Learning Forum

[Abraham Martinez]

Hello,

I am wondering about the feasibility of something I have been struggling with for a couple months.

I'm currently working on a problem where I am trying to run an AM simulation on a simple geometry, however I am trying to vary one of the parameters of the model within the APDL code. Due to having to model a build plate as well as the part to be printed, I have to create both models and save them in an assembly as a STEP file.

For this particular problem I have a small square build plate, and a cube that I am trying to rotate about the x and y axis such that the print orientation can be varied. For example, I would start with the cube flat on one of its faces, and then rotated by x degrees about one of the edges. My programming skills are novice at best and I'm not sure if this can be done within the APDL input file. Since angles between two parts (or maybe mates in general?) are not saved or able to be changed in the text of a STEP file, is this something that would even be possible to change in an APDL file? Along with that, would I potentially run into issues with support geometry/meshing/breaking supports off? 

I think the short version of this is: Can I vary the angle of mates between two parts in APDL code? Do I have to use spaceclaim or create the geometry in an APDL input file first? I'm not sure how I should be approaching this.

Thanks in advance

[Ashish Khemka]

Hi,

Please look for a paper titled 'Developing Topology Optimization with Additive Manufacturing Constraints in ANSYS' which might be relevant for you.

Regards,

Ashish Khemka