Training:

Relevant data for this tutorial:

Step 1: Start MSC Apex Generative Design 2020

The program starts and you can directly create your optimization model

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 Pedal 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.

• 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)

• Nondesign spaces have to be selected using the Optimization Tools. In this case with the direct method all already existing cells (partitions) can be selected

• The Nondesign spaces will change the color and are listed 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):

One constraint is created and attached on the inner surface of the cylinder:

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 Events to 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 Event individually.

• 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.

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.

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 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)

The choice between local or remote and GPU or CPU solving can be made. Furthermore, the complexity value can be changed.

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).

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

• Displacement

• The mass of each iteration can be visualized with a diagram

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

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

You might also be interested in these tutorials:

• Generative Design - Bookshelf

• Generative Design - Pressure

• Restart Optimization