Generative Design & Topology Optimization

The inverse of everything in Simulation: instead of analyzing a fixed shape, the solver redesigns the shape to meet a goal. Fusion 360 Generative Design, Ansys/Abaqus topology optimization.

Topology Optimization — Minimize Mass
CAD OPTIMIZE TOPOLOGY OF ?bracket OPEN
  OBJECTIVE MINIMIZE MASS
  CONSTRAIN STRESS IS LESS THAN 200
  PRESERVE REGIONS [?mountFace AND ?loadFace]
  MANUFACTURING DIRECTION "z"
CLOSE
SET PROMISE ?job

AFTER WAIT FOR ?job SET ?optimized
AFTER CAD TESSELLATE ?optimized TOLERANCE 0.05 SET ?printMesh

PRESERVE REGIONS keeps mounting holes and load faces intact — everything else is fair game for the solver to hollow out, lattice, or remove entirely. The TESSELLATE at the end matters here specifically: generative results are usually organic shapes meant for 3D printing rather than machining, so they typically leave the solid/B-rep world and go straight to mesh.

Electronics Design →