The symmetry function is a feature of the User Interface and helps to set up symmetrical optimisation models very fast and easy. For more information regarding the setup of a symmetric optimisation model have a look here.
The symmetry function is activated right at the beginning of the workflow in the Design Space Tool. The details of the symmetry function are displayed and can be specified.
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Tip: Only a half, a quarter or an eighth of the model will be calculated. Thus, only a half, a quarter or an eighth of the calculating resources are needed.
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Symmetric Optimisation Conditions
With the Symmetry function a symmetrical result can be realized. Therefore, the geometry and the boundary conditions have to satisfy some conditions. The User Interface takes care that these conditions aren’t violated. If the command line optimisation is used, please be aware of the following conditions:
The geometry needs to be symmetrical
The boundary conditions need to be symmetrical
The loads have to be applied only on a half/quarter/eighth of the part. They will be automatically mirrored and considered through the symmetry planes.
Gravity loads normal to the symmetry plane will cancel each other out
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Calculation Type: Preview
The symmetry constraint might not show exactly symmetrical designs while choosing the calculation type “Preview”. This is because of the low resolution level but will not occur once the calculation type is set to “Balanced” or “Fine Tune” and the optimisation runs through.