Background

In 2014, NAFEMS conducted a user survey about the current practice for the analysis of composite structures [1]. The results revealed that the most used FE software are Abaqus, Nastran, ANSYS and LS-DYNA, with a preference based on the type of analysis that is conducted: linear analysis with Nastran, non linear analysis with Abaqus, crash or impact simulation with LS-DYNA. More specific applications are performed with LMS Samcef, MARC, PAM-CRASH or RADIOSS. All these FEA packages offer extended capabilities for the analysis of composites that can also be complemented with dedicated software suites for the design, the manufacture and the analysis of the performance of composites.

The NAFEMS Vendor Network were invited to contact the author and provide details of their composites simulation tools. Any organisation that is involved in the creation of engineering analysis software and is a NAFEMS members is invited to join the Vendor Advisory Board. 

[1] NAFEMS Composites Survey