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Goal of this tutorial Introduction to
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Training:
Relevant data for this tutorial:
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Step 1: Start MSC Apex Generative Design 2020
The program starts and you can directly create your optimization model
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Step 2: Model generation
You can either create the geometry directly in MSC Apex Gennerative Design or import already existing files. You can import .xb, .step, and .sldprt files into the program.
Import/create the Design space including the Nondesign spaces in MSC Apex Generativ Design 2020 as one solid. For this Jet Engine Bracket the already prepared Design space was imported.
The CAD-file includes several solids. Thus, only one solid is supported for an optimization, with a Boolean operation the solids can be merged to one. Activate Merge Solids as Cells to create partitions which can be used for Nondesign spaces.
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Create the material Steel in the Materials editor and assign it to the Design space
The specific values needed are the Young's Modulus (210e3 MPa), poisson ratio (0.28) and density (7.85e-6 kg/mm3)
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Nondesign spaceshave to be selected using the Optimization Tools. In this case the four fixation points and two force application points are selected and a Nondesign space with an offset of 3 mm is created for each.
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with the direct method all already existing cells (partitions) can be selected
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The Nondesign spaces will change the color and are listed up in the model tree
Step 3: Definition of boundary conditions
Go to the Loads & Boundary Condition Tool to enter the loads and fixations. Displacements, Forces, Moments, Gravity and Pressure Loads can be applied using different selection options.
In this case a symmetrical optimization using the Advanced User Settings is carried out. Therefore, the loads are only applied on a half (quarter/eighth…)
The loads will be automatically mirrored through the symmetry planes
Attention: The loads are only allowed to be applied in the positive coordinate direction. More information about how to use the symmetry function here.
In this case only one force is defined in the positive coordinate half (on the top plate):
Name | Force/Moment/Pressure/Gravity | Direction | Value in N |
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Force-Moment1 | Force | y | -1000 |
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One constraint is created and attached on the Nondesign space of the cylinder:
Name | Direction |
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Constraint 1 | x, y, z (=0) |
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Step 4: Definition of load cases
The next steps are defined in the Studies area.
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Active in Event1: Force-Moment and Constraint1
Step 5: Definition of optimization parameters
The optimization parameters are selected in the Studies Area as well.
Select the Strut Density: Medium
Select the Shape Quality: Balanced
Enter the Stress Goal: 50 MPa
Advanced User Settings: BF1584446026. Further information here.
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Step 6: Adding Advanced User Settings (Symmetry)
Advanced User Settings can be added to each scenario by activating the text field with a right click on the specific scenario.
To use the symmetry constraints correctly some conditions have to be satisfied:
The geometry has to be symmetrical
The boundary conditions have to be symmetrical
The model has to be placed in the global coordinate origin
In this case the symmetry constraints are added. Therefore, the Advanced User Command symmetry.x (symmetry plane Y-Z) is entered.
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To ensure the model is placed suitable to the global coordinate origin the Transform Tool can be used. If the Model is shifted to the global planes, it can be moved to the global coordinate origin.
Don’t forget to save the project!
Step
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7: Starting the optimization and visualize the results
Before starting the optimization, a look inside the Generative Design Solver Settings can be useful. (Options-Application Settings-Generative Design Solver)
Here can be chosen between local or remote and GPU or CPU solving. Furthermore, the complexity value can be changed.
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If all data is correct, the optimization can be started and tracked in the Post Processing. The Analysis Readiness function checks if all information are provided and the optimization can start.
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The optimization is finished after 64 iterations (Shape Quality: Balanced).
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Step 8: Visualization of Stresses & Displacements
The legend can be influenced in different ways. You can add and reduce the stress/displacement steps, enlarge different steps and set new minimum and maximum values.
Von Mises stress
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Displacement
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The mass of each iteration can be visualized with a diagram
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Generative Design
You can always change the Strut Density, Stress Goal and Complexity to influence the results and try out different options
The Complexity can be increased to realize a higher resolution (increases calculation time!) Options - Application Settings - Generative Design Solver
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Step 7: Visualization of Stresses & Displacements
Inside the Post Processing the von Mises stress and the displacements are visible for all iterations
The
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The whole MSC Apex Generative Design 2020 project with all results can be downloaded here:
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