Converting Topology Optimization Results to Hybrid Models

You can export results from a topology optimization as a hybrid model. The hybrid model contains both subdivision surfaces for regions of the model where you want to allow for flexible and freeform editing and traditional surfaces such as planes or cylinders for regions requiring precise topology.

  1. Set up the Topology Optimization analysis to compute an optimal structural design for a selected region of your model with specific design goals and constraints.
  2. Once you have a faceted geometry result you want to save, click Add optimized body to model in the Results Arc to save it to the model. The new faceted geometry is now listed in the Model tree.
  3. Right-click the faceted body in the Model tree and select Convert to SubD hybrid.
    You can find a course about SubD modeling on the Ansys Innovation Space.
  4. (Optional) Once you have created the hybrid model of the resulting optimized shape, you can right-click the hybrid model in the Model tree select the Create Validation Simulation option to create a validation simulation that includes all of the physics conditions from the topology optimization simulation applied to the hybrid model.

Example:

The examples show the initial optimized body which is converted to a hybrid body. You can also see the cylindrical faces preserved where the supports were applied.

Initial optimized body
Converted hybrid body
Preserved cylindrical faces for supports

You can also use the Auto Skin tool to create the SubD hybrid model from faceted models that are relatively smooth and error free.

This approach can be used for models with topology optimization results from Mechanical which can be brought in and converted to a SubD hybrid model in Discovery. These models usually have groups/facet regions set on import.

The facet regions are converted to a combination of traditional and SubD faces. The SubD hybrid model retains the traditional analytic faces such as planes or cylinders for regions that require precise topology. The remaining facets are converted to SubD faces which allow for flexible editing.

See Creating the SubD Hybrid Model for more information.