Apply constraints to a generative model

Learn how to apply different types of constraints to the selected geometry.

To apply a fixed constraint

1. On the Define tab, click Design Conditions > Structural Constraints .

   The Structural Constraints dialog opens.

2. Ensure that the Fixed constraint is selected.

3. Select faces, edges, or vertices to place the constraint.

   You can select more than one object, but all entities must be of the same type.

   Important: You can apply constraints to preserve geometries only.

4. Deselect the Ux, Uy, or Uz button to unfix a particular direction.

   Three buttons define which directions are fixed. By default, all directions are fixed, so all buttons are selected.

5. Click OK.

   The constraint is added to the active load case in the browser: Generative Model > Study - Generative > Load Case > Constraints.

   Tip: To modify the applied constraint, do one of the following:
   • Mouse over it in the browser, and then click .
   • On the canvas, double-click the fixed constraint icon.

To apply a pin constraint

1. On the Define tab, click Design Conditions > Structural Constraints .

   The Structural Constraints dialog opens.

2. Select the Pin constraint from the drop-down list.

3. Select cylindrical faces to place the constraint.

   You can select more than one cylindrical face. The selected face cannot rotate, move, or deform in the radial, axial, or tangential direction.

   Important: You can apply constraints to preserve geometries only.

4. Select or deselect the Radial, Axial, or Tangential button to enable or disable movement in a particular direction.

   Three buttons define which directions are constrained. By default, the radial and axial direction are constrained, so these buttons are selected.

5. Click OK.

   The constraint is added to the active load case in the browser: Generative Model > Study - Generative > Load Case > Constraints.

   Tip: To modify the applied constraint, do one of the following:
   • Mouse over it in the browser, and then click .
   • On the canvas, double-click the pin constraint icon.

To apply a frictionless constraint

1. On the Define tab, click Design Conditions > Structural Constraints .

   The Structural Constraints dialog opens.

2. Select the Frictionless constraint from the drop-down list.

3. Select faces to place the constraint.

   You can select more than one face. The normal direction to the selected face is constrained. The face can rotate, move, or deform in the tangential direction.

   Important: You can apply constraints to preserve geometries only.

4. Click OK.

   The constraint is added to the active load case in the browser: Generative Model > Study - Generative > Load Case > Constraints.

   Tip: To modify the applied constraint, do one of the following:
   • Mouse over it in the browser, and then click .
   • On the canvas, double-click the frictionless constraint icon.

To apply a remote constraint

1. On the Define tab, click Design Conditions > Structural Constraints .

   The Structural Constraints dialog opens.

2. Ensure that the Remote constraint is selected.

3. Select the target face on the model to place the constraint.

   You can select more than one face.

   Important: You can select only those faces that are a part of the preserve geometry.

4. Deselect the Ux, Uy, or Uz button to unfix a particular translation.

   Three buttons define which translation are fixed. By default, all translation are fixed, so all buttons are selected.

5. Deselect the Rx, Ry, or Rz button to unfix a particular rotation.

   Three buttons define which rotation are fixed. By default, all rotation are fixed, so all buttons are selected.

6. Specify the X Distance, Y Distance, or Z Distance to identify the anchor location.

   Tip: You can enter a value in the dialog or drag an arrow on the canvas.

7. Click OK.

   The constraint is added to the active load case in the browser: Generative Model > Study - Generative > Load Case > Constraints.

   Tip: To modify the applied constraint, do one of the following:
   • Mouse over it in the browser, and then click .
   • On the canvas, double-click the fixed constraint icon.

Additional tips

Generative tutorial 4 of 8: Loads and constraints