pentagon
 Rhombus
 X

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 31 January, 2013

HDF5 – Import/export objects

This section discusses the HDF5 import/export objects:

CAE Exchange Format (allows previewing and importing of data from an HDF5 file)

This new object allows you to view data in an HDF5 file before any permanent Fibersim
objects are created. This import will display list of objects in the file from which Fibersim
objects can be created.

You can assign laminates, materials and rosettes to the temporary objects, which will be
assigned to the new components upon creation. You can also link the temporary object to a
permanent Fibersim object, and provide the option to update the permanent object based
on the temporary one. The CAE Exchange Format interface also allows you to refine the CAE
boundaries, before importing and assigning them to Fibersim ply\layer objects.

See the next page for details.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 32 January, 2013

 MEMBER DESCRIPTION

Analysis Exchange This is the CAE file to be reviewed and imported. The
File file must be an HDF5 file format.

File Creator This will display the creator of the HDF5 file.

Last Modified Date This is the last modified date of the HDF5 file.

View Analysis File When you select the input file and press View
Analysis File, the file contents will display in the
―Component Review‖ list, and a message will confirm
what was loaded:

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 33 January, 2013

 Import Options

Interpret Data As Set this option to control whether plies or layers will
be imported. This also controls whether plies or layers
will be used for matching incoming data with existing
data.

Import Boundary Select either Net or Extended boundary.

Type

Material Mapping

This will display the list of materials from the HDF5 file, with the mapped material from
Fibersim.

Here you can change the Fibersim material that you would like assigned to a given Analysis
material. Upon importing, Fibersim will assign the materials based on the chosen material
mapping.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 34 January, 2013

Analysis Rosettes

When an HDF5 file is viewed, a series of temporary rosettes is created. You can assign
permanent objects to each of the rosettes. The temporary Fibersim components will link to
these temporary rosettes. You can create Fibersim rosettes from the analysis rosettes, or
you can choose to associate a given analysis rosette to an existing Fibersim rosette.

When you double-click on a rosette in the ―Analysis Rosettes‖ window, the ―modify rosette‖
window shown below will open.

 You have the option to create a permanent rosette from the temporary version (using
the Create New Rosette button). If a permanent rosette is created from the
temporary one, the temporary rosette's permanent link will be filled in as the new
rosette.

 Or, you can elect to update the link to a permanent rosette (by selecting a rosette
from the Fibersim Rosette drop-down menu).

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 35 January, 2013

Component Review window (contents from the HDF5 file)

When a file is viewed, a series of display components (plies or layers) are created. These
objects are representations of what is in the HDF5 file, and allow linking to the permanent
Fibersim objects.

Or, if no objects exist as a match, then these CAE representations can be imported as new
plies. Existing Fibersim components that do not match any of the components in the CAE file
will be shown in the ―Analysis name‖ column as <Not in File>.

See the section “Mapping Data\Components” below for details.

TOOLBAR FEATURE DESCRIPTION

Refine Curves Often when importing ply boundaries from a CAE mesh,
the resulting shapes are jagged and not very usable.

The ―refine curves‖ feature allows you to refine the CAE

curve data, so that the curves are more usable as ply
boundaries.

Note also that one of the ―group‖ options is refined

curves.

See the section “Refining Curves – The Curve

Fitting Tool” below for details.

Project Curves When this feature is pressed, Fibersim attempts to

project the resulting curves onto the Fibersim laminate
surface.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 36 January, 2013

 Curve Refinement These options allow you to flag the ply with curve
Complete/Incomplete refinement as either ―complete‖ or ―incomplete‖. This
allows you to keep track of the plies that have been
refined, which could be overburdening when working
with a large set of plies.

Import These options allow you to flag the ply with ―import
Complete/Incomplete complete‖ or ―import incomplete‖. Fibersim will also set
this member to ―complete‖ once the ply is imported.

Mapping Data\Components

When you double-click on a ply or layer in the Component Review window, the ―modify‖
window shown below will open.

 You have the option to create a permanent ply from the temporary version (using the
Create New button). If a permanent ply is created from the temporary one, the
temporary ply's permanent link will be filled in as the new ply.

 Or, you can elect to update the link to a permanent ply (by selecting a component
from the Component drop-down menu). If you select a component from the drop-
down menu, you can then select the individual fields to use from the temporary ply.
This also allows you to change the matched component, if necessary.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 37 January, 2013

Refining Curves – The Curve Fitting Tool

When you press Refine Curves , the window shown below will appear, where you can
set the parameters for refining the curves.

NOTE: The Reset Curves to Original Mesh Edge button , from the toolbar, will
remove all set conditions and return the curves to the original mesh edges. This is the state
of the component before the tool was opened.

OPTION DESCRIPTION
Apply Results to All When this is checked, refined data will be saved to all
Selected Objects objects in the edit set. This is used when multi-editing
a set of plies that will share the same refined boundary.

For example, if plies P001-P005 are all part of a pad-

up, you may want to refine and apply the same curve
to all of these plies.

This option is used with the Work Object\Point

Source member, which specifies the ply the point set
comes from for refinement.

Work Object\Point Specifies the point source for refinement. This is

Source necessary when multi-editing a similar set of plies.
Instead of displaying the point sets for all plies in the
multi-edit, Fibersim allows you to choose the desired
set of points based on the ply.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 38 January, 2013

 Point Filtering – Remove points on laminate boundary.

Point filtering is necessary for curve portions that are shared with the laminate net
boundary. Curve refinement should be done for the internal portion of the plies.
Well-formed ply boundaries should NOT include curve segments that overlap the
laminate net boundary.

Boundary Tolerance Set the tolerance value for the shared geometry.

Fibersim uses this tolerance as a criterion for checking

whether a point in the point source is considered to be
coincident with the laminate net boundary. All points
that are coincident with the laminate net boundary
should be filtered from the point source before creating
a refined curve.

Increasing the tolerance will expand the distance

Fibersim uses to consider a point coincident with the
laminate net boundary. Decreasing the tolerance
decreases the distance Fibersim uses when considering
a point to be coincident with the laminate boundary.

In general, the default tolerance should filter most of

the undesired points, however you can adjust the value
to fine tune the result. If the tolerance is not
adequately removing the points, you can use the
―Remove Individual Points‖ option to select additional
points for filtering.

Remove On-Boundary Pressing this button executes the point filtering.

Points

Remove Individual Points

Selected Points Select any points to eliminate from the curve fitting
process. This option should be used when points are
missed, using the ―Boundary Tolerance‖ option.

Remove Selected Pressing this button executes the point filtering.

Points
Curve Constraints
Through Points Refinement curves pass through the points chosen as
―Through Points‖.

Corner Points Corner points specify a non-tangency point in the

refinement curve.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 39 January, 2013

 Project Curve Onto This option projects the refined curve to the laminate
Skin surface.

Refine Curve Press this to execute the tool.

Reset Current Press this button to cancel and remove and settings
Geometry Changes you set using this tool.

Workflow - To use this tool:

1. Select one or more import display objects for refinement.

2. Press Refine Curves to open the tool.

3. Press Remove On-Boundary Points to remove points that are coincident with the
laminate net boundary.

4. If step 3 does not filter all the on-boundary points, use the Remove Individual Points
option to filter the remaining point.

5. Select the through points and corner points that produce the desired shape for
refinement. In simple cases where the mesh points form a straight shape across the
part, it may not be necessary to select any through\corner points.

NOTE: If no points are removed, or selected as corner\through or through points, then all
points are used to define the curve.

6. The Project Curve Onto Skin option allows you to see the refined curve projected onto
the laminate skin. If this is left unchecked, the refined curve will be a space curve.

NOTE: If the curve cannot project onto the skin, you will receive an error message.

7. Press Refine Curve.

Steps continued on the next page.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 40 January, 2013

8. Once you are satisfied with the resulting curve, press OK and the refined curve data will
be saved on the import component.

PLEASE NOTE: No CAD curve will be created at this point, only the data necessary to
create the curve.

Note that the refined data will be saved to all objects in the tool set if the Apply results to
all selected objects option is checked.

9. You can now set the ―Curve Refinement Status‖ to complete, for the relevant plies.

The Import operation must be invoked on the display component for geometry and
attribute changes to take effect.

The import will create or update a ply or layer component. It is at this point that physical
CAD geometry is created, and assigned to the created object(s).

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 41 January, 2013

Export object – CAE Exchange Format (HDF5)

For large parts, Fibersim now makes it easier when exporting analysis data for all plies at
once. You can export multiple HDF5 files, consisting of subsections of the plies of the parts,
and then merge these files so that one HDF5 file contains all of the plies.

The New HDF5 Export object is found under export, in ―Analysis-Ply‖ and ―Analysis-Zone‖.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 42 January, 2013

Patran export - Supports the unit of meters

Fibersim can now export FEA data from Fibersim to Patran using meters as the units
(instead of mm or inches).

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 43 January, 2013

iCPS interface object

The iCPS export object appears in the FS13 release. The export object generates an XML file
that can be processed by an Ingersoll CAA application to generate ply data and specify all
laminate skins needed for the iCPS application. The interface requires a model that has ADD
extended ramps. The Manufacturing laminate must be used in conjunction with the
extended ramps to create result feature geometry for all plies.

Running the manufacturing laminate will generate result boundary features that represent
the complete closed boundaries on all components. These features are created in the target
part for manufacturing laminate. All plies selected for export must have valid result
boundary features. The iCPS export object should be created in the manufacturing laminate
part to export XML data from that part.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 44 January, 2013

Flat Pattern Exports (auto-formatting text)

Plies can be small or oddly shaped, causing export text to not fit within the flat pattern. For
formats that support text export (DXF, (A)GFM-NS2, IGES, JETCAM) Fibersim can
automatically format the text using the Auto-Format Text options.

Previous functionality would require the manufacturing engineer to review each exported
pattern and manually fix text issues on small plies.

The text formatting has three methods for getting the text to fit. It can shift the position of
the text, linearly along the direction of the text. It can shrink down the size of the text
(resize), and it can rotate the text.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 45 January, 2013

Product Enhancements (NX-Specific)
This is a list of enhancements specific to the NX CAD platform.

NX integration (enhancements)

The behavior of the integration of EnCapta with NX has changed. Previously, there could be
limited access to NX functionality while EnCapta applications were running. The application
also remained running when you hit the X button to close Encapta, because applications
could not be changed programmatically.

When Fibersim is running, the ―Fibersim‖ option from the menu will appear as an application
toggle button. When you hit the X to close the Encapta window, the box for the application
toggle button will be un-checked.

REMINDER: You must be in modeling, drafting, or shape studio to be able to start Fibersm.

NOTE: The Alt-F shortcut is no longer an option to launch Fibersim. Instead, the F9
function key will toggle the Fibersim application on and off.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 46 January, 2013

Placing the Fibersim menu on the toolbar

To make Fibersim more easily accessible, you can right-click in the NX toolbar area and click
on "Fibersim". The Fibersim toolbar will be displayed undocked. You can drag the toolbar to
a location in the toolbar menu and drop it at the desired location.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 47 January, 2013

NX: Selection of display geometry

On the NX CAD platform, Fibersim 13 allows you to enable the selection of display
geometry. This works for the "Find with Geometry Selection" feature.

Right-click to select the “Find with Geometry Selection” option. This is also
available from main toolbar.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 48 January, 2013

(NX) Hidden geometry (or on a hidden layer) will be shown in “geometry
selection” mode

In geometry selection, Fibersim pre-highlights previously selected geometry. Previously, on

the NX platform, if the geometry was hidden or on a layer that was invisible, you could not
see that geometry or un-select the geometry.

With the 13 release, that geometry can now be visible so that you can see and interact with
it. The layer the geometry exists in will be shown when you enter into ―geometry selection‖
for the object that links to that geometry. Once geometry selection is complete, both the
layers and the geometry remain in a ―show state‖.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 49 January, 2013

New curve selection functionality (NX)

For complex selection of curve geometry in a NX model, the new NX curve selection
functionality has been included for the 13 release. When a boundary link is to be selected,
the Curve Collector menu will appear.

Before you make your selection, you can set the filter to either ―curve‖ or ―edge‖.

See the next page.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 50 January, 2013

Select a curve rule from the drop-down menu:

CURVE RULE DESCRPTION

(Drop-down menu)

Single Curve Select a single curve.

Connected Curves Select connected curves.

Tangent Curves Select tangent curves.

Feature Curves Select a specific curve feature (i.e. sketches) and the
curves will be selected from the features.

Face Edges Select the face, and NX selects the edges.

Sheet Edges Select a sheet, and NX selects the edges.

Body Edges Select a body, and NX selects the edges.

Vertex Edges Select all edges that share a vertex.

Vertex Tangent Edges Select all edges that share a vertex, as seeds for tangent
chaining. The resulting edges are returned as a
collection.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 51 January, 2013

New curve replacement functionality (NX)

When using Fibersim on NX, curve geometry is now updateable. Curve geometry will not be
deleted and re-created, but rather sustained and updated. For this feature to function
properly, NX curves need to be implemented as NX features.

Regarding curves from previous Fibersim releases:

Note that this feature only applies to newly-created curves, in the 13 release. Curves from
prior Fibersim releases are not going to be updated, since they have not been created as NX
features.

When using the following curve utilities, curve geometry will always be updated and
replaced:

 IML Curve Creation

 Boundary Simplification
 Curve Offset

PLEASE NOTE: The following will not get replaced:

 Result features
 Material width lines
 Fiber paths
 Curves created using the Curve Creation utility

PLEASE NOTE - KNOWN LIMITATION: NX points created at curve intersections are not
replaceable.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 52 January, 2013

New surface replacement functionality

When running certain Fibersim surface creation utilities on the NX CAD platform, surfaces
will not be deleted and re-created, but rather sustained and updated. Note also that any
geometry attached to the surface (i.e. points, curves, planes, etc.) gets updated as well.

PLEASE NOTE #1: This feature will work on any surface, both those created in earlier
versions of Fibersim, and those created new in the 13 release. However, it is usually
recommended to create a new set of surfaces when using this new behavior.

#2: It is not recommended to use surface edges or surface\curve vertices for geometry
creation.

#3: Creating composite curves from face edges is more reliable for the creation of ramps.

This feature applies when using the Fibersim utilities:

 Parametric Surface offset

 Ply-Based Explicit Surface Offset
 Explicit Surface Offset

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 53 January, 2013

Resolved Customer Issues
This is a list of the resolved customer issues for the Fibersim 13 release.

Zendesk ID Description

31967 Error in simulation mesh causes tessellation and thickness errors

(HDF5 export)

This issue has been resolved.

31993 Ply order altered between HDF5 Data exchange (ANSA)

This issue has been resolved.

32092 NX: Splice Groups: Offset curves intersecting back on themselves

This issue has been resolved.

32196 Memory Leak when highlighting/simulating courses

This issue has been resolved.

32003 DXF export ply name is not oriented in the flat pattern.

This issue has been resolved.

32574 Curve Offset causes NX to crash

This issue has been resolved.

32003 DXF export ply name is not oriented in the flat pattern

This issue has been resolved.

32053 3D Cross Section does not show the correct ply drop-off.

This issue has been resolved.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 54 January, 2013

Zendesk ID Description

31874 The message "Couldn't find Fibersim XML start, may not be
properly formatted" appears in the error log when exporting
HDF5.

This issue has been resolved.

32405 The message "Could not write the export file for ply ###"
appears, when exporting DXF flat patterns.

This issue has been resolved.

31697 Generic Format BDF export should be based on sequence-step,

rather than the order of component selection.

This issue has been resolved.

31618 Exported text in flat patterns appears at the original 2D origin,

even if ply geometry was moved via the Flat Pattern Layout tool.

This issue has been resolved.

30690 The message "XML Import failed” appears. The input data does
not match with specified machine data" when importing ACE V2
XCL file.

This issue has been resolved.

32132 Sequence and step for core are not exported to the spec tree in
the Generic MBD.

This issue has been resolved.

30624 Core Sample Annotation is missing one ply

This issue has been resolved.

32879 Extended boundaries fail on certain plies when migrating from

CATIA V4 to V5R21

This issue has been resolved.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 55 January, 2013

Zendesk ID Description

32884 The composite sequence manager reads another model’s data if

more than one window/model is available in CATIA.

This issue has been resolved.

32877 PSO provides inconsistent results.

This issue has been resolved.

32838 Splice Groups - If Offset Direction is reversed, the initial offset

does not reflect the change.

This issue has been resolved.

32828 PSO behavior changes based on whether or not you highlight

layers.

This issue has been resolved.

32830 Splice Group initial offset not reflected if you select the base
curve first.

This issue has been resolved.

32737 Net weight with cutouts ignores core weight.

This issue has been resolved.

32831 Documents window does not display the full name of the part.

This issue has been resolved.

32607 "Internal error: memory access violation" crash when running

the Stepped Solid utility.

This issue has been resolved.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 56 January, 2013

Zendesk ID Description

31967 Error in simulation mesh causes tessellation and thickness

errors, for the HDF5 export. [FS-4157]

This issue has been resolved.

32092 NX: Splice Group Issue: Offset curves are intersecting back on
themselves.

This issue has been resolved.

32001 NX Replace: Child CAD features of ESO fail to update (actually get
deleted) upon update of the ESO.

This issue has been resolved.

31405 A particular DXF export to a nonexistent folder causes Fibersim

and CATIA to crash.

This issue has been resolved.

31817 When generating plies from layers, the ply names do not get
inherited from the layer names.

This issue has been resolved.

30973 Fibersim does not create Material Width Lines, if the Fiber
Spacing Factor is equal to or below 0.1

This issue has been resolved.

30888 It is currently not possible to select orientation and ply count

parameters for material specifications, when in table mode.

This issue has been resolved.

30640 Areal Weight to be displayed in Scientific Notation

This issue has been resolved.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 57 January, 2013

Zendesk ID Description

30591 "QTextStream: No device" in CATIA console window

This issue has been resolved.

32235 The Curvature Adaptive simulation crashes on Sombrero-shaped

surface.

This issue has been resolved.

31158 Magestic flat pattern export exports holes as Markers.

This issue has been resolved.

30388 PTL is not created.

This issue has been resolved.

1921732 The design station print command does not print all plies in a
large laminate.

This issue has been resolved.

32873 MSC/LM export using reference coordinate system is incorrect.

This issue has been resolved.

6792586 Large Model - Flat pattern generation takes far longer in Fibersim
2012 than in 2009.

This issue has been resolved.

6792495 Flat pattern generation takes longer in Fibersim 2012 vs 2009.

This issue has been resolved.

6792454 Producibility takes longer in Fibersim 2012 vs. 2009.

This issue has been resolved.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 58 January, 2013

Zendesk ID Description

6792502 Modifying plies takes longer in Fibersim 2012 than in 2009.

This issue has been resolved.

6791732 Running Analysis on a parent laminate causes the child

laminate's zones to go out of date.

This issue has been resolved.

6789069 Purge data function in 2012 causes a crash, if data was created
in 2009.

This issue has been resolved.

32938 Highlighting either plies or layers in Pro/E forces a close.

This issue has been resolved.

32948 Section Based Surface Offset crashes with a "Memory Access

Violation".

This issue has been resolved.

32949 NX crashes when running producibility on spliced plies.

This issue has been resolved.

32882 Coincident tolerance implementation (in 2012 SP1 HF2) causes

problems on the part.

This issue has been resolved.

32843 ANSA HD5 does not export if Umlauts are associated with certain
plies.

This issue has been resolved.

32820 Rosette origin does not work for the Design Station.

This issue has been resolved.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 59 January, 2013

Zendesk ID Description

32992 Chinese characters appear as non-readable symbols in Fibersim

2012.

This issue has been resolved.

32861 Materials which contain Chinese characters cannot be selected.

This issue has been resolved.

32564 ER - VSPE, freeze curve numbers when scrolling up and down.

This issue has been resolved.

32561 ER - CSM - color ply rows (?) according to ply orientations.

This issue has been resolved.

31993 Ply order altered between HDF5 Data exchange Fibersim/ANSA.

This issue has been resolved.

32196 Fibersim Memory Leak when highlighting/simulating courses.

This issue has been resolved.

31378 2D Laminate gives incorrect flat laminate geometry.

This issue has been resolved.

32359 Spine-based simulation fails to complete on stringer models.

This issue has been resolved.

31579 Exported JETCAM flat pattern is not the same as the generated
flat patterns, in CATIA.

This issue has been resolved.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 60 January, 2013

Zendesk ID Description

32126 Running Ply-Based ESO creates unwanted additional geometry,

in NX7.5.4.

This issue has been resolved.

32225 Deviation Simulation, on an NCF simulation, does not complete.

This issue has been resolved.

30968 Surface offset takes in excess of 20 hours to run.

This issue has been resolved.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 61 January, 2013

Trademarks and Copyright

© 2013 Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc. All rights reserved.
Siemens and the Siemens logo are registered trademarks of Siemens AG. Encapta,
Fibersim, Advanced Composite Engineering Environment, Automated Deposition
Design, Composite Engineering Environment, Fiber Placement Interface, Flat
Pattern Export, Tape Laying Interface, Composite Viewer, Composite Quality
Connector, Fibersim Analysis Interface, Fibersim Documentation, Fibersim Laser
Projection, Fibersim Applications Programming Interface, Fibersim XML Interface
and NX are trademarks or registered trademarks of Siemens Product Lifecycle
Management Software Inc. and/or its subsidiaries in the United States and in other
countries.

CATIA is a registered trademark of Dassault Systèmes or its subsidiaries in the

United States and/or in other countries.

Creo is a trademark of Parametric Technology Corporation or its subsidiaries in the

United States and/or in other countries.

All other trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks belong to their

respective holders.

Fibersim 13 - Release Notes 62 January, 2013