Having created a mandrel as described in previous sections a fibre path can be created. From the CADFIL initial menu select the Create Path option. The user is asked to enter/select the mandrel file name and is then asked for the Number of elements per revolution. This is the number of elements around the mandrel and is discussed in the mandrel meshing section. The start conditions for the fibre track is then requested.
Once the initial start position and direction has been selected, it is only possible to make small modification to be basic geodesic path trajectory. The only method available is to use the friction that exists between the resin, fibre and mandrel being used. This section describes how the path is started, and the subsequent sections discuss the best methods of start point selection to achieve specific requirements.
When the path is started the mandrel is drawn in the display area in the default X-Y (SIDE) view. The user is then requested to specify the X location of the start position (i.e. the position along the mandrel axis). The options are:
TypeIf the X co-ordinate of the start point required is known, then this option is used. The user is prompted, Enter start position. The start position entered must be in mandrel units, and it’s located relative to the mandrel origin.
MouseIf an approximate start location on the mandrel is satisfactory, then the user can move the mouse cursor to the desired position and click the left mouse button.
RadiusIf a specific end opening is required this option can be used refer to the following section entitled 'specific wind angle required.'
Once the start position is specified the start angle can be specified from the following options:
HOOP UHOOP Up is used to start the fibre path in the hoop direction (90 degree winding angle). If this option is used one hoop point is now already generated, and if the location is on the mandrel end, the opening diameter has thus been fixed.
HOOP DHOOP Down is that same as HOOP U except that the fibre starts with -90 degree winding angle. The direction of rotation of the mandrel in the winding machine will be opposite to using hoop up.
CURSORThis option displays a cursor cross at the position where the fibre start position was previously requested. Using the mouse, the user stretches the rubber band line to make the angle required between the band line and the horizontal. Once the approximate angle has been achieved, the user left clicks.
ANGLEA dialogue box requests the start angle to be input displaying, ENTER START ANGLE -/+ 180. The user is required to input the start angle (See figure ).
Once the fibre start position and angle has been specified the software proceeds to the fibre creation menu described in a later section.