Firehole Technologies, located in Laramie, Wyoming, USA, acquired the CompositePro software package from its developer Peak Composites in 2009.
Firehole’s upgrade, re-branded Helius:CompositePro, features improved user interface and enhanced analysis capabilities. It is available for download at Firehole’s website as a free demonstration version or for purchase starting at US$695.
Helius:CompositePro is a desktop tool that gives users access to fundamental composite analysis methods such as micromechanics and classical laminate analysis, as well as design tools for analysis of composite plates, sandwich panels, beams and tubes. New features include a revamped user interface, expanded platform support, the capability to plot failure envelopes, the ability to export data to Excel, advanced plotting and printing features and the addition of several failure criteria.
Several CompositePro customers have been involved in the development of Version 4.0, including Dave Crockett, owner and president of Osprey Technologies.
“For several decades I’ve consulted on structural composite materials for aerospace applications," he says. "I look for software tools that are simple to use, accurate and versatile. The revised version of CompositePro fits the bill. I use it for RFQs, ROM’s, rough designs and full-up laminate analysis; this desktop tool is an important part of my process.”
