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LIGHTWEIGHTING for the number of bolts, their size, and their location, as well as all anisotropic material behavior of composite laminates. A new utility in Helius Composite 2016 helps build and size bolted joints by computing strength margins for bolted connections of multiple composite laminates. Designers can now work on bolted connections interactively by selecting up to three laminates to use in the design, selecting the number of rows and columns, specifying the starting location of the frst bolt hole and the bolt spacing, defning plate overlaps, and specifying the running load of the connection. The simulation of the plate with the bolts updates automatically. As required, designers can apply ofsets to stagger the rows a specifed distance. The calculated results, based on leading characteristic curve models for bolted jolts, are presented as margins of safety for bearing failure, shear failure, and net tension failure for each plate, as well as the margin of safety for the fastener and sleeve if used. OPTIMIZE PART SHAPE ParetoWorks, from SciArt, LLC ( sciartsoft.com/Products.html ), is a SolidWorks plug-in for topology optimization. First released in 2013, the new version is cloud-based ( cloudtopopt.com ) and, for the time being, free. The goal of topology optimization is design optimization, which, says University of Wisconsin (Madison) mechanical engineering associate professor Krishnan Suresh, who developed the software, "is critical in reducing cost, reducing material, reducing weight and increasing quality, and is a driving force behind innovation." The software helps designers create part shapes ("topologies") that maintain an initial structural integrity with the least amount of material possible. These material-saving topologies yield parts that "are both cheaper to produce and weigh less," continues Suresh. When using the online app, designers defne the part's design goals by entering material properties, mesh density, boundary conditions (such as loads and constraints), and other parameters. The software then runs multiple analyses, each one removing part material until optimiza- tion is complete. The fnished optimization can be exported as an STL fle. The free plug-in includes a fnite element analysis engine that can generate a mesh and handle millions of degrees of freedom. Better, it needs only seconds to identify an optimized shape for a component, according to Suresh, which "is far and away faster than other available software, all of which is beyond most human capabilities." At top is the initial design of a component that must withstand an applied force (red arrows), followed by two snapshots of the design after applying topology optimization using ParetoWorks. info@mvpind.com • mvpind.com The Key To excellenT MeTering Patriot 1:1 Adhesives / Sealants System Designed for the hardest, most critical application • Simplifes day-to-day use and maintenance by eliminating the need for gear and transfer pumps • Self-adjusting pneumatic cylinders • Safety shut off device Available in 10:1 and single component options 36