Example 1: Topology Design of a Bracket
Use the model bracket.prt for this example.
Description
This example demonstrates how to use topology optimization to design a light and stiff structure.
Highlighted features
Minimize Strain Energy, Mass Fraction constraint, Extrude fabrication constraint
Optimization problem statement
The following optimization problem will be created and solved:
• Objective:
◦ Minimize Strain Energy
• Subject to:
◦ Mass fraction <= 0.3
With minimizing the strain energy as the objective, you want to get the stiffest structure under the given load for the allowable amount of material.
Analysis
The example contains one analysis. The loads and constraints are shown in the image below:
Mesh control
Maximum element size: 5 mm
Topology region
• References:
The bracket component, excluding volume region 1 and 2, as shown in the image below:
• Init. mass fraction: 0.3
When mass fraction is used as a constraint, it is recommended to use the same constraint bound value as the initial mass fraction value.
• Fabrication constraints:
◦ Extrude along Y axis of the WCS coordinate system
◦ Minimum member size: 10 mm
It is recommended to set the minimum member size to at least twice the value of the mesh element size.
◦ Spread fraction: 0.5
Design objective
Minimize Strain Energy
Design constraint
Mass fraction <= 0.3
Optimization study
The study refers to the defined topology region, design objectives, and constraints
Advanced settings:
• For analysis output files, only the first and last cycle are requested.
• Use default settings for all other analysis and design parameters.
Topology Result
• Topology density isosurface
• Topology element density
Geometry Reconstruction
• Tessellated model
• Solid model
