### 3.4.3. Geometry Cut-off Selection Rule

Another way of achieving a variable core thickness is to use a Cut-off Selection Rule. Even if the cutting operation only applies to a core layer, it is dependent on the entire layup. If the thickness of the bottom laminate is changed, the thickness of the core is cutoff at a different height. In this way, a laminate thickness limit can be set. This can be a very useful in places where the laminate thickness is limited, near a trailing edge of a blade for example.

Figure : Section Cut and Thickness Contour Plot

The core thickness can be set to be cut in different ways depending on the Ply Tapering option of the Selection Rule. It can either follow the exact intersection with the CAD Geometry or can be cut-off to two discrete size - its nominal thickness or no thickness at all.

The Cut-off Selection Rule has to be used with precaution as any modification of the underlying plies might modify the core.

An example of a Cut-off Selection Rule can be found in Tutorial 2.

Figure : Imported Cut-off Geometry

Figure : Resulting Thickness Distribution (Ply Tapering Activated)

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