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.

Complete User Guide148 pages · 10 chapters · Updated 2026-09-18
Getting Started Handbook139 pages · 8 chapters · Updated 2026-09-18
Training & Exercise Manual386 pages · 115 chapters · all 104 exercises · Updated 2026-09-18
Complete Theory Manual255 pages · 56 chapters · Updated 2026-09-18
Models & Workflow Manual85 pages · 9 chapters · Updated 2026-09-18

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.

05.6.6 / Structural

Plate, cylinder, and beam models

Change the structural idealization without changing the shared material, micromechanics, laminate, process, or damage definition.

Choose the structure

Geometry IDIdealizationPrimary results
1Rectangular laminate plateDeflection, moments, buckling factor, natural frequency
2Circular laminate cylinderRadial/hoop/axial response using shell or Hyer formulation
3Composite beam sectionCentroid, I2/I3, EI, strain energy, deflection, buckling, frequency

Plate boundaries

For the current Workbench plate module, choose Plate theory = CLT or FSDT in CASES. FSDT adds transverse shear and rotary inertia using shared laminate properties. Read the FSDT formulation, current scope and dedicated examples →

Geometry entries 8–11 assign the x0, x1, y0, and y1 edges independently: 1 simply supported, 2 fixed, or 3 free. Plate stiffness comes from the active laminate D matrix; mass and frequency use the calculated effective laminate density.

Cylinder formulations

Cylinder coordinates are axial x, hoop arc-length y, and radial z. Geometry entry 4 selects 1 for the engineering shell solution or 2 for the Hyer formulation. Pressure, axial force, and torque remain in the load-scaler group.

Beam sections

Geometry entry 12 selects rectangle, I section, circular tube, rectangular tube, or solid circle. The section dimensions occupy entries 14–21; end conditions occupy 22–23. The solver reports both geometric moments of inertia and laminate-effective EI.

Output interface

  • The structural summary contains cylinder, plate, and beam section, response, energy, buckling, and frequency results.
  • The cylinder load history contains pressure, force, torque, resultants, and radial traction.
  • The cylinder stress-recovery table contains final radial coordinates and recovered stresses.

Engineering scope. These are reduced-order plate, cylinder, and beam calculations for sizing, comparison, and workflow integration. Validate boundary assumptions and model fidelity before certification or safety-critical use.

Workbench availability: released models, inputs and compatible study paths. The wider theory library includes reference formulations not available in every Workbench solve.