The symmetry function is a newly supported feature of the User Interface and helps to set up symmetrical optimisation models very fast and easy. For more information regarding the setup of an 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 user either selects (Direct Method) or creates (Bounding Box Method) the Design Space. The details of the symmetry function are displayed and can be specified.
...
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.
Attention: The loads are only allowed to be applied in the positive coordinate direction (positive coordinate half/quarter/octant)
Gravity loads Loads normal to the symmetry plane will cancel each other out
The displacement constraints are allowed to be applied on a volume/cell that goes beyond the symmetry plane to the other coordinate half/quarter/octant unlike loads (only possible with manual interference and the Command Line Option)
The geometry needs to be located in the global coordinate origin or a local coordinate system has to be created on which the symmetry can relate to
...