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Goal of this tutorial

  • Get to know the optimization model setup

  • Create different Generative Designs through parameter variation

Training:

Relevant data for this tutorial:

View file
nameJet_Engine_Bracket.x_b

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, .xt, .step, and .sldprt files into the program.

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  • Nondesign spaces have 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 spaces with an offset of 3 mm is created for each.

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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.

Creation of local coordinate systems to apply forces

Because the importet Jet Engine Bracket CAD-file is shifted and rotated to the global coordinate system,local coordinate systemscan be used to apply the forces and moments.

By opening the Coordinate Tools a local coordinate systemsystems can be placed on the bottom plane (coordinate system 1).

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To apply the forces the Loads & Boundary Condition Tool is needed. Select cells on the left side. By disabling the Thunderbolt (tool execution mode selector) on the top, both Nondesign spaces can be selected simultaneously. In the Orientation field an external (local) coordinate system can be selected (coordinate system 1).

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Two loads are created (Force - Moment 1 and Force - Moment 2) with the given values in the table in z- and x-direction which are applied on both Nondesign spaces. The fourth condition (Force - Moment 4) is also attached on both Nondesign spaces referring to coordinate system 1.

For Force - Moment 3 a second local coordinate system is needed. This one is rotated by 42 degrees for the z-axis (beta-angle). This can be done by adding 42° to the beta-angle after choosing the same plane as coordinate system 1.

Force - Moment 3 is also applied on both Nondesing spaces in z-drection. Now the orientation is referred to the coordinate system 2.

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One constraints which includes all four fixated Nondesign Nondesing spaces is created:

Name

Direction

Constraint 1

x, y, z (=0)

Therefore, the Loads & Boundary Condition Tool is needed. Under Displacement Constraints a “clamped” constraint can be chosen, which locks translations in all three directions. On the left side of the Tool the relevant geometry choice can be selected. In this case cells are selected to attach the constaints on the Nondesign Nondesing spaces.

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Step 4: Definition of load cases

The next steps are defined in the Studies area.

All boundary conditions must be assigned to specific load cases, which are defined as Events. The number of Eventscan be changed by adding/deleting Eventsto the Meshless Generative Design Scenario. The assignment of the boundary conditions to the Events can be made in the Loads & Constrains Window. The already created loads and constraints that concern the Design space are listed in this window and can be activated for each Eventindividually.

  • For each Force - Moment an Event is created including all four Constraints:

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Step 5: Definition of optimization parameters

The optimization parameters are selected in the Studies Areaas well.

Don’t forget to save the project!

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Step 6: Starting the optimization and visualize the results

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.

All result iterations are displayed as soon as they are available. Furthermore, you are able to stop the optimization in this selection area. However, a Restart is not directly possible.

The optimization is finished after 64 iterations (Shape Quality: Balanced).

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Generative Design

Step 7: Visualization of Stresses & Displacements

  • Inside the Post Processing the von Mises stress and the displacements are visible for all iterations

  • The Scale can be influenced individually

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Generative Design Results

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For more information have a look at the Apex project. - Comming soon!

The whole MSC Apex Generative Design 2020 project with all results can be downloaded here:

View file
nameJet_Engine_Bracket_20200430.zip

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