VABS

VABS is a software solution aimed at small to large companies in the aerospace and wind energy industries. According to the vendor, this approach to modeling composite blades and other slender structures (beams) achieves the accuracy of detailed 3D FEA with the efficiency of simple engineering models. The vendor claims that VABS significantly reduces analysis time and can accurately compute the complete set of beam sectional properties for structures with arbitrary cross-sectional shape and materials. Additionally, VABS is said to reproduce the accuracy of direct numerical simulation (DNS) using 3D FEA by explicitly modeling all the ply details of composite beams.

Key Features:

• Efficient Modeling: According to the vendor, VABS reduces analysis time significantly and can accurately compute the complete set of beam sectional properties for structures with arbitrary cross-sectional shape and materials. The vendor claims that VABS achieves the accuracy of detailed 3D FEA while using the efficiency of simple engineering models.

• Pointwise Failure Analysis: The vendor states that VABS allows users to compute pointwise distributions of failure indexes and strength ratios over the cross section under a given load. This feature is said to provide insights into areas of potential failure and safety margins, enabling detailed analysis of failure behavior in composite beams.

• Nodal Stress/Strain Output: According to the vendor, VABS enables the output of nodal stress/strain values according to the original numbering of the finite element nodes. This feature facilitates detailed analysis of stress and strain distribution within the structure, allowing for further analysis and post-processing of results.

• Complete Set of Engineering Properties: VABS outputs a complete set of engineering properties commonly used in conventional beam analysis, including extension stiffness (EA), torsional stiffness (GJ), principal bending stiffnesses (EI22, EI33), principal shear stiffnesses (GA22, GA33), tension center, shear center, principal inertia axis, principal bending axis, and principal shear axis. According to the vendor, these properties provide comprehensive information for structural analysis and design.

• iVABS Integration: The vendor claims that VABS seamlessly integrates with iVABS, an integrated framework developed by Purdue University. This integration is said to enhance the usage of VABS by enabling design and optimization, parametric studies, and uncertainty quantifications, among other capabilities.

• PreVABS Pre-processing Tool: VABS includes the PreVABS pre-processing tool developed by Purdue University. According to the vendor, this tool automates the process of preparing input files of beam cross sections for VABS, reducing the workload for design and optimization purposes. The vendor states that the tool allows users to create cross sections with general and airfoil shapes and interfaces directly with ANSYS, ABAQUS, and other software.

• Integration with Other Software: VABS seamlessly interfaces with HyperMesh and OptiStruct, enabling easy integration with other design environments such as ANSYS, ABAQUS, and more. According to the vendor, this feature enhances the usability and compatibility of VABS with existing workflows, ensuring a smooth transition and efficient utilization of the software.