The goal of the topology study can either be to minimize the mass or displacement of your part, or to maximize its stiffness (best stiffness-to-weight ratio). What is different are two new inputs: Goals and Constraints and Manufacturing Controls. It is good practice to run a static study on your part prior to running a topology study to make sure that the loads applied do not result in a solution that violates the linear static assumptions of small deflections and stresses that are below the components’ yield strength.Ĭreating a Topology Study is no different than a static study the materials, loads and restraints are the same. The loads on the blue link are shown by the size of the yellow arrows in the image below and the maximum load on the gas strut. By carrying out a motion analysis on the assembly, the loads at the link connection points can be calculated and transferred to the part for analysis. The current release of the topology study can only be applied to parts containing a single body, but the loads experienced by the link are due to the assembly motion. The first step of the design refinement process is to determine the loads the link will experience during the hinge operation. The model, shown below, is a simple gas assisted hinge lift mechanism, and the task is to refine the design of the blue component to reduce its mass while maintaining its stiffness.

Let’s dig into this new study by considering a simple example that I carried out recently. This iterative process of element removal is limited by the study constraints such as maximum allowable deflection and any manufacturing controls. Based upon linear static loads and restraints, the topology study will ‘remove’ elements from the finite element mesh until the target mass or best stiffness-to-weight ratio shape is reached. SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018 introduces a new study type, the Topology Study, which enables designers and engineers to develop innovative minimum mass components.

Solidworks 2017 2018 teachers guide