How to define a centrifugal force in the generative Design Tool

[Marvin_S]

Hi all,

I'm currently trying to optimize the topology of a radial compressor wheel. The main load on the compressor wheel is the centrifugal force due to high rotational speeds.

Unfortunately I can't find a loadcase that would accurately simulate a centrifugal force on the comp wheel.

Does anyone know how I could set up a loadcase which resembles a centrifugal force ?

Cheers,

Marvin

[shekar_sub]

Hi Marvin_S,

Unfortunately in Generative we do not have body loads. What you need is a Angular global load that exists in Simulation where you can specify the velocity and acceleration. For non-linear one can specify time-based centrifugal force variations which is also not there. We are aware of this limitation.

You can create a simulation study from the Generative Design output and then under Linear Static Stress study create this load and do detailed analysis. Would that work? 

Thanks and Regards

Shekar

 

[Marvin_S]

Hi Shekar, 

thank you very much for your reply! 

The method you proposed for maneuvering around that problem sounds good! But how does the generative design software know where to cut away material when there is no load other than gravitational force applied? I'm afraid that I would end up with a completely hollow wheel, because there were no other loads specified.

Cheers,

Marvin

[shekar_sub · Accepted solution]

Hi Marvin,

Currently this is a limitation in Generative Design. My thought was to do Generative without the centrifugal force and then apply centrifugal force in a Simulation study which is not the same as doing it all in Generative Study. Agreed. You can also look at Shape optimization study. i.e. Create a new shape optimization study from the Generative output and apply the centrifugal force in shape optimization and see how the result should look like based on mass target value. Shape optimization study provides a single outcome and the output is mesh not solid.

In short this is still not a great workaround. Just some thoughts which might help your question.

Regards

Shekar

[Marvin_S]

Hi Shekar,

thanks again for your fast reply!

I think it's a good idea to use a shape optimization to see how the shape of the compressor wheel changes if the centrifugal load is applied there.

I'll definitely try that. 

Cheers,

Marvin