Generative Design: Outcome Question

[Anonymous]

Newbie here. I've got a study case in generative design that converges on one outcome, but it doesn't display any more. Why is this? What can I do to get more outcomes that are different? 

Apologies if this is a pretty basic question!

[I_Forge_KC]

Can you share more about your setup?

A way to spur the solver to new geometry is to leverage starting shapes... Especially wacky ones or those with a ton of holes punched in them.

[Anonymous]

The start shape is a thin sheet (set as the starting shape) with three holes (with surrounding 15mm as preserve geometries). Loading is purely in the y-axis acting through a central hole. There currently are no obstacles in the setup. Finally, manufacturing constraints are limited to 2-axis cutting as this is the only machining we have available to us. 

Thanks for your fast reply, hopefully this is enough info(?). 

[Anonymous]

Ahh, so if I interpret this correctly, you're suggesting that modifying this shape with a few holes in 'less structural' areas will create more results? That makes sense, I'll play with this for now but please let me know if this is correct. Thanks again! 

[MoshiurRashid]

It can be many thing. Can you share the file so that we can understand?   

[tyler_henderson · Accepted solution]

The number of Outcomes are defined by the number of combinations of Design Criteria and Materials.  If you only choose one Manufacturing method/direction, and only one Material, then you will only get one Outcome.  Additive manufacturing is the exception because we automatically solve for three different print directions, so choosing that will give you 3 outcomes per material.

You can iterate on the outcome by using it as a Starting Shape for a new study, but if you use the same criteria, you'll still only get one new outcome.