FE-Reanalysis with MSC Apex (Nastran)

MSC Apex Generative Design is a design generator. Thus, to verify the results a reanalysis with a high precise FE-Analysis Tool as MSC Apex (Nastran) should be done after deciding on a design. We recommend a reanalysis for all critical parts to include the relevant boundary & overload conditions that aren’t taken into account during an optimisation.

The workflow to get from the generated design to the FE-Analysis can be divided into the following steps:

1. The final generative designed part can be exported directly inside the post processing as a STL-file. We recommend exporting a binary STL-file.

2. The exported file can be reimported into the same MSC Apex Generative Design project created for the optimisation.
   The import option Split on Feature/Vertex Angle can be deactivated due to already good approximated STL-files and no need of additional edges.

3. To verify the generative designed part an intersection is needed. The intersected part can be exported as a Parasolid-file (.x_b or .x_t). Further information about the intersection here.

4. The Parasolid-file can subsequently be imported to MSC Apex Jaguar.
   Sometimes the imported solid has some manifold faces which must be deleted before continuing with the overall workflow.
   By hovering over the part the faces are visible. With the Geometry Tools - Add/Remove Vertex the unnecessary edges can be deleted (picking filter: edges - selection of all edges - delete).

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5. The cleaned part can be meshed with tet-elements. Usually the generative designs are very complex and need a lot of elements for a good approximation. The reanalysis model can be set-up next.

6. The Boundary conditions are applied on the intersected surface. After the model set-up a FE-Reanalysis can be carried out and the results can be viewed in post processing.

For comparable stress results between MSC Apex Generative Design and Apex Nastran all loading and fixation conditions need to be set up identically which is often quite difficult.

A Tutorial for a FE-Reanalysis is coming soon!