Simcenter Nastran Topology Optimization

Topology optimization can help you design a part by providing you with an optimal design recommendation. When you create a SOL 200 Topology Optimization solution for a structural analysis using the Simcenter Nastran solver, you can specify:

• The design objective, such as minimizing weight or maximizing compliance.

• The design area (that is, the elements to include in the optimization process).

• The design constraints, such as lower and upper limits for weight or frequency in the optimized model.

• The manufacturing constraints, such as whether the model must be symmetrical.

Following the guidelines that you provide, the software modifies the material density and Young’s Modulus of the elements in your finite element mesh, removing elements that are not needed. You can then export an STL file, BDF file, or both to help you create a new part.

This solution also supports lattice structures for 3D printing. This software has an interface to Materialise 3-matic software to help you visualize the part, including the lattice geometry.

Original part, optimized part, and final CAD design

Supported subcases

When you create a SOL 200 Topology Optimization solution, you can also create any number or combination of the following subcases:

• Nastopt - Statics

• Nastopt - Normal Modes

• Nastopt - Direct Frequency

• Nastopt - Modal Frequency

• Nastopt - Buckling

For example, in a single topology optimization solution, you can include several statics subcases (each with independent loading) and a normal modes subcase. Displacement results from the statics subcases and frequency results for specific modes from the normal modes subcase can all be referenced by design constraints.

Tip:

The direct frequency and modal frequency subcases offer similar design objective and constraint options. However, modal frequency calculates the results at modal locations and then converts them back to physical space, whereas direct frequency calculates the response at each physical location directly. For certain models, the modal approach can produce topology optimization results much faster.

Where do I find it?

Application	Pre/Post
Prerequisites	A Simulation file as the work part and displayed partSimcenter Nastran as the specified solverStructural as the specified analysis typeSOL 200 Topology Optimization as the specified solution type
Command Finder	Solution

How do I

Create a topology optimization solution

Create the design objective for topology optimization

Create a design area for topology optimization

Create a design constraint for topology optimization

Create a manufacturing constraint

Learn more

Topology optimization workflow

Impact of rigid elements in topology optimization

Design objectives in topology optimization

Design areasin topology optimization

Design constraints in topology optimization

Manufacturing constraints in topology optimization

Lattice structures

Quick links

Command reference

Pre/Post video examples

Bulk Entry Descriptions

Simcenter 3D tutorials

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Simcenter Nastran Topology Optimization, Simcenter 3D 2021.1 Series

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