Initial shape

A shape generated in the initial stage of the design process based on the selected preserve geometry.

The boundaries for the initial shape are defined based on the criterion that all important points given in the definition of the problem should be included. The definition of an initial shape depends on whether a model includes a starting shape.

If a model includes a starting shape

The starting shape is the initial shape.

An example of a model with a starting shape.

If a model doesn't include a starting shape

When the solver runs, it creates a list of points based on all preserved geometry objects. From this list, the solver creates a convex hull, that is the smallest convex set that contains these points. The convex hull is the initial shape then.

You can visualize the convex hull as a shape enclosed by points.