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You can either create the geometry directly in MSC Apex Generative Design or import already existing files. You can import .xb, .step, and .sldprt files into the program.
Import/create the Design SpaceHow we understand Geometryincluding theHow we understand GeometryNon-Design SpacesHow we understand Geometryin MSC Apex Generative Design. For this Pedal the already prepared Design Space and Non-Design Spaces were imported.
The CAD-file includes several solids. Thus, only one solid is supported for an optimisation, with a Boolean operation the solids can be merged to one. Activate Merge Solids as Cells to create partitions which can be used for Non-Design 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 (192e3 MPa), Poisson ratio (0.3) and Density (7.97e-6 kg/mm3)
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Non-Design Spaceshave to be selected using the Optimisation Tools. In this case with the direct method all already existing cells (partitions) can be selected
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The Non-Design Spaces will change the colour and are listed in the model tree
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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 optimisation 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
Force-Moment1 | Force | y | -1000 |
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One constraint is created and attached on the inner surface of the cylinder:
Name | Direction |
|---|---|
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.
All boundary conditions must be assigned to specific load cases, which are defined as Events. The number of Events can be changed by adding/deleting Eventsto the Meshless Generative Design Scenario. The assignment of the boundary conditions to the Eventscan 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.
Active in Event1: Force-Moment and Constraint1
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The optimisation parameters are selected in the Studies AreaStudy, Scenario & Eventas well.
Select the Strut Density: Medium
Select the Shape Quality: Balanced
Enter the Stress Goal: 50 MPa
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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.
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If all data is correct, the optimisation can be started and tracked in the Post Processing. The Analysis Readiness function checks if all information is provided and the optimisation can start.
All result iterations are displayed as soon as they are available. Furthermore, you are able to stop the optimisation in this selection area. However, a Restart is not directly possible.
The optimisation is finished after 64 iterations (Shape Quality: Balanced).
Step 8: Visualization of Stresses & Displacements
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You can always change the Strut Density, Stress Goal and Complexity to influence the results and try out different options
The Complexitycan be increased to realize a higher resolution (increases calculation time!) Options - Application Settings - Generative Design Solver
The whole MSC Apex Generative Design project with all results can be downloaded here:
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