very difficult to model this thickness change.

ComposicaD uses an empirical model to accurately model this

thickness buildup.

Normally in ComposicaD we just add the calculated thickness for each layer to the previous mandrel shape to
get the new mandrel shape. For special applications we can also specify no change to the mandrel shape, add a
constant thickness radially and axially or load a new mandrel shape from a file.

This ability to accurately model the thickness buildup is one

of the key features of ComposicaD. it allows for the very
simple creation of very thick laminates.

The diagram on the left shows the thickness build up of the

part shown in the laminate table above. Notice the increased
thickness around the poles due to the large helical lamina
thickness at the poles. This thickness buildup is the reason
that many pressure vessels step the helical windings back
from the pole for each layer put on the part. This tends to
keep the thickness more uniform in the dome area. Also
notice the increased thickness in the cylindrical section due
to the circumferential windings.

Composicad has several options for the Next Mandrel

generation that can be used to optimize winding or FEA
Analysis.

Delivery Envelope
When winding, we do not normally want to contact the
mandrels surface. ComposicaD allows us to specify an
offset from the mandrel surface, both axially and
radially, which will specify an envelope (contour) that the
delivery eye will follow. Normally ComposicaD uses a
smooth envelope shape that is specified by the Elliptical
Radio button and an elliptical radius. This radius is used
to smooth the corners of the delivery envelope. The axial
and radial offsets and a minimum radial position can be