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04.5 / CDS User Guide

Prepare, visualize, optimize, and run
analysis cases.

Define connected process and structural inputs, include cure-aware physics, optimize cycles, verify loads graphically, run the solver, and review result provenance.

06.1 Manuals · read online, preview or download →

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.

Screenshots and download editions carry revision dates; consult the current chapter for updated Workbench instructions. Find the overview PDF, guides and exercise databases in Your CDS library.

Workbench exercise preview

03.62 · Thick laminate: reaction heating, cure gradient and process stress

Level 4
AdvancedEst. 40 min
Physical process schematic · Open full-size schematic ↗
03.62 · Thick laminate: reaction heating, cure gradient and process stress — Surface boundary histories drive heat into and out of the laminate. Compare surface and core histories; include reaction heating only when enabled in the exercise.

Conceptual setup, not a solved result. Use the existing live process view in Workbench to inspect this exercise’s linked equipment, boundary settings and results.

Exercise workflow · Open full-size map ↗

All blocks keep the CREATE / DISCOVER / SIMULATE positions, with Equipment below Geometry; unused records remain disconnected. This changes the view only, not the exercise records.

03.62 · Thick laminate: reaction heating, cure gradient and process stress · Fixed layout with all supplied blocks · not solved results
∑ Used models & submodels

Only models assigned to records used by this exercise are listed here. The full-layout option preserves the supplied starter records; no Workbench records are changed.

Halpin–Tsai · T700 / EP180 UD · Thermal processing

One compatible homogenization model per Micro recipe. Separate recipes compare models; their predictions are not blended.

∑ Theory & assumptions
CLT · Linear static with failure indices · Plate — Nx Static Validation · Thermal laminate warping

Shared laminate stiffness drives this membrane/CLT path. Failure criteria are independent comparisons, not blended models. Fatigue is a separate assessment.

∑ Theory & assumptions
1D transient heat transfer · T700 Thermal Process · Thermal laminate warping

Needs linked laminate properties and a compatible process schedule. A linked cycle is not a solved temperature history.

∑ Theory & assumptions
Maximum stress · Plate — Nx Static Validation · Thermal laminate warping

Primary ply criterion for Plate — Nx Static Validation · Thermal laminate warping. Envelope comparisons are independent; criteria are not blended.

∑ Theory & assumptions
Data travelling between blocks

Micro → Laminates
Predicted ply stiffness, strength, density and expansion properties.

Materials → Micro
Constituent stiffness, strength, density and thermal / moisture properties.

Mechanical → Simulation
SIMULATION selects this case and its analysis model; the case owns its applicable cycle and input references.

Laminates → Mechanical
Ply angles and thicknesses, stiffness, mass and ply properties.

Geometry → Mechanical
Part shape and dimensions, thickness or section definition, and model-specific geometric inputs. Each selected case consumes only the dimensions its model supports.

Thermal → Simulation
SIMULATION selects this case and its analysis model; the case owns its applicable cycle and input references.

Laminates → Thermal
Ply angles and thicknesses, stiffness, mass and ply properties.

Models → Micro
Applied model assignment: Halpin–Tsai. Model parameters and formulation are used by Micro.

Models → Mechanical
Applied model assignment: CLT · Linear static with failure indices. Model parameters and formulation are used by Mechanical.; Maximum stress

Models → Thermal
Applied model assignment: 1D transient heat transfer. Model parameters and formulation are used by Thermal.

Run the 6 mm laminate through the 120°C dwell with its linked resin reaction heat.

Models: Heat transfer · Classical laminate theory · Extension–bending coupling · Thermomechanical coupling

Study scope and limitations

Teaching inputs, not qualified allowables. Sequential coupling transfers the reported thermal/moisture state to laminate mechanics; it is not simultaneous 3D multiphysics. Inspect the transferred state and reference values before interpreting stress or curvature. Free laminate CLT curvature, not fixture-constrained distortion, a full tool-release simulation or calibrated cure-shrinkage prediction.

138 exercises, examples and case studies → · Your CDS library: overview, manuals and database downloads →

01

Use heating and cooling die equipment

Open Equipment below Geometry and select a Heater or Cooler record. Its contact length, width, temperature or signed surface flux, conductance, manufacturer, body material and finish belong to the hardware. The thermal case owns its position and surface.

Step-by-step instructions · 3 steps
  1. In Moving Process, set the material inlet state, laminate and speed. Select Contact equipment on the intended Upper or Lower boundary and place the linked die against that surface.
  2. In Live Process, use the inlet upper surface as the origin, grid and snap to seat the tool. The die is centred across the width. Double-click it to edit the hardware.
  3. Run and compare die setpoints with solved surface/core temperature and cure versus position. The multi-zone pultrusion exercise includes a separate cooling die over its final 0.2 m.
02

Navigate Live Process and thermal results

Side view pans with left drag; rotation belongs to 3D view. Use the grid spacing and position controls to place supported equipment. The scene follows the active simulation and boundary domain.

Step-by-step instructions · 4 steps
  1. Select Incoming, Upper or Lower to isolate relevant callouts. Click a scene callout to highlight the corresponding row; column Fill controls copy eligible values.
  2. Use Incoming to set tape angle, supply dimensions and optional preheat ahead of the nip. Vendor-spec deviations are shown. Laser geometry and equipment remain linked to the irradiation setup.
  3. Inspect pressure and temperature, tape/substrate comparisons, quality and flux through the result tabs and classified selectors. Surface flux maps require applicable current run data.
  4. Use prescribed roller temperature for the default controlled-temperature estimate. Enable the rotating model and optional N-cycle preconditioning only when roller thermal evolution is required.
03

Select compatible processing quality models

Thermoset processing uses cure kinetics, cure-dependent viscosity and the selected modulus law. Thermoplastic processing can use melt viscosity, crystallization, intimate contact, healing/bonding and void consolidation where supported.

Step-by-step instructions · 4 steps
  1. Review the linked material models in Incoming material conditions. A single available model may be presented as an enable switch; multiple choices use a selector with equation/help access.
  2. For film impregnation, link dry reinforcement with z-permeability and the Darcy model. Per-ply average temperature drives viscosity and fill; finite-film supply limits the available resin.
  3. Inspect void consolidation separately from Darcy fill. For ATP, inspect the newly formed tape/substrate interface separately from existing laminate interfaces.
  4. Keep illustrative optical, permeability, viscosity and kinetic values identified as examples. Rerun after changing any connected model input.
04

Geometry and case controls

Geometry defines dimensions and model-specific shape. Cases selects Thermal, Moisture, Mechanical or EM theory, then links the compatible laminate, geometry and conditions required by that theory. Favorites sort first in every compatible selector.

Case controls link the model, laminate, geometry, initial state, boundary data and loads.
Case controls link the model, laminate, geometry, initial state, boundary data and loads. Open full size ↗GUI capture · September 7, 2026. Control locations may differ in later releases; not benchmark validation data.
Step-by-step instructions · 5 steps
  1. Choose the case type and analysis model before entering model-specific fields.
  2. Use link icons beside selectors to open the chosen laminate, geometry, process boundary or material source.
  3. Review LiveLoad or the geometry preview after changing type, dimensions, supports, loads or boundary conditions.
  4. Case-owned cycles use tabs and tables for time, temperature, moisture, pressure or load conditions. Time must increase monotonically.
  5. Use right-click Help for the control explanation and the ∑ theory link for equations and limits.
05

SIMULATE workflow controls

SIMULATE assembles the active run from connected Materials, Micro, Laminates, Geometry, Equipment, Models and Case blocks. The plus action adds available records to a block; each selector changes the run connection; link icons open sources. Used identifies records consumed by the selected run.

SIMULATION combines case selection, dependency inspection and execution controls.
SIMULATION combines case selection, dependency inspection and execution controls. Open full size ↗GUI capture · September 7, 2026. Control locations may differ in later releases; not benchmark validation data.
Step-by-step instructions · 6 steps
  1. Use the simulation picker to choose the active study. Use None for unused Thermal, Moisture, Mechanical or EM slots.
  2. Show or hide connections, key data, unused blocks and model details with the workflow toolbar. The fixed workflow layout keeps Equipment directly below Geometry; use the detail slider and pan/zoom to reveal more information.
  3. Use Titles, Table, Details and zoom controls to change presentation. These controls do not change inputs.
  4. Use Hide summary or Show summary beside the workflow controls. Drag the divider when Summary is open; Notes edits the model, goal, objectives and student guidance; Show me how starts the walkthrough.
  5. Read Solver status before Run. Live paused, live updates, run required, running, completed and outdated are distinct states.
  6. Use Export for PNG or JPEG workflow, workflow with Summary, Summary only, or editable workflow PowerPoint. Use Snapshot for a reusable run and Report for a full engineering report.
06

Oven-cycle studies

The core curriculum includes gentle-ramp, two-stage dwell and unequal-convection oven studies, with their thermal cases in Ovens.

Step-by-step instructions · 3 steps
  1. Open the exercise from Training and inspect the prescribed air-temperature schedule, upper/lower convection coefficients and linked laminate.
  2. Run and compare air, surface and core temperatures, conversion and reaction heating through ramp, dwell and cooling.
  3. Refine thickness nodes and check sensitivity. Extend cooling before interpreting a final state as room-temperature residual stress.
07

Choose the run in the SIMULATION block

SIMULATION is the control point for the run. Select a Thermal case, Moisture case, Mechanical case and EM case, or None in any slot. Each selected case shows its analysis model, laminate and applicable geometry.

Step-by-step instructions · 4 steps
  1. Keep candidate records in the surrounding blocks. Adding a candidate does not select it for execution.
  2. Select the required cases in SIMULATION and review their inputs before Run. At least one case is required.
  3. Use the same laminate for a supported combined run. Run standalone studies separately with the other selectors set to None.
  4. Run executes the selected combination. A connection or Used marker is not confirmation of a successful solve.
08

Review every downstream geometry dependency

A geometry record can be shared by several cases and simulations. Editing its dimensions or type affects all linked consumers, including studies that are not currently open. Unrelated records are unchanged.

Step-by-step instructions · 4 steps
  1. After editing geometry, open Solver messages and expand Review affected cases and simulations. Select a linked name to inspect that record.
  2. Check the selected model, load basis, dimensions and boundary conditions. Loads are not automatically replaced when the geometry changes.
  3. Resolve incompatible geometry and model combinations before running. An I-section does not turn a plate theory into a beam theory.
  4. Rerun affected simulations before relying on previous results. Inputs changed warnings indicate that stored results no longer match their connected inputs.
09

Read the blue Used marker

Used markers identify consumed records. Availability and connection state do not require a green glow around a block. Hover or focus the marker to see which downstream record and field uses that input.

Step-by-step instructions · 3 steps
  1. Check the marker before editing a shared input: more than one case can consume it.
  2. A Used marker means connected, not solved or validated. Review solver status and outdated-result warnings separately.
  3. Missing or incompatible selections need repair; do not interpret an empty result as zero response.
10

Add, replace or disconnect a block input

The + control adds another available record to a block, excluding records already present. Use that record row dropdown to change the candidate, its link to open it, and − to remove it from the block. Library records are not deleted.

Step-by-step instructions · 4 steps
  1. Choose + and search for a compatible candidate not already in the block. Decide what actually runs with the four selectors in SIMULATION.
  2. If no compatible record exists, create one in Inputs. Each case owns its analysis model and applicable cycle. There is no separate Process block to connect.
  3. A used input must first be disconnected or changed at its consuming field. Review downstream warnings before confirming a removal; cancel to keep it.
  4. After removal, required missing inputs remain flagged and their selectors allow reconnection. Optional cases may stay disconnected. Rerun affected analyses before relying on their results.
11

Create a case with its own cycle

Choose a Thermal, Moisture, Mechanical or EM case. Each case selects one analysis model and owns its applicable conditions and cycle. There is no separate Process block.

Earlier cycle editor shown for reference. In the current interface, open the Thermal case and edit its own Initial conditions, Upper and Lower tabs; no separate Process record is needed.
Earlier cycle editor shown for reference. In the current interface, open the Thermal case and edit its own Initial conditions, Upper and Lower tabs; no separate Process record is needed. Open full size ↗GUI capture · September 7, 2026. Control locations may differ in later releases; not benchmark validation data.
12

Edit the cycle inside the case

In a thermal case, use Incoming material conditions for the initial state and model selections, Incoming for a moving tape and its optional preheat, and Upper and Lower for substrate surface schedules. Set each surface condition and film coefficient in this case. Moisture and mechanical schedules belong to their own cases and do not share the thermal cycle.

Enter time, temperature, boundary condition and shared pressure by row. Switch Upper/Lower Boundary for the second surface; compare both temperature curves on the right.
Steps 1, 2, 3, 4 · Enter time, temperature, boundary condition and shared pressure by row. Switch Upper/Lower Boundary for the second surface; compare both temperature curves on the right. Open full size ↗GUI capture · September 7, 2026. Control locations may differ in later releases; not benchmark validation data.
Step-by-step instructions · 4 steps
  1. Enter increasing time for Stationary Process or distance for Moving Process, and set the pulling speed for moving material. See screenshot
  2. Choose Step to hold a row value or Ramp to approach the next value. Roller rows use applied force; the resulting nip pressure is shared through the thickness. See screenshot
  3. Set Upper and Lower boundary types, or enable mirror Symmetry. Moving processes permit rollers; Stationary Process does not. Use the field or model help to distinguish a setpoint from a predicted result. See screenshot
  4. Inspect the plot beside the table for discontinuities or unit errors. See screenshot
13

Assemble a simulation input record

In SIMULATION select Thermal, Moisture, Mechanical and EM cases, each with None available. The other blocks hold used and available records. Check the model, laminate and applicable geometry beneath each selected case.

Simulation combines the earlier Solve and Summary views; this capture shows the linked laminate, geometry, process cycle and coupled analysis selectors. Review every required reference; a blank selector is not a completed connection.
Simulation combines the earlier Solve and Summary views; this capture shows the linked laminate, geometry, process cycle and coupled analysis selectors. Review every required reference; a blank selector is not a completed connection. Open full size ↗GUI capture · September 7, 2026. Control locations may differ in later releases; not benchmark validation data.
14

Review the LiveLoad schematic

The LiveLoad block appears beside Loads and Thermal inputs for analysis cases. Its plate, cylinder, or thermal schematic updates with the selected geometry, boundary conditions, loads, and directions. A zero-valued load vector is greyed so active loading is immediately recognizable.

15

Run the model

Resolve missing selections, invalid numbers, broken references, invalid ply angles, and zero laminate thickness before choosing Run. Use the Simulation workflow for a final dependency and model check.

Check the simulation references in Simulation (shown as Solve in this capture), select the intended output tab below, then use Run at the right.
Steps 2, 3 · Check the simulation references in Simulation (shown as Solve in this capture), select the intended output tab below, then use Run at the right. Open full size ↗GUI capture · September 7, 2026. Control locations may differ in later releases; not benchmark validation data.
Step-by-step instructions · 4 steps
  1. Confirm the LiveLoad schematic matches the intended model.
  2. Keep the desired Results tab selected. See screenshot
  3. Choose Run when required; the interface preserves that tab while the model executes. See screenshot
  4. Review result values, freshness and solver messages.
16

Understand solver provenance

A live preview and a saved simulation answer different questions. Check the run status, model assumptions and input revision before using a result. Resolve reported errors and rerun after changing connected inputs.

17

Check thermal setup and accuracy

A thermal result needs a compatible thermal case model, linked laminate, transport properties, initial conditions and its embedded cycle where required by that model. Missing setup is not a zero-temperature result.

Step-by-step instructions · 4 steps
  1. Follow the missing-setup message to the linked source record rather than interpreting an empty plot.
  2. After upstream edits, rerun before using a saved temperature, cure or moisture history.
  3. Refine through-thickness resolution and review temperature gradients and numerical diagnostics.
  4. Output spacing controls saved samples; it is not the integration accuracy target. The transient solver checks full-step/two-half-step agreement.
18

Include cure exotherm and evolving modulus

Transient thermal analysis can include the heat released by cure. The selected cure-dependent modulus model then changes the stiffness used to develop process stress as degree of cure evolves.

Include cure exotherm is an explicit option in Process optimization. It uses the linked resin; it does not supply missing kinetics or heat-of-reaction data.
Steps 2 · Include cure exotherm is an explicit option in Process optimization. It uses the linked resin; it does not supply missing kinetics or heat-of-reaction data. Open full size ↗GUI capture · September 7, 2026. Control locations may differ in later releases; not benchmark validation data.
Step-by-step instructions · 4 steps
  1. Assign a cure-kinetics model, total heat of reaction, density and heat capacity to the material or ply.
  2. Enable cure exotherm when the thermal solution should include reaction heat; leave it off for externally imposed thermal histories that intentionally exclude self-heating. See screenshot
  3. Assign the cure-dependent modulus model and review its editable transition, rubbery/glassy modulus and shape parameters.
  4. Rerun after changing kinetics, transport, cure heat, modulus evolution or shrinkage. These inputs affect later residual-stress and failure results.
19

Optimize an oven or process cycle

Process optimization varies selected surface-cycle controls to meet a target core temperature or cure state while reducing time, overshoot or other configured penalties.

Choose Process in Optimize, select the thermal case, then set the core target, hold time, temperature limits and bounded time/boundary multipliers. Review assumptions before running.
Steps 1, 2, 3 · Choose Process in Optimize, select the thermal case, then set the core target, hold time, temperature limits and bounded time/boundary multipliers. Review assumptions before running. Open full size ↗GUI capture · September 7, 2026. Control locations may differ in later releases; not benchmark validation data.
Step-by-step instructions · 6 steps
  1. Choose Process in Optimize Inputs and select the thermal case and its laminate. Review the cycle owned by that case. See screenshot
  2. Choose a target such as core temperature, degree of cure, maximum temperature difference, overshoot or total cycle time. See screenshot
  3. Select the editable boundary variables—surface temperatures, ramp rates, dwell temperatures or dwell durations—and define bounds and constraints. See screenshot
  4. Choose steady-state only for equilibrium targets. Use transient mode for ramps, dwells, core lag, cure exotherm, evolving modulus and stress development.
  5. Run the bounded search, inspect feasibility and convergence, save a snapshot, then apply the candidate to the case-owned cycle and review the resulting case.
  6. Rerun the full coupled simulation before accepting residual stress, distortion or failure results from the optimized cycle.
20

Thermal, moisture, EM and mechanical case controls

Each CASES record owns its model, laminate, applicable geometry, loads, initial state and schedule. Dropdowns link existing records; the plus action creates a new record and favorites appear first in every compatible selector.

Case controls link the model, laminate, geometry, initial state, boundary data and loads.
Case controls link the model, laminate, geometry, initial state, boundary data and loads. Open full size ↗GUI capture · September 7, 2026. Control locations may differ in later releases; not benchmark validation data.
Step-by-step instructions · 5 steps
  1. Model chooses the formulation for that case and controls which inputs and theory help appear.
  2. Laminate and Geometry link the physical definition. A missing or incompatible link prevents a valid run rather than acting as a zero input.
  3. Thermal and moisture boundary tabs define independent upper and lower histories. Add, remove and reorder schedule rows carefully; time must increase monotonically.
  4. Mechanical load fields and selectors define the active load state. Use LiveLoad to check sign, axis and boundary-condition meaning.
  5. None in the SIMULATION block disconnects an optional case. Changing a current case marks dependent results stale until Run completes.
21

SIMULATION workflow controls

The SIMULATION block combines case selection, dependency inspection, notes, summary, model layers and execution. Its toolbar changes presentation or navigation unless the control explicitly says Run, Save, Export or Apply.

SIMULATION combines case selection, dependency inspection and execution controls.
SIMULATION combines case selection, dependency inspection and execution controls. Open full size ↗GUI capture · September 7, 2026. Control locations may differ in later releases; not benchmark validation data.
Step-by-step instructions · 5 steps
  1. Select Thermal, Moisture, Mechanical and EM cases in the SIMULATION block; favorites are shown first and None disconnects an unused branch.
  2. Use the workflow layout, data, model-layer, pause-animation, equation and book controls to inspect the graph. These controls do not alter the engineering records.
  3. The book button opens the resizable Summary panel. Notes contains summary, goals, objectives and supporting details; Lock prevents unintended editing; Show me how starts the guided walkthrough.
  4. Undo and Redo reverse or restore supported data and scene actions in order. Disabled arrows mean no eligible action exists in that direction.
  5. Run executes the current compatible simulation. Cancel stops an active run. Read freshness and solver status before exporting or reporting.