Modeling strategy

[phoenix221]

Hi,

I need to model a complex assembly that I want to run FEA on using Patran/Nastran. The assembly will use fiberglass composite laminate as the material.

I was wondering what modeling strategy should I follow in Solidworks (I' am using that for CAD). Should I model the parts with their thicknesses as solids, or just 0 thickness shell elements?

Thanx,

 

[shlr1]

you have two option at the Cad step: modeling it with
3d thickness or by 2d "0" thickness. As I understand your model is complicated I suggest to use both method.
At Patran the 3D (thickness) part shall be extract so you can build a surface. Anyway because your material is composite material the most usefull model shall be 2D elemet (pshell).
shlr