Capabilities / 02.1

Keep every engineering decision
connected and traceable.

CDS solves fragmented composite data by keeping source records, model inputs, assumptions, analyses, and results together in one reusable engineering workspace.

02.1 / Workbench — Connected engineering dataOpen full-size view ↗
Workbench simulation setup linking laminate, geometry and process records with thermal, moisture and structural analysis selections

Simulation setup connects reusable records to the selected analyses.

Workbench capture · September 7, 2026. Representative interface and demo data, not a new solver run or validation certificate. Control locations may differ in later releases.
Trace the selected input path

Stored ply properties bypass Micro. Mixed stacks keep both paths. Gray blocks are not selected. Geometry, process schedules and other model records are omitted here for clarity; a real run must include all required references.

Fatigue uses intact CLT endpoint stresses and measured S–N calibration. It is evaluated separately from Run and progressive failure. The dashed handoff is not active: optimization still uses current properties until a degradation law is supplied.

MaterialsSelectedMicroRecipe → ply propertiesLaminateOne shared stackMechanical caseSelectedThermal caseSelectedMoisture caseSelectedSimulationSelectedFatigueSeparate evaluationOptimizationCurrent propertiesModels · S–N curvesMeasured calibrationDashed pink arrow: residual-fatigue study is separate—not an automatic property transfer.

Materials → Micro → Laminate.

Teaching illustration only. Controls change this diagram, not your database or Workbench simulation. Use the Workbench solver for stresses, failure and qualified comparisons.

02.1 / How CDS solves it

From engineering question to evidence
01

Navigate the model tree

Use the left-hand tree to create and organize experiments, materials, laminas, laminates, analyses, and sources. The available commands adapt to the selected entity.

02

Work with one or many records

Right-click an item to create, rename, duplicate by a selected count, delete, load, save, move, or export it. Shift and Control selection apply compatible operations to multiple records, with a searchable destination and confirmation for grouped moves.

03

Load and preserve data

Open the shared training catalog or a saved CDS database. Create a working copy for edits and preserve the selected simulation with its dependencies.

Released models, connections and theory

Complete model directory ↗

Micromechanics

Models browser → Micromechanics · source: Micro

InputsConstituents, architecture, fractions and calibrated modifiersResults / handoffReference ply properties for each linked laminate ply

One compatible homogenization model per Micro recipe. Use separate recipes for comparisons; they are not combined in a single ply.

Formulations and study choices
  • Halpin–Tsai
  • Rule of mixtures
  • Modified rule of mixtures
  • Chamis
  • Mori–Tanaka
  • Hashin–Rosen
  • Self-consistent scheme
  • Woven fabric bridging
  • Cox shear-lag elastic
Cure, crystallization & material transport

Models → material-model folders · assigned through Materials

InputsCalibrated kinetics, modulus or transport laws and material assignmentResults / handoffMaterial laws consumed by compatible Micro or transport calculations

Independent model records can be linked together through material inputs. A saved model must be assigned to a material before it contributes to a simulation.

Formulations and study choices
  • Kamal–Sourour autocatalytic
  • Kamal–Sourour with diffusion control
  • Nth-order Arrhenius
  • CHILE (degree of cure)
  • UV intensity-dependent cure
  • Nakamura–Avrami
  • Temperature-dependent tabular
  • 1D Fickian diffusion
Thermal transport

Models browser → Thermal transport · source: CASES / Thermal

InputsLaminate transport properties, initial state and the thermal case’s own surface cycleResults / handoffTemperature and supported polymer-state histories; mapped fields only when coupling is enabled

One transport formulation per thermal case. Select its laminate and configure its own initial conditions and surface cycle; pultrusion additionally requires a distance-based die schedule and pulling velocity.

Formulations and study choices
  • 1D transient heat transfer
  • 1D steady-state heat transfer
  • 1D pultrusion thermal cure
Moisture transport

Models browser → Moisture transport · source: CASES / Moisture

InputsLaminate diffusion properties, initial moisture and its own boundary scheduleResults / handoffMoisture history and enabled swelling contribution

One formulation per moisture analysis. Thermal and moisture analyses can both be linked in Simulation; each needs its own boundary conditions.

Formulations and study choices
  • 1D transient moisture diffusion
  • 1D steady-state moisture diffusion
Plate · CLT & FSDT

Structural models → Laminate mechanics · CLT / FSDT

InputsLaminate stiffness, finite plate dimensions, supported edges and study choiceResults / handoffFSDT static bending or selected buckling / modal results; not progressive damage

Choose a formulation and study. Buckling and modal can be requested together; static bending requires FSDT. These are reference-elastic studies, separate from coupled process or progressive failure.

Formulations and study choices
  • CLT
  • FSDT
  • Static bending
  • Modal
  • Buckling
  • Buckling and modal
Cylinder

Structural models → Cylinder models

InputsLaminate, cylinder dimensions and formulation-compatible pressure / axial loadingResults / handoffThin-wall membrane response or layerwise radial fields, with distinct assumptions

Choose one cylinder formulation per case record. Geometry and plies remain shared; thick-wall radial results exclude torsion and process strains.

Formulations and study choices
  • Linear thin-wall membrane
  • Layerwise thick-wall elasticity
Membrane, bending & beam buckling

Structural models → Laminate mechanics → Membrane, bending & beam

InputsLaminate, compatible section and static or Euler load caseResults / handoffMembrane / bending response or separate Euler buckling result

Geometry and the case determine the membrane or beam-test interpretation. Euler buckling requires a compatible beam section and a separate reference-elastic study; it is not a strength or local-buckling pass.

Formulations and study choices
  • Linear static
  • Linear static with failure indices
  • Beam Euler buckling
Layerwise sections, joints & delamination

Structural models → Layerwise sections & joints

InputsSection or lap geometry, laminate, loads and calibrated interface propertiesResults / handoffx–z fields; coupled ply damage and delamination only for the supported layerwise plate path

Coupled delamination is available only for the layerwise Plate section and needs calibrated interface and ply properties. Lap-shear uses its separate joint geometry and perfectly bonded elastic formulation.

Formulations and study choices
  • Layerwise x-z plane strain
  • Single-lap x-z plane strain
  • Coupled delamination growth
Sandwich bending

Structural models → Sandwich bending

InputsFaces, core, dimensions and three-point-bend loadResults / handoffDeflection and separate face, core and nominal bond-shear screening

Dedicated sandwich screening. Check core, faces and nominal bond shear separately; peel, mixed-mode debonding and crack growth are not assessed.

Formulations and study choices
  • Sandwich three-point bend
Failure & envelope comparison

Structural models → Laminate mechanics → Failure criteria

InputsEligible CLT load case, strengths / strain limits and selected criterionResults / handoffFirst-ply envelopes or supported progressive ply-damage histories; criteria are not blended

One primary failure criterion per load. In Response → Failure, compare all eligible theories or a custom selection in the envelope controls. Each theory runs independently; criteria are not blended.

Formulations and study choices
  • Maximum stress
  • Maximum strain
  • Tsai–Hill
  • Tsai–Wu
  • Hashin
Fatigue S–N

Structural models → Laminate mechanics → Fatigue

InputsIntact ply stresses, cyclic loads and measured S–N calibrationResults / handoffSeparate life assessment; no automatic laminate degradation

Select calibrated S–N curves for each material, direction and stress sign in Fatigue. Different sources can use different models. S–N life does not define residual stiffness or strength.

Formulations and study choices
  • Kim–Zhang
  • Sendeckyj
  • Weibull S–N
  • Kohout–Vechet
  • Basquin
D6641 · Compression coupon

Models → Structural models → ASTM · Virtual Test Lab

InputsLinked laminate and explicit specimen, load or measured calibration inputsResults / handoffUniform small-strain compression using linked laminate Ex and thickness. Measured compressive strength supplies a screening ratio; fixture, tabs, buckling and failure evolution are not simulated.

Uniform small-strain compression using linked laminate Ex and thickness. Measured compressive strength supplies a screening ratio; fixture, tabs, buckling and failure evolution are not simulated.

Formulations and study choices
  • Virtual test · compression coupon
D5379 / D7078 · Shear coupon

Models → Structural models → ASTM · Virtual Test Lab

InputsLinked laminate and explicit specimen, load or measured calibration inputsResults / handoffUniform nominal shear between notches using linked laminate Gxy and thickness. Not a notch/fixture stress field or nonlinear shear solution. Gauge length is the effective shear deformation length, not crosshead travel.

Uniform nominal shear between notches using linked laminate Gxy and thickness. Not a notch/fixture stress field or nonlinear shear solution. Gauge length is the effective shear deformation length, not crosshead travel.

Formulations and study choices
  • Virtual test · nominal shear coupon
D5528 · DCB opening

Models → Structural models → ASTM · Virtual Test Lab

InputsLinked laminate and explicit specimen, load or measured calibration inputsResults / handoffIdeal Euler–Bernoulli DCB with equal homogeneous 0° arms, each half the linked laminate thickness. No root rotation, shear, large displacement or cohesive growth. Critical load is an initiation estimate from supplied GIc.

Ideal Euler–Bernoulli DCB with equal homogeneous 0° arms, each half the linked laminate thickness. No root rotation, shear, large displacement or cohesive growth. Critical load is an initiation estimate from supplied GIc.

Formulations and study choices
  • Virtual test · DCB beam compliance
D7905 · ENF sliding

Models → Structural models → ASTM · Virtual Test Lab

InputsLinked laminate and explicit specimen, load or measured calibration inputsResults / handoffIdeal equal-arm, homogeneous 0° ENF beam; support span is twice the half-span. Crack must be shorter than the half-span. No shear/root correction or unstable crack growth. GIIc is supplied, not fitted automatically.

Ideal equal-arm, homogeneous 0° ENF beam; support span is twice the half-span. Crack must be shorter than the half-span. No shear/root correction or unstable crack growth. GIIc is supplied, not fitted automatically.

Formulations and study choices
  • Virtual test · ENF beam compliance
D6671 · Mixed-mode fracture envelope

Models → Structural models → ASTM · Virtual Test Lab

InputsLinked laminate and explicit specimen, load or measured calibration inputsResults / handoffBenzeggagh–Kenane envelope from calibrated GIc, GIIc and exponent. Supplied GI/GII are energy-release rates from a separate test reduction or analysis. This does not resolve the MMB lever fixture or propagate a crack.

Benzeggagh–Kenane envelope from calibrated GIc, GIIc and exponent. Supplied GI/GII are energy-release rates from a separate test reduction or analysis. This does not resolve the MMB lever fixture or propagate a crack.

Formulations and study choices
  • Virtual test · BK mixed-mode envelope
D5229 · Moisture uptake calibration

Models → Structural models → ASTM · Virtual Test Lab

InputsLinked laminate and explicit specimen, load or measured calibration inputsResults / handoffHomogeneous slab, initially dry, both faces held at equilibrium moisture. Fits diffusivity from two early uptake measurements (both ≤50% saturation) using the square-root-time approximation. Edge ingress and temperature dependence are excluded. Does not overwrite material properties.

Homogeneous slab, initially dry, both faces held at equilibrium moisture. Fits diffusivity from two early uptake measurements (both ≤50% saturation) using the square-root-time approximation. Edge ingress and temperature dependence are excluded. Does not overwrite material properties.

Formulations and study choices
  • Virtual test · Fickian uptake calibration
D5961 · Bearing / bypass screening

Models → Structural models → ASTM · Virtual Test Lab

InputsLinked laminate and explicit specimen, load or measured calibration inputsResults / handoffSingle-pin nominal bearing, net-section and shear-out checks with independent measured allowables. Bypass tension is added to net-section load only. No contact, bolt preload, load redistribution or validated bearing–bypass interaction envelope.

Single-pin nominal bearing, net-section and shear-out checks with independent measured allowables. Bypass tension is added to net-section load only. No contact, bolt preload, load redistribution or validated bearing–bypass interaction envelope.

Formulations and study choices
  • Virtual test · bearing bypass screening
D6484 · Open-hole compression

Models → Structural models → ASTM · Virtual Test Lab

InputsLinked laminate and explicit specimen, load or measured calibration inputsResults / handoffNominal gross/net stress and demand relative to measured open-hole compressive strength for this geometry and layup. This is test-data screening, not an uncalibrated notch-strength prediction. No local buckling or kink-band simulation.

Nominal gross/net stress and demand relative to measured open-hole compressive strength for this geometry and layup. This is test-data screening, not an uncalibrated notch-strength prediction. No local buckling or kink-band simulation.

Formulations and study choices
  • Virtual test · measured open-hole compression
D6742 · Filled-hole comparison

Models → Structural models → ASTM · Virtual Test Lab

InputsLinked laminate and explicit specimen, load or measured calibration inputsResults / handoffCompares user-measured open- and filled-hole compressive strengths using gross-section stress. Use matched layup, hole, environment and fastener condition. Filling a hole does not automatically recover strength; no fastener contact/preload model is applied.

Compares user-measured open- and filled-hole compressive strengths using gross-section stress. Use matched layup, hole, environment and fastener condition. Filling a hole does not automatically recover strength; no fastener contact/preload model is applied.

Formulations and study choices
  • Virtual test · measured filled-hole comparison
D7136 / D7137 · Impact & CAI assessment

Models → Structural models → ASTM · Virtual Test Lab

InputsLinked laminate and explicit specimen, load or measured calibration inputsResults / handoffIncident energy from measured impact velocity; residual compressive strength from measured peak CAI force. Rebound energy estimates energy not returned to the striker, NOT damage energy. No impact/contact solver, damage-area prediction or energy-to-strength extrapolation.

Incident energy from measured impact velocity; residual compressive strength from measured peak CAI force. Rebound energy estimates energy not returned to the striker, NOT damage energy. No impact/contact solver, damage-area prediction or energy-to-strength extrapolation.

Formulations and study choices
  • Virtual test · measured impact and CAI
Open-hole strength

Structural models → Laminate mechanics → Failure criteria → Open-hole strength

InputsSpecially orthotropic laminate, hole radius, unnotched strength and calibrated distancesResults / handoffPoint / average stress strength screening and radial stress profile

Infinite-width, specially orthotropic tension screening. Point and average stress distances must be calibrated independently for this laminate. Not compression, bearing or a joint allowable.

Formulations and study choices
  • Whitney–Nuismer open-hole tension
Creep & stress relaxation

Structural models → Laminate mechanics → Creep & stress relaxation

InputsLaminate Ex, Prony fractions / times and held stress or strain at calibration temperatureResults / handoffSeparate axial creep and relaxation curves with time-refinement safeguards

Linear uniaxial response at the calibration temperature. Reference Ex is the instantaneous modulus. Three Maxwell branches; creep is solved from stress equilibrium, not the reciprocal relaxation modulus. No thermal shifting or nonlinear creep.

Formulations and study choices
  • Generalized Maxwell · axial Prony
Analytical bonded joint

Structural models → Layerwise sections & joints → Analytical bonded joint

InputsIdentical equivalent-elastic adherends, adhesive, overlap, width and tensile forceResults / handoffVolkersen shear and Goland–Reissner shear / peel; no debond growth

Identical equivalent-elastic adherends, long free arms and a thin elastic adhesive. Compare shear-only Volkersen with eccentric single-lap shear and peel. Not a debonding, plasticity or strength calculation.

Formulations and study choices
  • Volkersen & Goland–Reissner joint
LaRC04 failure initiation

Structural models → Laminate mechanics → Failure criteria → LaRC04

InputsLaminate, membrane / bending resultants and calibrated effective ply strengthsResults / handoffLinear-shear LaRC04 initiation indices at ply faces; no progressive degradation

NASA LaRC04 linear-shear specialization, evaluated at both faces of every ply under membrane and bending loads. Supplied ply strengths are effective/in-situ values; no automatic thin-ply enhancement. Initiation only, not degradation or nonlinear-shear instability.

Formulations and study choices
  • LaRC04 · linear shear
Tool-release shape

Structural models → Tool-release shape

InputsLaminate and prescribed temperatures, CTE and effective post-gel shrinkageResults / handoffFree-release CLT curvature and separate corner spring-in estimate; not an automatic process-history handoff

Free CLT release from prescribed ply-local shrinkage/thermal eigenstrains. Corner spring-in is a separate uniform-strain estimate. Stress-free temperature and effective post-gel shrinkage need calibration. No tool friction, cure kinetics or viscoelastic restraint history.

Formulations and study choices
  • Free-release eigenstrain & spring-in
Fatigue residual properties

Structural models → Laminate mechanics → Fatigue → Residual properties

InputsModulus, independently fitted stiffness / strength retention laws, life and elapsed cyclesResults / handoffResidual-property curves for the specified constant-amplitude calibration; saved laminate is unchanged

Prescribed power-law retention fitted to constant-amplitude tests at a fixed stress ratio, amplitude and temperature. Stiffness and strength have independent coefficients. S–N life alone cannot calibrate either. Does not modify the saved laminate.

Formulations and study choices
  • Calibrated residual-property fatigue
Cylinder buckling

Structural models → Cylinder models → Cylinder buckling

InputsThin specially orthotropic shell, radius, length, axial compression and prescribed knockdownResults / handoffIdeal / knocked-down Donnell axial buckling and governing mode; no pressure or postbuckling

Simply supported, thin, specially orthotropic cylinder under uniform axial compression. Discrete Donnell modes; prescribed knockdown factor explores imperfection sensitivity, not a prediction from measured imperfection amplitude. No pressure, torsion, postbuckling or strength pass.

Formulations and study choices
  • Donnell cylinder · axial buckling
Uncertainty & sensitivity

Structural models → Uncertainty & sensitivity

InputsLaminate, bounded modulus / thickness / angle variations, seed and axial loadResults / handoffABD axial-strain percentiles and signed correlations; not certified reliability

Seeded independent uniform sampling of shared modulus, ply-thickness and angle offsets. Recomputes laminate ABD for each sample. Bounds are assumptions, not measured distributions. Percentiles and sensitivity are exploratory, not reliability certification.

Formulations and study choices
  • Seeded laminate uncertainty
Wiener series and parallel

Models → Electromagnetics · RF → Wiener series and parallel

InputsExplicit host/inclusion electrical properties and fractionsResults / handoffEffective permittivity; manual handoff to an RF layer, not an automatic mechanical-property update

Positive lossless dielectric bounds; complex directional estimates.

Formulations and study choices
  • EM · Wiener series and parallel
Looyenga / Landau–Lifshitz–Looyenga

Models → Electromagnetics · RF → Looyenga / Landau–Lifshitz–Looyenga

InputsExplicit host/inclusion electrical properties and fractionsResults / handoffEffective permittivity; manual handoff to an RF layer, not an automatic mechanical-property update

One cube-root mixing law, not two independent models.

Formulations and study choices
  • EM · Looyenga / Landau–Lifshitz–Looyenga
Maxwell–Garnett

Models → Electromagnetics · RF → Maxwell–Garnett

InputsExplicit host/inclusion electrical properties and fractionsResults / handoffEffective permittivity; manual handoff to an RF layer, not an automatic mechanical-property update

Dilute subwavelength spherical inclusions in a host.

Formulations and study choices
  • EM · Maxwell–Garnett
Normal-incidence laminate TMM

Models → Electromagnetics · RF → Normal-incidence laminate TMM

InputsExplicit dielectric A/B layers, thicknesses, repetition, frequency and supported polarizationResults / handoffReflection, transmission, absorption and shielding spectra; no mechanical coupling

Coherent isotropic nonmagnetic layers between air half-spaces.

Formulations and study choices
  • EM · Normal-incidence laminate TMM
Bruggeman symmetric EMT

Models → Electromagnetics · RF → Bruggeman symmetric EMT

InputsExplicit host/inclusion electrical properties and fractionsResults / handoffEffective permittivity; manual handoff to an RF layer, not an automatic mechanical-property update

Two positive-permittivity phases; no explicit contact network.

Formulations and study choices
  • EM · Bruggeman symmetric EMT
EM Mori–Tanaka

Models → Electromagnetics · RF → EM Mori–Tanaka

InputsExplicit host/inclusion electrical properties and fractionsResults / handoffEffective permittivity; manual handoff to an RF layer, not an automatic mechanical-property update

Scalar principal-axis ellipsoidal field approximation.

Formulations and study choices
  • EM · EM Mori–Tanaka
EM self-consistent

Models → Electromagnetics · RF → EM self-consistent

InputsExplicit host/inclusion electrical properties and fractionsResults / handoffEffective permittivity; manual handoff to an RF layer, not an automatic mechanical-property update

Scalar principal-axis self-consistency; spherical case equals Bruggeman.

Formulations and study choices
  • EM · EM self-consistent
Differential effective medium

Models → Electromagnetics · RF → Differential effective medium

InputsExplicit host/inclusion electrical properties and fractionsResults / handoffEffective permittivity; manual handoff to an RF layer, not an automatic mechanical-property update

Incremental mixing with time-step refinement check.

Formulations and study choices
  • EM · Differential effective medium
Coated sphere and interphase

Models → Electromagnetics · RF → Coated sphere and interphase

InputsExplicit host/inclusion electrical properties and fractionsResults / handoffEffective permittivity; manual handoff to an RF layer, not an automatic mechanical-property update

Concentric subwavelength coated spheres; no dynamic Mie scattering.

Formulations and study choices
  • EM · Coated sphere and interphase
Generalized multiphase EMT

Models → Electromagnetics · RF → Generalized multiphase EMT

InputsExplicit host/inclusion electrical properties and fractionsResults / handoffEffective permittivity; manual handoff to an RF layer, not an automatic mechanical-property update

Spherical multiphase Bruggeman with convergence checks.

Formulations and study choices
  • EM · Generalized multiphase EMT
Oblique polarized laminate TMM

Models → Electromagnetics · RF → Oblique polarized laminate TMM

InputsExplicit dielectric A/B layers, thicknesses, repetition, frequency and supported polarizationResults / handoffReflection, transmission, absorption and shielding spectra; no mechanical coupling

TE or TM waves; scalar isotropic layers, no polarization conversion.

Formulations and study choices
  • EM · Oblique polarized laminate TMM
1D transmission line matrix

Models → Electromagnetics · RF → 1D transmission line matrix

InputsExplicit dielectric A/B layers, thicknesses, repetition, frequency and supported polarizationResults / handoffReflected and transmitted pulse histories and spectra; mesh and energy checks

Normal-incidence lossless delay-line mesh with pulse decay, energy and mesh-refinement safeguards. Explicit Run required; not a 3D solver.

Formulations and study choices
  • EM · 1D transmission line matrix
1D Floquet–Bloch periodic layers

Models → Electromagnetics · RF → 1D Floquet–Bloch periodic layers

InputsExplicit dielectric A/B layers, thicknesses, repetition, frequency and supported polarizationResults / handoffPeriodic-cell eigenvalues, folded Bloch phase and stop-band decay

Lossless isotropic A/B unit-cell eigenvalues, folded Bloch phase and stop-band attenuation at normal incidence. Not arbitrary-cell homogenization.

Formulations and study choices
  • EM · 1D Floquet–Bloch periodic layers

Outcomes and boundaries

  • Top-right: active input tables and operating conditions
  • Bottom-right: graphical and tabular results
  • Context menus expose only commands valid for the current selection

Delivered capability

Methods available in CDS
01

Right-click opens selection-specific commands

02

Shift selects a continuous group; Control selects discrete items

03

Multi-selection supports scrollable comparison tables and compatible bulk moves

04

Any record can be duplicated by a chosen count for design studies

05

Responsive input/output tabs and top menus wrap when the window is narrow

06

General and visual settings persist on the user’s local system

07

Changes in the active input area update the current CDS entity

Next capability02.2 Material property management