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04.1 / CDS User Guide

Get started with
the CDS Workbench.

A short path from sign-in and a safe first edit to a verified solver run.

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

02.10 · Three-point bending: span and stiffness

Level 3
IntermediateEst. 25 min
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.

02.10 · Three-point bending: span and stiffness · 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.

Euler–Bernoulli beam · Linear static · ASTM D7264 · Three-point flexure · Procedure A load

Beam bending uses effective laminate axial stiffness, the linked section geometry, support span and applied loading. Euler–Bernoulli deflection excludes transverse shear deformation, roller contact and indentation. Ply stress recovery for rectangular laminate coupons is separate from section-level beam stress recovery.

∑ Theory & assumptions
Data travelling between blocks

Materials → Laminates
Stored ply stiffness, strength, density and expansion 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.

Models → Mechanical
Applied model assignment: Euler–Bernoulli beam · Linear static. Model parameters and formulation are used by Mechanical.

Inspect specimen width, laminate thickness, support span and central force.

Models: Euler–Bernoulli beam · ASTM D7264-26-based

Study scope and limitations

Procedure A teaching setup. Transverse shear deformation, roller contact and indentation are excluded.

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

01

Open the Workbench

Register and verify your CDS account, then sign in and choose SIMULATE to launch Workbench. Account registration is required, including for the 30-day demo. Your active license determines permitted modules and models.

Step-by-step instructions · 3 steps
  1. Confirm the correct account is signed in.
  2. Choose a starter exercise or open your saved CDS database. Save current work before replacing the workspace.
  3. Use CREATE for a guided starting design, DISCOVER for exploration, or SIMULATE for the standard workspace.
02

Understand the workspace

The compact project tree is on the left, the selected record editor occupies the main workspace, and the result summary remains visually separate. Single-click selects a record; use its chevron or double-click the row to open children.

Navigate in the left tree, edit the selected record above, and review outputs below.
Navigate in the left tree, edit the selected record above, and review outputs below. Open full size ↗GUI capture · September 10, 2026. Control locations may differ in later releases; not benchmark validation data.
03

Make your first edit

Duplicate a teaching record, unlock one property, enter a valid numeric value, confirm its units, and lock it again.

Find the variable, confirm its units, then use the row lock and numeric value. Save is at the top right.
Steps 1, 2, 3 · Find the variable, confirm its units, then use the row lock and numeric value. Save is at the top right. Open full size ↗GUI capture · September 10, 2026. Control locations may differ in later releases; not benchmark validation data.
Step-by-step instructions · 4 steps
  1. Select the record. See screenshot
  2. Find the property by its name and description. See screenshot
  3. Unlock the row, edit the value, then lock it. See screenshot
  4. Save the record and keep a dependency-complete CDS database checkpoint.
04

Run and review a case

Select a simulation and inspect its connected inputs and model choices in the Simulation workflow. Eligible quick studies refresh after editing pauses; longer calculations require Run.

Review the linked records in Simulation (shown as Solve in this capture) and use Run on the output toolbar.
Steps 1, 3 · Review the linked records in Simulation (shown as Solve in this capture) and use Run on the output toolbar. 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. Resolve missing setup, invalid inputs and incompatible model selections. See screenshot
  2. Check geometry, boundary conditions and loading in LiveLoad.
  3. Choose Run when required and wait for completion. See screenshot
  4. Review the relevant output and its freshness, units, assumptions and convergence.
05

Find the manuals and exercise databases

Open Your account → Your CDS library for the current overview PDF, User Guide, Theory Manual and complete exercise collection. Read the exercise instructions and two-layer workflow before opening its database.