Ansys Topology Optimization and Metal Additive Manufacturing
one-day courseRevolutionary manufacturing techniques are making Topology Optimization a relevant design tool. Results that were previously theoretically correct but impractical to manufacture are now becoming more feasible as advances in 3D printing make Topology Optimization solutions manufacturable.
Ansys offers a full range of products that enable simulation of the entire workflow from Topology Optimization using Ansys Mechanical and faceted geometry cleanup using SpaceClaim to part orientation and support creation using Additive Prep and finally simulation of the Additive Manufacturing process using Workbench Additive.
This 1-day course will focus on Topology Optimization, faceted geometry cleanup, and metal Additive Manufacturing process simulation using Ansys Workbench Additive.
Module 1 - Topology Optimization Basics
Workshop 1 — Michell Structure
This workshop demonstrates some of the basic capabilities of Topology Optimization to produce an optimized material configuration for the given Structural load case. The result is very similar to the optimum shape that was theorized by Australian Mechanical Engineer, A. G. M. Michell in the early 20th century
Module 2 – Basic Geometry Cleanup in SpaceClaim
Workshop 2 — Optimized Geometry Cleanup with Extract and Fit Curve Tools
This workshop discusses the various postprocessing options within Ansys Workbench LS-DYNA involving global energy balance, ASCII time history output of contact forces, boundary condition reaction forces, etc. This workshop demonstrates some of the automated tools that can be used to clean up STL geometry from Topology Optimization analysis. Extract Curves and Fit Curves provide easy options for taking non-CAD geometry, which is commonly dirty surfaces, and turning it into smooth CAD surfaces.
Module 3 – Additive Manufacturing Process Simulation in Workbench
This workshop demonstrates some of the automated tools that can be used to clean up STL geometry from Topology Optimization analysis. Basic faceted geometry conversion, curve extraction, and curve fitting are used to create CAD geometry from STL geometry. A special meshing technique is then used to smooth over any faceted surfaces in Ansys Mechanical.
Module 4 – Full Workflow from Topology Optimization to Additive Manufacturing
This workshop uses a very basic geometry to demonstrate how to set up and solve an Additive Manufacturing simulation using ANSYS Workbench Additive. This involves solving a Transient Thermal analysis to calculate the global temperature history of the process and then passing that data into a Static Structural analysis to solve for stresses, deformations, and other Structural results.