CAD and Topology Optimization Demonstration — Lesson 2

This lesson covers the second part of CAD and Topology Optimization Laboratory Demonstration. It delves into the process of designing using Solidwork software, developing arms at different angles, and adding flanges to the ends of these arms. The lesson further explores the use of Ansys software for topology optimization and discusses different simulation software like COMSOL MULTIPHYSICS. It also explains the use of Ansys for volumetric simulations and COMSOL for multiphysics and solvable simulations. The lesson concludes with a demonstration of importing a CAD model into Ansys software, conducting a static analysis, and performing topology optimization.

Video Highlights

00:30 - Demonstration of the development of arms at different angles and flanges over the ends of the arms
07:15 - Demonstration of setting up a simulation in Ansys, including selecting materials and defining boundary conditions
15:26 - Explanation of the meshing process in Ansys
25:10 - Demonstration of running a static structural analysis in Ansys
30:16 - Demonstration of topology optimization in Ansys
35:16 - Explanation of the process of smoothing the surfaces of the optimized model for 3D printing

Key Takeaways

- Solidwork software is used for CAD design, including developing arms at different angles and adding flanges.
- Ansys software is used for topology optimization and volumetric simulations.
- COMSOL MULTIPHYSICS is used for very general physics models and can save time in general.
- Ansys and COMSOL can be used for different purposes depending on the understanding of MATLAB and the access to physics.