About Concept Shapes

The concept shape is the solid part body that is generated from the finite element model created by the shape optimization.

The concept shape can be used by other 3DEXPERIENCE apps, such as 3D Printing.

See Also
Creating a Shape From the Shape Optimization Result
About Setup Validation
About Additional Analyses Steps

Functional Generative Design computes the optimized shape during a sequence of design cycles. During each design cycle, Functional Generative Design reduces the density of selected elements in the design space, effectively removing them from the structure. The optimization then performs a finite element analysis and calculates the value of variables specified in the targets and constraints, such as the reduction in mass and the peak stress. Functional Generative Design then feeds those calculated values back into the algorithm that controls the density of the elements in the design area and the process is repeated. The optimization continues until it has converged or until a specified number of design cycles has been reached.

For local or local interactive processing, a viewer shows the updated shape for each design cycle. The view provides an indication of progress, and you can see how the shape is evolving to meet your design parameters.

You can also end the optimization before it is completed. If you end the optimization or if it reaches the maximum number of cycles, results are available only for the completed cycles. You cannot generate a new concept shape if the optimization is not completed.

Creating the concept shape is a three-step process:

  1. Functional Generative Design computes the optimized model in the form of a finite element representation. The optimization continues until the solution has converged, until you end it, or until it has reached the specified maximum number of iterations.

  2. Functional Generative Design displays the results of the optimization and allows you to adjust the isovalue and view the resulting isosurface—the surface separating elements with zero and nonzero density. Increasing the isovalue shifts the isosurface toward the inside of the model, thus decreasing the model volume.

    When the isosurface is acceptable, you select the required shape, which is still in the form of a finite element representation.

  3. You create a 3D solid model from the selected finite element representation. Functional Generative Design replaces the external element faces with surfaces and fills the remaining volume.