VCCT for ABAQUS Brings Boeing Composite Structures Design
Technology to Market
ABAQUS implementation of Virtual Crack Closure Technique (VCCT) now available
worldwide to the engineering marketplace
PROVIDENCE, R.I., May 10, 2005 – ABAQUS, Inc., a leading provider of software, technology
and services for advanced finite element analysis (FEA), today announced a new add-on
capability for the ABAQUS® software suite called VCCT for ABAQUS. The new ABAQUS
software is a comprehensive implementation of the Virtual Crack Closure Technique (VCCT), a
technology that Boeing developed for predicting fracture and failure in laminated composite
materials.
VCCT for ABAQUS refines the Boeing technology and delivers it to customers conveniently as
an integrated part of the familiar ABAQUS analysis environment. The software is compatible
with ABAQUS Version 6.5 and is available immediately.
VCCT for ABAQUS is an important new analysis technology for aerospace engineering and for
other industries that design and manufacture high-performance composite components.
Composites are becoming more widespread as an engineering material in applications where
strength is crucial and reductions in product weight offer a market advantage. In the aerospace
industry, for example, manufacturers are using composites to lower the weight of aircraft to help
carriers save on fuel costs.
"Accurate prediction of crack growth in composite parts is required for aerospace engineering,"
says Dr. Hyonny Kim, School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Purdue University. "Fracture
mechanics analysis involves complex calculations that allow us to determine when a composite
structure will fail and whether a crack will propagate. The latest VCCT capability in ABAQUS
helps engineers predict failure in composite parts so they can create designs that are more
damage tolerant."
VCCT for ABAQUS accurately simulates delamination in composite structures. The software
allows engineers to identify the overall load at which a crack initiates and to predict the behavior
of the structure as the crack propagates. VCCT for ABAQUS also helps users understand the
stability and load-carrying capacity of the composite structure after failure, a vital assessment
for ensuring the durability and damage-tolerance of aerospace components.
"This implementation of VCCT will help extend virtual testing of composite structures throughout
Boeing and its supplier community," said Rod Dreisbach, Senior Technical Fellow and Vice
Chairman of the Boeing Technical Fellowship at The Boeing Company. "With ABAQUS as a
platform for VCCT, we can continue to explore innovative composite designs for future
aerospace projects."
"ABAQUS appreciates our productive working relationship with Boeing, which has brought to
market the first high-quality commercial implementation of VCCT," said Ken Short, vice
president of marketing at ABAQUS. "VCCT for ABAQUS is a powerful and practical tool for
accurately predicting the performance of advanced composites structures."
About ABAQUS, Inc.
Founded in 1978, ABAQUS, Inc., is the world's leading provider of software and services for
advanced finite element analysis. The ABAQUS® software suite has an unsurpassed reputation
for technology, quality and reliability. It has been adopted by major corporations across all
engineering disciplines as an integral part of their design process. ABAQUS offers a powerful
and complete solution for simple to complex linear and nonlinear engineering problems, using
the finite element method. A wide range of structural, thermal, and coupled analyses is
supported. The software delivers a unified finite element analysis environment without equal,
presenting a compelling alternative to implementations involving multiple products and vendors.
ABAQUS employs over 400 people worldwide, with 28 direct offices for technical support, sales
and services, plus a network of technically advanced distributors in emerging markets.
(www.abaqus.com)
ABAQUS® is a registered trademark or trademark of ABAQUS, Inc., in the United States and
other countries. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective
holders.
Press Contacts:
Miles Parker
Parker Group
(401) 272-1510
team@parkergroup.com
Stacy Hart
ABAQUS, Inc.
(401) 276-4403
Stacy.Hart@simulia.com
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