Activity 2: Specify a design space

In this activity, you specify the design space by determining which geometry to include in generative design process and which geometry exclude from it. Additionally, you use a starting shape to optimize an existing bracket.

alcoa-model

The ALCOA Bracket opened (left) and the model with all geometry types assigned (right).

Prerequisites

Activity 1 is complete.

Steps

Assign a starting shape to the Original Shape component.

Note: The starting shape is a type of geometry you apply to a body that is modified according to the goals and constraints during the generative design process.
1. On the Define tab, click Design Space > Starting Shape .
2. On the canvas, select the body highlighted in blue as shown in the following image.
  
  Note: In the browser, you can see that the Original Shape component is highlighted too.
3. In the Starting Shape dialog, ensure that Add/Remove Material option is selected, and click OK.
  
  The body displays in yellow on the canvas.
4. To verify that the body is assigned as the starting shape in your design, in the Browser, under Study 1 - Structural Component, expand Starting Shape.
  
  Tip: To modify, mouse over the Starting Shape node in the Browser, and then click .
5. To hide the starting shape on the canvas, click next to the Original Shape component.
Assign a preserve geometry to the Bolt Flange and Pin Bearing components.

Note: The preserve geometry is a type of geometry that you apply to a body you want to include in the final shape of your design.
1. On the Define tab, click Design Space > Preserve Geometry .
2. On the canvas, select the bodies highlighted in blue as shown in the following image.
  
  Note: In the browser, you can see that the Bolt Flange and Pin Bearing components are highlighted too.
3. In the Preserve Geometry dialog, click OK.
  
  The bodies display in green on the canvas.
4. To verify that 5 bodies are assigned as preserve geometries in your design, in the Browser, under Study 1 - Structural Component, expand Preserve Geometry.
  
  Tip: To modify, mouse over the Preserve Geometry node in the Browser, and then click .
Assign an obstacle geometry to Plate, Bolt Hole, and Pin components.

Note: The obstacle geometry is a type of geometry that you apply to a body you want to exclude from the final shape of your design.
1. On the Define tab, click Design Space > Obstacle Geometry .
2. On the canvas, select the bodies highlighted in blue as shown in the following image.
  
  Note: In the Browser, you can see that the Plate, Bolt Hole, and Pin components are highlighted too.
3. In the Obstacle Geometry dialog, click OK.
  
  The bodies display in red on the canvas.
4. To verify that 6 bodies are assigned as obstacle geometries in your design, in the Browser, under Study 1 - Structural Component, expand Obstacle Geometry.
  
  Tip: To modify, mouse over the Obstacle Geometry node in the Browser, and then click .