Topology optimization workflow

Step	Summary	Detailed help topic
1.	Create a FEM file, Simulation file, and topology optimization solution.	Make sure that the model has a mesh.When you create the solution, set Solver to Simcenter Nastran and set Solution Type to SOL 200 Topology Optimization.You can also specify which topology optimization parameters to apply, how many design cycles to perform, which lattice structure to use for 3D printing, and which design cycles to include in the results.	Create new FEM and Simulation filesCreate a topology optimization solutionOptimization spreadsheetLattice structures
2.	Create a design objective.	Each topology optimization solution should include only one design objective, such as minimizing weight or maximizing compliance.	Design objectives in topology optimizationCreate the design objective for topology optimization
3.	Create a design area.	Specify which elements of the model to optimize, and which (if any) to omit from the optimization process.	Design areasin topology optimizationCreate a design area for topology optimization
4.	Create a design constraint.	Design constraints can include such criteria as lower and upper bounds for weight and frequency.	Design constraints in topology optimizationCreate a design constraint for topology optimization
5.	(Optional) Create a manufacturing constraint.	Manufacturing constraints can ensure that the suggested design meets your production criteria.Note: If you use the minimum member size or maximum member size manufacturing constraint, you can increase the solving speed by using parallel processing. For more information about the parallel option, see Solver Parameters dialog box (Nastran).	Manufacturing constraints in topology optimizationCreate a manufacturing constraint
6.	Solve the model.	The software modifies the material density and Young's Modulus of the elements in your FEM to achieve the design objective while satisfying the constraints.	Solve the model
7.	Review the topology optimization results and suggested design.	If Simcenter Nastran generated the raw data, you can create an optimization spreadsheet to see how many design cycles were required to meet the design objective, and view information about the most critical design constraints.Using the Post Processing Navigator, you can examine and fine-tune the topology optimization results.You can also export a file that you can subsequently use as a guide to help you create a new part.	Create an optimization spreadsheetTopology optimization post-processing resultsPlotting the material density resultsVerification solutionsAdjusting and smoothing the material densityExporting the optimized model

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

Simcenter Nastran Topology Optimization

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

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Topology optimization workflow, Simcenter 3D 2021.1 Series

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