Creating a Concept Shape

You can convert the finite element representation of the shape from a topology optimization study into a 3D shape.

Before you begin: You must have a completed topology optimization study with at least one design that met the study objectives.
See Also
About Concept Shapes
  1. From the Explore & Generate section of the action bar, click Generate concepts .
    The app displays a preview of the concept shape.
  2. Optional: To display the original design space in wireframe mode, select Transparent design area.
  3. To dynamically update the preview of the concept shape, select Live preview.
  4. From the Display options, select one of the following:
    OptionDescription
    Section Only Colors only the surfaces of the iso-contour section cut.
    Monochrome Colors the entire model gray.
    All Colors the surfaces of the iso-contour section cut in one color, and the rest of the surfaces in another color.
  5. Optional: Adjust the Cutting value.

    Click Auto to reset to the target value.

    The app updates the shape to reflect the new cutting value. The relative mass and actual mass are displayed in the summary table.

  6. Enter a Concept name for the shape. Select Add cutting value to append the value to the name.
  7. Optional: From the Advanced options, select an Output Type:
    OptionDescription
    Advanced (smooth subdivision) Generates an advanced smooth subdivision surface.
    Standard (smooth subdivision) Generates a standard smooth subdivision surface.
    Polyhedral solid Generates a polyhedral solid.
    Wire Generates a wireframe skeleton.
  8. Optional: Click Targeted number of faces and enter a value.

    The number of generated mesh faces might not exactly match the targeted number.

  9. Click Generate.
    The dialog box indicates whether reconstruction of the shape succeeded and the number of faces in the generated shape.
  10. Select one of the following:
    OptionDescription
    Finish Ends concept generation.
    Generate more concepts Repeats the action to create more concept shapes.
    Discard Deletes the shape.

The app creates a 3D shape under the original 3D shape from the finite element representation of the optimized shape. The new shape is created by replacing the exterior elements of the original shape with surfaces and filling the remaining volume.