Introductory Optimization - Pedal

Goal of this tutorial

Introduction to MSC Apex Generative Design 2019
Gain basic optimization knowledge

Training:

You can find all relevant data for this tutorial in the Example folder! ("C:\Program Files\MSC.Software\MSC Apex Generative Design\2019\Examples")

CAD Preparation: To use the symmetry function, the model must be centered in the coordinate origin along the symmetry plane.

Step 1: Create a new project

In a first step, you need to create a new project. All data (geometry and configuration) directly will be copied and saved in a new project-folder, located in your workspace:

Start MSC Apex Generative Design 2019
Create a new project using the symbo

Enter a Project name and save the project
Open the newly created project

Step 2: Model generation

Upload all relevant stl files by clicking on the symbol in the objects/surfaces area
Select all stl files
The field at the bottom shows notifications and makes you aware of missing input

The uploaded objects are listed in the objects/surfaces area

Assign a Material to each object/surface and enter the specific values for the Young's Modulus (210e3) and poisson ratio (0.28) in the Material Editor

Activate the option design space for the relevant stl file. Only one volume can be selected as such.
In this case: Pedal - design-1

Step 3: Definition of boundary conditions

Go to the boundary conditions tab to enter the loads and fixations as follows. For each boundary condition a name, a space and the specification of the boundary condition is entered as follows:

Name	Object	Direction	Value in N
Force	Pedalfootsurface1	y	-1000

Object "Pedalfootsurface1" experiences a force of -1000 N in y-direction (Force). The force of the whole pedal is -2000 N. If you are using the symmetry option, the force must be adjusted to the calculation model. If only half of the component is calculated (symmetry about the XY-Plane), the force must also be cut in half. The example already considers this restriction.

Name	Object	Direction
Fixation	Pedalaxle1	x, y, z (=0)

A total of 1 force and 1 fixation should have been created as a result
The object "Pedalfixation1" does not experience any force or fixation but it's necessary to connect the pedal with the axle. Therfore the form is considered in the optimization.

All boundary conditions must be assigned to the load cases. The number of load cases can be changed using the "+" or "-" characters. The assignment of the boundaries to the load cases can be made in the boundary conditions or load cases area.

Active in Loadcase1: Force and Fixation

Step 4: Definition of optimization parameters

Switch to the optimization area. You can find more information about the parameter selection here.

Choose the design type normal
Enter the optimization goal stress: 60 MPa
Set the symmetry setting: XY-Plane
Open Result File Formats. The following result files should be activated:
- stl File: results of each iteration in stl file format
- stl Files Intersected: result of each iteration intersected with the design space in stl file format
- ply Files with Stress: results with the information of stresses of each iteration (must be activated to show the results in the Visualization space)
- ply Files with Displacement: results with the information of displacements of each iteration (must be activated to show the results in the Visualization space)
- More information on result file formats here

All Inputs can be viewed and checked in the configuration file. The file should look like this.

Step 5: Save the project

Step 6: Starting the optimization and visualizing the results

If all data are correct, the optimzation can be started and tracked in the results area.

All result iterations are displayed as soon as they are available. The progress of the optimization can also be monitored via the AMendate log file. Furtheremore you are able to stop the optimization in this selection area. A restart however is not possible without further expert settings.

The optimization is finished after 64 iterations (optimizationtype: optimizing).

Step 7: Visualization of Stresses

The legend can be influenced using the slider. The function "Automatically set to local minimum and maximum" considers the stressesof each iteration and sets the values from the current iteration.

Step 8: Visualization of Displacements

The legend can be influenced using the slider. The function "Automatically set to local minimum and maximum" considers the displacements of each iteration and sets the values from the current iteration.

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