04 / CDS User Guide
CDS User Guide
from model setup to results.
Use the current Workbench to navigate records, define engineering models, run analysis cases, compare results, and create material records from predicted effective properties.
CREATE · DISCOVER · SIMULATE
Start learning: the CDS curriculum
Follow connected exercises from your first laminate to process, loading and structural studies. Choose a topic or model, then work through the setup, tasks and checkpoints.
Explore the complete curriculum →First time? Start here →Complete manuals · download a whole collection
Each collection includes an editable Word manual and its matching searchable PDF, with linked contents, explanatory text, diagrams and references. Theory equations use native Word mathematics. Individual-page PDF buttons remain available.
These are dated reading editions of the public learning content. Interactive studies and account-controlled classroom notes and databases stay online. For current changes, follow the chapter links back to the website.
Current Workbench, reference editions and downloads
Use the online User Guide for current controls, the released model directory for selectable models and compatibility, and the Training Manual for connected exercises. Wider theory references do not mean every formulation is enabled in Workbench.
Dated GUI captures and compiled Web r18 PDF manuals retain their stated scope; they are not a substitute for current hosted Workbench instructions. Find the overview PDF, guides and exercise databases in Your CDS library.
Explore this section
9 destinationsGetting Started
Sign in, open the Workbench, understand the project tree, and make your first safe GUI edit.
→04.2Workspace & Navigation
Learn the compact Project Manager tree, run controls, result views, editors, and live simulation summary.
→04.3Materials
Add, edit, duplicate, move, classify, lock, unlock, and delete material records.
Laminas & Laminates
Connect constituents, build ply stacks, review effective results, and create reusable materials from predictions.
→04.5Processes & Simulations
Solve steady-state or transient cases, include cure exotherm and cure-dependent modulus, optimize process cycles, preview LiveLoad vectors, and inspect result provenance.
→04.6Interface & Effective Use
Use responsive navigation, locally saved settings, scrollable tables, 2D/3D plot controls, exports, record actions, and local data tools efficiently.
→04.10Connected Workbench & Live Sync
Follow model dependencies, live and saved results, source-aware material records, grouped tree moves, multi-count duplication, boundary histories and comparison workflows.
Failure, Design Maps & Optimization
Set up failure envelopes and progressive analysis, explore 2D/3D carpet and microstructure maps, run laminate searches, save snapshots and compare studies.
Videos
Open videos in the CDS learning resources.
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