Collier Research Corp’s latest version of its composite design, analysis and optimization software—HyperSizer v6—offers enhanced features for reducing weight, maintaining strength and improving manufacturability in complex composites and metallic designs, from airframes to wind turbines.

HyperSizer v6 integrates with finite element analysis (FEA) software in a continuous, automated iterative loop, examining millions of potential design candidates down to the ply and element level. It verifies structural integrity through a suite of failure analysis predictions that are validated to test data.

Other features new to this release v6 include:

• Manufacturability Optimization: Enhances manufacturability by minimizing ply drops, identifying and controlling laminate transition, and defining the best ply shapes and patterns, resulting in fewer processing steps.
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• Post-Buckling Analysis: Automated compression, shear and compression-shear post-buckling analyses are enhanced to apply to composite material systems.
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• Panel Designs: Features three new composite panel designs: A poltruded rod/bulb stiffener with an integrated frame for designing wing boxes on aircraft; a foam-reinforced sandwich panel for designing things like wind turbine blades; and a circular tube with tapered ends for lightweight aerospace applications and bicycle frames. (Yes, that’s aerospace applications and bicycle frames. Clearly, bike tech is well advanced. But then again, the Wright Brothers ran a bicycle shop. . . .)