What's New in 2021

In this new version we have several new features that make working with MSC Apex Generative Design more efficient and significantly reduce the time required to set up the model and prepare the created result for further analysis with MSC Nastran through a highly effective NURBS retransition. A quick introduction to these new features is given in this condensed video:

Fluent Geometry Creation Process

The NURBS-Geometry Retransition for Generative Design Results was introduced in the 2020 FP1 release. Now the optimisation as well as the NURBS-Retransition have been enhanced to create one Fluent Geometry Creation Process which produces ready to print as well as nominal Designs. Both algorithms are working and are aligned perfectly together to guarantee high quality results. This alignment enables a fast and easy retransition of even complex shaped structures that are often the result of an optimization for lightweight designs. Furthermore, a significant time enhancement could be achieved up to 85% faster compared to the former version.

Design Space Tool

With the Design Space Tool two different methods are available to choose or create a Design Space. An already existing Design Space can be directly selected with this tool. Furthermore, a Design Space can be created as a bounding box around several selected parts. This Design Space can afterwards be modified further to exclude other assembly parts or to give access to certain areas. This comes in handy when considering a part consolidation optimisation.

Symmetry Constraint

The symmetry constraint is now available in the Design Space Tool. Define the symmetry planes of a part quick and simple to specify a master solid. All boundary conditions and constraints are applied to this master solid and automatically mirrored to the symmetric areas. A fast model setup for symmetric parts as well as a reduced calculation time can be achieved.

Machining Allowance

This Machining Allowance Tool allows for the optimisation to directly produce the geometry used for printing, the post processed manufacturing geometry and the geometry used for the NURBS-Geometry retransition. The Machining Allowance should always be activated for all functional surfaces.

Design Space Creation Workflow for Part Consolidation

For the first step in the direction of a Part Consolidation Workflow we are introducing new geometry tools, Access & Clearance Region Tools, to modify a Design Space. The newly developed Tools facilitate the steps needed and support the user in creating the optimisation model fast and easy.

Access Region Tool

The Access Region Tool is responsible for creating void spaces for accessibility reasons. The spaces could be needed for installing parts of the assembly or give access for maintenance reasons. Two methods are available to realise the required geometries.

Clearance Region Tool

The Clearance Region Tool is responsible for creating void spaces around parts, which are part of the assembly but not part of the optimisation. These cannot be connected to the optimisation results under any circumstances and therefore an additional space is given to prevent any unwanted connections. Another reason for creating a clearance Regions is the accessibility later in the assembly. This can also be realized in combination with the Access Region Tool.

Scripting API

With the Scripting API it is possible to embed optimisations in your own processes.