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Advanced Features

The advanced features that are available in Optimization Utility are described below and relate to the use of custom boundary conditions and carrying out post optimization modifications.

Importing Custom Boundary Conditions

Custom boundary conditions may be imported from an Autodesk® Nastran input file into Optimization Utility.

You can import the geometry (parts) of the custom boundary condition input file directly into Optimization Utility using the Import Part file menu option. The custom boundary conditions should then be imported using the same input file, but with the Import CBC file menu option.

Note: Custom boundary conditions are not supported for Topology Optimization.

Post Optimization Modifications

The following modifications to lattice and skin properties can be applied to components once optimized without resetting the design:

  • Lattice
    • Variable Thickness
      • Changing the Threshold value will not reset the design, however the Min and Max values will.
    • Surface Trim

      • Changing between Basic and Advanced Trimming

        Note: Turning trimming Off will reset the design.
    • Meshing Method
    • Beam Profile (Legacy meshing method)
    • Beam Side Count (New meshing method)
    • Modifications
      • Smooth
        • Changing between smooth settings does not reset the design.
      • Chunky Junctions
        • Turning this modification On or Off does not reset the design.
  • Surface Regions
    • Variable Thickness
      • Changing the Threshold value will not reset the design, however the Min and Max values will.
    • Smooth Skin
      • Changing the smooth setting does not reset the design.
  • Lattice Kernels
    • Changing lattice kernel values does not reset the design.
  • Skin Kernels
    • Changing skin kernel values does not reset the design.

All other modifications to lattice and skin properties will reset an optimized design. You will be prompted prior to creating a revised component if a change you make to these properties will reset the design. If any of your changes will not reset the design, then no prompt will be displayed.

You can simulate modified optimized designs, however please take care not to delete polygons that are used for load definitions as this can lead to an inaccurate simulation.

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