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L1-03 Shape Optimization Vs Generative Design PDF

The document discusses the differences between shape optimization and generative design in Fusion 360. Shape optimization uses a user-defined starting shape and mesh to determine load paths and suggest material removal, while generative design removes material from low-stress areas and adds to high-stress areas to consider stress distribution without a fixed starting shape. Both tools are useful for design optimization, with shape optimization best for known external geometry and generative design for letting Fusion 360 design the shape.

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Matías Cofré
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75 views2 pages

L1-03 Shape Optimization Vs Generative Design PDF

The document discusses the differences between shape optimization and generative design in Fusion 360. Shape optimization uses a user-defined starting shape and mesh to determine load paths and suggest material removal, while generative design removes material from low-stress areas and adds to high-stress areas to consider stress distribution without a fixed starting shape. Both tools are useful for design optimization, with shape optimization best for known external geometry and generative design for letting Fusion 360 design the shape.

Uploaded by

Matías Cofré
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Lesson: Shape Optimization Vs.

Generative Design

In this lesson, you will explore the


differences between topology optimization
and generative design.

Learning Objectives

• Identify a topology optimized


part.
• Identify a generative designed The completed exercise
part.

1. Fusion 360 has a lot to offer for optimizing your


design. Shape optimization and generative
design are both built in to Fusion 360. Knowing
the difference between these two tools is
important. The mesh on the left was created
using a shape optimization simulation study.
The design on the right was created using
generative design. The same criteria was used
to create both; a plate was fixed to a wall and a
load was applied to the four bosses. The
difference in the outcome is due to the rules
used to generate the bodies.

2. The shape optimization results are based on


load paths. The load was applied to the four
bosses. Fusion 360 built a mesh based on how
that load is transferred to the fixed plate on the
wall. Shape optimization is looking to begin the
simulation using a body shape that you create. It
will use this shape as the bounding box for the
solution. This result should be considered a
reference for guiding your creation of a part for
manufacture.

Lesson: Shape Optimization Vs. Generative Design Page | 1


3. The generative design result considers the
stress distribution. Material is removed from low
stress areas and added to high stress areas.
Fusion 360’s generative design wants to know
which geometry needs to be preserved and
where it cannot build. The design result will be
based on this input as well as the distribution of
the stress throughout the body. This resulting
body can be immediately used for manufacture
if desired.

4. Both tools are useful for different situations.


Shape optimization is useful for situations such
as when you know how the outside of a part
needs to look but you need to know where you
can remove unnecessary material inside the
part. Generative design is useful in situations
such as when you don’t know how the shape
needs to look and you are willing to let Fusion
360 help. For more information on either of
these techniques, be sure to check out the
Autodesk resources and courses created
around these technologies.

Lesson: Shape Optimization Vs. Generative Design Page | 2

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