V-Lab Composite Analysis Software
Lancaster, PA - Now available--computer program, a "virtual laboratory" of composites software. The U.S. Air Force invested over $740,000 to develop the V-LabTM software under the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program.
V-LabTMis a design and analysis tool for fiber-reinforced composite components. This program allows the user to perform analysis, numerical experimentation, and design prototyping using advanced composite stress and failure analysis tools. The software was designed to be intuitive and easy to use, even by designers who are not experts in composite materials or structural analysis. The program was originally designed to identify the potential cause of failure of composite aircraft components that failed in the field. Now the same software developed for Air Force investigators is available for commercial release!
V-LabTM consists of three analysis modules-the material lab, laminate lab and bonded-joint lab. These modules provide a suite of analysis tools suitable for composite design and failure analysis. Included in the modules are a laminate designer, analysis methods for classical lamination theory, moisture diffusion, plates with cutouts, and a comprehensive composite repair module.
V-LabTM contains a composite material database that allows material data to be defined as a function of temperature and moisture. The database conforms to the specifications of MIL-HDBK-17 (Military Handbook for Polymer Matrix Composites), and includes a subset of the MIL-HDBK-17 data. The database is extendable so users can easily add their own material data.
Unique to the software, the user can add his or her own analysis modules. A developers kit, illustrated below, is available for this purpose. The kit provides a well-defined framework that simplifies code development and access to data defined by other analyses. A simple "plug-in" interface defines how new modules interact with the software application, and the application program interface defines how to access data in the database. Users can add new capabilities with minimal modification of their existing code.
V-LabTMsoftware includes intuitive, real-time graphics that change as you input different analysis data, user flexibility and a familiar Windows setting.
This unique software program, a trademark of Applied Research Associates, Inc. is exclusively distributed by Technomic Publishing Company, Inc., 851 New Holland Ave., Box 3535, Lancaster, PA 17604, U.S.A. Phone: 717-291-5609 (Toll-Free in the U.S. /Territories and Canada: 800-233-9936), Fax: 717-295-4538, E-Mail: marketing@techpub.com, WWW Site: http://www.techpub.com
V-LabTM. ISBN: 0-9672418-0-4, 1999. $1,500
A detailed brochure describing this software is available from Technomic upon request.