Why are some geometries not considered in the optimisation?

MSC Apex Generative Design supports one solid as the Design Space in the optimisation. If only one solid is available in the project then this solid is automatically chosen as the Design Space. Furthermore, all associated Non-Design Spaces of this solid will be considered. The boundary conditions applied to the solid can be chosen and sorted into different Events.

If the Design Space and Non-Design Spaces consist of multiple (imported) solids the solids can be merged using a Boolean operation. This way only one solid exists and is defined as the Design Space. Make sure to activate the Merge Solids as Cells option to create cells that can be directly chosen as Non-Design Spaces. Further information regarding the different geometry types of an optimisation here. The Non-Design Spaces can be created either by selecting the previously defined cells or by creating an offset of an existing design. They will be created and listed in the associated Design Space in the model browser.

It is possible to take solids as Retained Volumes into consideration during an optimisation. Retained Volumes are not part of the Design Space and are not to be optimised during the optimisation - so the geometry is not changed. However, applied loads and boundary conditions will be taken into consideration or they can be used to transfer loads from one part of the Design Space to another. To take Retained Volumes into consideration, the Generative Design Configuration Tool needs to be used. Please have a look for further information here and for an example tutorial here.

If multiple Design Spaces with associated Non-Design Spaces and boundary conditions exist in one project, the Design Space can be changed/activated as shown in the picture.

The active Design Space is always visible in the GD Study: