2-D Orthotropic Material Analysis

1. Introduction

The model shown in Figure 1 is a 20 inch by 40 inch plate with a 4 inch diameter hole in the center of the
plate. This model will be used to show the importance of correctly using material directions in orthotropic
material analysis. This same procedure is used to align material angles for composite/laminate analysis.

Figure 1. Plate Model

2. Creating the Material and Property

The plate is a 1/10 of an inch thick and constructed of a generic 2-D orthotropic material. The property
information is shown in Figure 2, the material values are shown in Figure 3.

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Figure 2. Plate Property Information

Figure 3. 2-D Orthotropic Material Properties

3. Running the Analysis and Viewing the Results

The model is first run, exactly as FEMAP creates it. The results of this analysis run are shown in Figures
5 & 6. Clearly these results are not valid.

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Figure 4. Von Mises Stress with Default Element/Material Directions

Figure 5. Normal-X Stress with Default Element/Material Directions

Because a 2-D orthotropic material is used, the material direction must be set. This is accomplished with
the Modify-Update Elements-Material Angle. Select all the elements, and then choose the method to
update the element material angle. For this model, the material direction should be in the global X-
direction. Figure 6 shows the settings for this model.

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Figure 6. Update Element Material Orientation

Re-running this model produces the following results in Figures 7 & 8. The von Mises stress plot is now
correct; however, the normal X-stress is not.

Figure 7. Von Mises Stresses after Material Angle Update

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Figure 8. Normal-X Stresses after Material Angle Update

Re-running the same model with the material angle change made in FEMAP, and a change to the
nastran.ini file of setting ELEMRSLTCORD = MATERIAL in the left pane of the NASTRAN Editor window
(shown in Figures 9 & 10) the normal X-stress results are now correct (Figure 11). The
ELEMRSLTCORD parameter changes the output coordinate system.

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Figure 9. Editor Options Pane

Figure 10. ELEMRSLTCORD Options

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Figure 11. Correct Normal X-Stress Results Generated as a Result of the Material Orientation
Changes

To generate the correct results when using a 2-D orthotropic material, or when using a
composite/laminate it is important to update the material angle in FEMAP and to request the output in the
Material coordinate system.