Setting structural constraint

[Anonymous]

How do you choose what structural constraints are you going to apply in generative design? I still cannot fully understand how to choose them. For example, I am optimizing a cylindrical material that needs to overcome 100 N of tensile forces. Commonly to test this physically, a universal testing machine would be used which clamps the two ends of the cylinder and apply tensile force. In deciding how to put structural constraint, should I simulate the physical test in the generative design? In other words, should applying constraint and load sbe based on how the product would be tested in real life?

[I_Forge_KC · Accepted solution]

Thinking about how a test rig works is a good start sometimes. In your example, one end would be fixed (constrained) and the other end would be pulled (force).

A quick word of caution here. If you build loads that are pure tension or pure compression then you run the risk of creating unrealistic results. Technically, pure tension/compression only requires a small cross sectional area. This means that any eccentricity to that load will immediately cause it to fail. Just something to think about.

[Anonymous]

Do Autodesk offer some materials/training/webinar about setting constraints and loads during generative design?

[I_Forge_KC]

The basics are exactly the same as any FEA system. That being said, there are gen design tutorials out there though I'm not sure any cover the minutiae of constraint/load development. You may want to brush up on general simulation constraints. Here is a Lars video that walks you through some good stuff.

https://youtu.be/bZnHQTPP-Ps