Shape Generator Algorithm/Method?

[Anonymous]

Can anyone tell me definitively which algorithm or method is used by the Shape Generator in Inventor and the Shape Optimization in Fusion 360? I am doing some research into shape optimization for a university project and I need to understand how they optimize shapes. If anyone could point me towards some published literature as well that would be great.

[johnsonshiue · Accepted solution]

Hi! Inventor Shape Generator is using Autodesk NASTRAN Topology Optimization. Below is an class at AU talking about the same topic. The basics of the algorithm, as I understood it, is analyzing load penetration path. Under the given load constraints and mesh, the algorithm is able to figure out the elements not affected by the loads within certain range. Then, remove the unaffected mesh elements. But, it does not go through the full FEA solve. Certainly, the underlying solver is much more complicated than I described but the basic idea is like that.

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/nastran/learn-explore/caas/auonline/content/au/global/en/au-o...

Many thanks!