Using topology optimization (2024)

In this tutorial, you will create a bracket using topology optimization. The software minimizes the compliance of the bracket while using only 10–30% of the original weight and constraining the frequency of mode 7 to one third of its original value.

Using topology optimization (1)

1: Setup

Using topology optimization (2)

  1. On your desktop or the appropriate network drive, create a folder named topology_optimization.

  2. Click the link below:

    Download the part

    Note:

    The part files require about 1.4 GB of free disk space and might take some time to download.

  3. Extract the files to your topology_optimization folder.

  4. Start Simcenter 3D or NX.

  5. Open Bracket 02_sim1.sim.

Using topology optimization (3)

This model represents a bracket that will be affixed to two surfaces with four screws. Since the bracket is intended to be symmetrical, you will optimize only half of the model to reduce processing time.

2: Reset dialog box memory

Using topology optimization (4)

The options you select in dialog boxes are preserved for the next time you open the same dialog box within a given session. Restore the default settings to ensure that the dialog boxes are in the expected initial state for each step of the activity.

File

Preferences→User Interface

  • Options

  • Using topology optimization (5) Reset Dialog Memory

  • OK

3: Examine the model and modal solution

Using topology optimization (6)

You want the bracket to be as stiff as possible while reducing its weight and constraining one of its modes to not go below a specified frequency. To determine the constraints to impose, you must examine the model's existing weight and the frequency of its modes. A solved Simcenter Nastran SOL 103 Real Eigenvalues solution is provided to enable you to view the frequencies.

Using topology optimization (7) Solid Properties Check (Home tab→Checks and Information group→More list)

  • Using topology optimization (8) Drag a selection box around the entire model

    Using topology optimization (9)

  • OK

    The Information window indicates that the total mass is about 9.6E-03 lbf-s2/in.

  • Using topology optimization (10) the Information window

Using topology optimization (11) Simulation Navigator

  • Using topology optimization (12) Using topology optimization (13) Test Normal Modes→Results

  • Using topology optimization (14) Structural

Using topology optimization (15) Post Processing Navigator

  • Using topology optimization (16) Using topology optimization (17) Test Normal Modes→Structural

  • Using topology optimization (18)

Observe the frequencies of each mode. Mode 7 has a frequency of about 24228 Hz.

4: Create a topology optimization solution

Using topology optimization (19)

For this solution, you will specify 35 design cycles, and indicate that a linear relationship exists between the material density and the Young's Modulus.

See Also
Siemens adds intelligence-based design to Xcelerator portfolio wit ...NX | Tips and Tricks | Topology Optimization part 2

Using topology optimization (20) Simulation Navigator

  • Using topology optimization (21) Bracket 02_sim1.sim

  • Using topology optimization (22) New Solution

  • Name

    TO Statics and Modes

  • Solution Type

    SOL 200 Topology Optimization

    Using topology optimization (23)

  • Bulk Data

  • Maximum Number of Design Cycles (DESMAX)

    35

  • Penalty Law (DMRLAW)

    Linear

    Using topology optimization (24)

  • Using topology optimization (25) Create Modeling Object (Parameters)

  • AUTOMPC

    YES

    Using topology optimization (26)

  • OK

    all dialog boxes

5: Create a normal modes subcase

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The frequency design constraint should be applied to a normal modes subcase.

Using topology optimization (28) Simulation Navigator

  • Using topology optimization (29) TO Statics and Modes

  • Using topology optimization (30) New Subcase

  • Step

    Nastopt - Normal Modes

    Using topology optimization (31)

  • OK

6: Add the load and constraints to the solution steps

Using topology optimization (32)

Using topology optimization (33) Simulation Navigator

  • Using topology optimization (34) Using topology optimization (35) Constraint Container

  • Using topology optimization (36) Fixed

  • Ctrl

    + Using topology optimization (37) Symmetric

  • Using topology optimization (38) TO Statics and Modes→Nastopt - Statics1→Constraints

    Repeat this procedure to add the constraints to the Nastopt - Normal Modes 1 subcase as well.

  • Using topology optimization (39) Using topology optimization (40) Load Container

  • Using topology optimization (41) Force(1)

  • Using topology optimization (42) TO Statics and Modes→Nastopt - Statics1→Loads

7: Create the design objective

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The design objective is to minimize compliance in the structure (that is, maximize stiffness). This procedure creates a design objective modeling object and a design response quantities modeling object simultaneously, and adds the design objective to the statics subcase. Objectives that are specific to a subcase should appear at the subcase level.

Using topology optimization (44) Simulation Navigator

  • Using topology optimization (45) Using topology optimization (46) TO Statics and Modes→Nastopt - Statics 1

  • Using topology optimization (47) Design Objective

  • Using topology optimization (48) New or Replace Design Objective

  • Name

    Minimize Compliance

  • Response Type

    Compliance (CMPLNCE)

    Using topology optimization (49)

  • Optimization Method

    MIN

    Using topology optimization (50)

  • OK

8: Create the design area

Using topology optimization (51)

To ensure that elements are not removed near the screw holes, the model includes a mesh around each hole, and a separate mesh for the rest of the solid body. You will limit the design area to the mesh for the rest of the body.

Using topology optimization (52) Simulation Navigator

  • Using topology optimization (53) Using topology optimization (54) TO Statics and Modes

  • Using topology optimization (55) Design Area

  • Using topology optimization (56) New Design Area

  • Name

    Optimization Area

  • Area Type

    Optimization Area

    Using topology optimization (57)

  • Label

    DA1

  • Element Selection Method

    Specified Elements

    Using topology optimization (58)

  • Type Filter (Top Border bar)

    Mesh

    Using topology optimization (59)

  • Using topology optimization (60) Using topology optimization (61)

    Using topology optimization (62)

  • OK

9: Create a weight design constraint

Using topology optimization (63)

Without a weight constraint, the software would use as much material as possible to fulfill the objective of minimizing compliance. You can define weight constraints only at the solution level. In this case, you want the optimized part to weigh between 10–30% of the original weight, which you previously determined to be about 9.6E-03 lbf-s2/in.

Using topology optimization (64) Simulation Navigator

  • Using topology optimization (65) Using topology optimization (66) TO Statics and Modes

  • Using topology optimization (67) Design Constraint

  • Using topology optimization (68) New Design Constraint

  • Name

    Weight Constraint

  • Response Type

    Total Model Weight (WEIGHT)

    Using topology optimization (69)

  • Lower

    0.001 lbf-s2/in

  • Upper

    0.003 lbf-s2/in

    Note:

    Be sure to change the unit of measurement to lbf-s2/in.

  • OK

10: Create a frequency constraint

Using topology optimization (70)

As the optimization process removes material, the structure becomes more flexible. You will set the lower boundary for the frequency of mode 7 to 8000 Hz.

Using topology optimization (71) Simulation Navigator

  • Using topology optimization (72) Using topology optimization (73) TO Statics and Modes→Nastopt - Normal Modes 1

  • Using topology optimization (74) Design Constraint

  • Using topology optimization (75) New Design Constraint

  • Name

    Frequency Constraint

  • Response Type

    Normal Modes (FREQ)

    Using topology optimization (76)

  • Normal Modes Mode Number

    7

  • Lower

    8000

  • OK

11: Specify the topology optimization results

Using topology optimization (77)

Since this model takes a long time to solve, you can use the provided results with your solution.

Using topology optimization (78) Simulation Navigator

  • Using topology optimization (79) Using topology optimization (80) TO Statics and Modes→Results

  • Using topology optimization (81) Structural

  • Using topology optimization (82) Specify

  • Using topology optimization (83) Browse (Results File Name)

  • Files of type

    Nastran Results Files (*.op2)

    Using topology optimization (84)

  • File name

    bracket_02_sim1-to_statics_and_modes.op2

    Using topology optimization (85)

  • OK

    all dialog boxes

12: Adjust and export the model

Using topology optimization (86)

You will adjust the results of the final design cycle to show only the elements with a material density value of 0.7 or higher. You will also smooth the results and export the model as a faceted STL file.

Using topology optimization (87) Simulation Navigator

  • Using topology optimization (88) Using topology optimization (89) TO Statics and Modes→Results

  • Using topology optimization (90) Structural

Using topology optimization (91) Post Processing Navigator

  • Using topology optimization (92) Using topology optimization (93) TO Statics and Modes

  • Using topology optimization (94) Structural

  • Using topology optimization (95) Material Density Results

    Result is automatically set to Design Cycle 35, which is the last design cycle.

  • Lower Bound

    0.7

    Tab
  • Using topology optimization (96)

  • Using topology optimization (97) Smooth (Nodal Average)

  • Using topology optimization (98)

  • Using topology optimization (99) Facets in STL Format

  • Using topology optimization (100) Facets in Nastran BDF Format

  • Export

  • Using topology optimization (101) the Information window

  • Close

13: Import the STL file

Using topology optimization (102)

Importing the STL file into the original part file can help you visualize the optimized part in the Modeling application. You can also mirror the display to see the entire part.

Using topology optimization (103) Simulation Navigator

  • Using topology optimization (104) Using topology optimization (105) Bracket 02_sim1.sim→Bracket 02_fem1.fem

  • Using topology optimization (106) Bracket 02.prt

  • Using topology optimization (107) Load

  • Using topology optimization (108) Bracket 02.prt

  • Using topology optimization (109) Make Displayed Part

    Using topology optimization (110)

File

  • All Applications→Modeling

File

  • Import→STL

  • Using topology optimization (111) Browse (STL File)

  • Files of type

    Stereo Lithography Files (*.stl)

    Using topology optimization (112)

  • File name

    bracket_02_sim1-to_statics_and_modes.stl

    Using topology optimization (113)

  • OK

    Part File dialog box

  • Facet Body Output Type

    JT

    Using topology optimization (114)

  • STL File Units

    Inches

    Using topology optimization (115)

  • OK
  • Using topology optimization (116)

  • Rendering Style Drop-down (Top Border bar)

    Shaded

    Using topology optimization (117)

View

Using topology optimization (118) Edit Object Display (Visualization group)

  • Using topology optimization (119) Using topology optimization (120)

    Using topology optimization (121)

  • OK

    Class Selection dialog box

  • Translucency

    Using topology optimization (122)

    Drag to 50.

  • OK

    Edit Object Display dialog box

    Using topology optimization (123)

Using topology optimization (124) Menu Using topology optimization (125)

  • View→Operation→Mirror Display

    Using topology optimization (126)

File

  • Close→All Parts

Using topology optimization (2024)
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