DS80_Ch08_Shape.pptVIP

July 30, 1999 Shape Finder Chapter Eight Chapter Overview In this chapter, using the Shape Finder in Design Simulation will be covered. In Design Simulation, performing shape optimization is based on a linear static structural analysis. It is assumed that the user has already covered Chapter 4 Linear Static Structural Analysis prior to this section. The capabilities described in this section are generally applicable to ANSYS DesignSpace Entra licenses and above. Some options discussed in this chapter may require more advanced licenses, but these are noted accordingly. Other type of analyses are covered in their respective chapters. Basics of Shape Optimization Requesting the Shape Finder performs shape or topological optimization Shape Finder is an optimization problem, where the energy of structural compliance is minimized based on a volume reduction constraint Another way to view this is that the Shape Finder tries to obtain the best stiffness to volume ratio. The Shape Finder tries to find areas where material can be removed without adversely affecting the strength of the overall structure. The Shape Finder is based on a single static structural environment The Shape Finder cannot be used for multiple environments The Shape Finder currently cannot be used for modal, heat transfer, or other analyses Although based on a single static structural analysis, because it is an optimization, many iterations will be performed internally, so it can be computationally expense. Basics of Shape Optimization In the example below, a simple assembly has supports and a bolt load. The Shape Finder allows the user to determine where material may be removed for the given loading condition, if weight reduction was sought. Shape optimization is useful for conceptual designs or performing weight-reduction on existing designs A. Shape Optimization Procedure The shape optimization procedure is very similar to performing a linear static analysis, so not all steps will be covered in det