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New version of ESAComp
TECHNOLOGY
New version of ESAComp COMPONEERING INC of Finland is introducing Version 4.1 of its ESAComp software for the analysis and design of composite structures. ESAComp focuses on the conceptual and preliminary designs stages. It features a database for material properties and offers integration with other simulation tools used during the design process. ESAComp 4.1 extends all these capabilities. For the design of structural elements, the new ESAComp version introduces a finite element-based analysis for curved plates. Hat stiffeners can now be defined for plates along with the beam-type stiffeners available previously. The pre-dimensioning of stiffened composite structures
is an example of where ESAComp speeds up the design process whilst achieving better optimised structures, notes Componeering Inc. There is also a new add-on module for cylindrical structures for the design of pressure vessels, pipes and shafts. For stiffened cylindrical structures, an add-on has been developed to meet the needs of the aerospace industry. For integration with finite element software, ESAComp now has an interface to ANSYS Composite PrepPost (ACP). For more detailed structural modelling, the material data and laminate lay-ups designed within ESAComp are exported to ACP. Throughout the design iterations, data can be exchanged between ACP and ESAComp. ESAcomp; www.eascomp.com
Improved fire protection topcoat
A Wright Composites technician applying Crystic Fireguard 75PA Excel topcoat.
SCOTT BADER has upgraded its Crystic Fireguard 75PA topcoat to provide better fire retardant properties and handling. The new Crystic Fireguard 75PA Excel is an intumescent topcoat which is applied to the surface of a cured fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) laminate to protect it from fire. In contact with fire the topcoat expands to form a non-flammable protective layer that insulates the surface over which it has been applied. Scott Bader reports that the product can withstand a direct flame at a temperature of 700°C for over 60 minutes without the laminate behind catching fire. Princess Yachts International, a manufacturer of luxury motor yachts, has been using Crystic 75PA Excel. “Safety is taken seriously at Princess Yachts and all our vessels have to follow the strictest guidelines,” says Julian Spooner, Composites Project Manager for Princess Yachts.
REINFORCEDplastics
JULY/AUGUST 2010
“Where fire protection is required we use Scott Bader’s Crystic Fireguard 75PA Excel. It is easy to apply and gives a first class finish. More importantly it gives a very high fire performance that means the laminates will achieve a Class1/0 performance to BS 476 Parts 6 and 7.” Wright Composites of Ballymena, Northern Ireland, a manufacturer of FRP parts for passenger vehicles, reports that Crystic Fireguard 75PA Excel has an improved consistency and cure, and is easier to handle. Overall, the company found Crystic Fireguard 75PA Excel easy to apply by brush or with a roller and that it was touch dry ‘tack free’ within 30 minutes. While it has been designed primarily for use as topcoat for FRP, Crystic Fireguard 75PA Excel can also be used on interior wood sections or other parts made from slightly porous materials. Scott Bader; www.scottbader.com www.reinforcedplastics.com
New version of ESAComp COMPONEERING INC of Finland is introducing Version 4.1 of its ESAComp software for the analysis and design of composite structures. ESAComp focuses on the conceptual and preliminary designs stages. It features a database for material properties and offers integration with other simulation tools used during the design process. ESAComp 4.1 extends all these capabilities. For the design of structural elements, the new ESAComp version introduces a finite element-based analysis for curved plates. Hat stiffeners can now be defined for plates along with the beam-type stiffeners available previously. The pre-dimensioning of stiffened composite structures
is an example of where ESAComp speeds up the design process whilst achieving better optimised structures, notes Componeering Inc. There is also a new add-on module for cylindrical structures for the design of pressure vessels, pipes and shafts. For stiffened cylindrical structures, an add-on has been developed to meet the needs of the aerospace industry. For integration with finite element software, ESAComp now has an interface to ANSYS Composite PrepPost (ACP). For more detailed structural modelling, the material data and laminate lay-ups designed within ESAComp are exported to ACP. Throughout the design iterations, data can be exchanged between ACP and ESAComp. ESAcomp; www.eascomp.com
Improved fire protection topcoat
A Wright Composites technician applying Crystic Fireguard 75PA Excel topcoat.
SCOTT BADER has upgraded its Crystic Fireguard 75PA topcoat to provide better fire retardant properties and handling. The new Crystic Fireguard 75PA Excel is an intumescent topcoat which is applied to the surface of a cured fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) laminate to protect it from fire. In contact with fire the topcoat expands to form a non-flammable protective layer that insulates the surface over which it has been applied. Scott Bader reports that the product can withstand a direct flame at a temperature of 700°C for over 60 minutes without the laminate behind catching fire. Princess Yachts International, a manufacturer of luxury motor yachts, has been using Crystic 75PA Excel. “Safety is taken seriously at Princess Yachts and all our vessels have to follow the strictest guidelines,” says Julian Spooner, Composites Project Manager for Princess Yachts.
REINFORCEDplastics
JULY/AUGUST 2010
“Where fire protection is required we use Scott Bader’s Crystic Fireguard 75PA Excel. It is easy to apply and gives a first class finish. More importantly it gives a very high fire performance that means the laminates will achieve a Class1/0 performance to BS 476 Parts 6 and 7.” Wright Composites of Ballymena, Northern Ireland, a manufacturer of FRP parts for passenger vehicles, reports that Crystic Fireguard 75PA Excel has an improved consistency and cure, and is easier to handle. Overall, the company found Crystic Fireguard 75PA Excel easy to apply by brush or with a roller and that it was touch dry ‘tack free’ within 30 minutes. While it has been designed primarily for use as topcoat for FRP, Crystic Fireguard 75PA Excel can also be used on interior wood sections or other parts made from slightly porous materials. Scott Bader; www.scottbader.com www.reinforcedplastics.com