Generative Design outcomes accuracy

[Anonymous]

I have been generating designs outcomes with generative design and 3D print them for different kind of projects. and i have a few questions about outcomes accuracy when it comes to loads and constrains.

- How accurate are Generative Design solutions when it comes to meeting requirements (Loads and Constrains inputs)?

- Can outcomes be used as end products?

Thank You

[MikeSmell_ADSK · Accepted solution]

Hi @Anonymous -

Thanks for reaching out on this topic. These are going to be a very hard questions to answer with 100% certainty. Let me explain. 

In general, during the generative design process, structural analysis calculations are being run based on the loads, constraints and objectives you have defined. So the results are generally as accurate as your setup. If your inputs are wrong or an inaccurate reflection of reality, then design may not meed the desired performance conditions. I would say that the same general rules of thumb that apply to finite element analysis are appropriate when considering generative design.

Another thing to consider is the potential failure modes your design might see once in use. For example, if you are designing a bracket to carry a certain load, generative design can design for that purpose. However, if this bracket is mounted on a vibrating machine, and resonance conditions could be a concern, today, generative design cannot design for specific vibration requirements. This would require the proper vibration simulations to be conducted downstream, once an outcome has been downloaded. 

I would always recommend a follow up set of simulations to test the outcome against all of the required performance tests to ensure the outcome is fully validated for all , not just structural as part of the generative design. 

Thanks, 

Mike Smell - Product Manager, Fusion 360 - Generative Design and Simulation

[Anonymous]

Thank you for the explanation Mike that was really helpful and informative.

So if all my inputs of loads, constrains, factor of safety, material and manufacturing method matches with real world application, the outcome parts from generative design should meet given requirements?

Thank you 

[MikeSmell_ADSK · Accepted solution]

Hi @Anonymous - 

Glad my first explanation helped. My general response to your question is yes. That said, are the items you listed, the only actual requirements and scenarios the part will experience? For example, Generative Designs sometimes open and spindly types of shapes. In this scenario, if a certain area of the part was damaged, the design might fail differently than if a traditional design saw the same amount of damage. Also, buckling is another factor to consider in these more spindly shapes. If these sorts of scenarios are not of concern, then yes, the system should give you a design that performs to the criteria you have specified. 

Thanks, 

Mike Smell

Product Manager - Fusion 360 Generative Design and Simulation