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Key Features: – Embedded within PTC Creo environment – Integrated Optimisation and result Import UI
Introducing Integrated Topology Optimisation to PTC Creo
White Paper
SUMMARY
PTC Creo empowers users to design and develop prototypes. Using PTC Creo Simulate has further
enabled designers to interpret simulation results for their design as to whether it meets
performance targets. Moreover, within the familiar Creo environment, TruForm then guides design
engineers to develop the lightest, most cost effective structure, reducing the time spent developing
and hence minimising the time to market.
TruForm Creo
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Once the simulation study has been carried out using
PTC Creo Simulate, an optimisation was carried out in
TruForm Creo. The identified design space was then
selected with exclusion of the fixture points and the
pin. The load and constraint set defined earlier were
selected as the simulation study. The target mass was
left at the TruForm default, being 30% of the original
design space mass. The outcome was then imported as
a graphics body into the individual part file and then
updated in the assembly.
In order to demonstrate the capabilities of TruForm, a jet engine simulation study was selected. The
design started with the provided part being as shown above, with the fixtures, material definition and
load applied shown. The load applied was set to 8500lbf which translates to approximately 37810N.
Case Study – Optimising a Jet Engine Bracket
How TruForm Creo Works
Topology optimisation is the mathematical study that
leads to the optimisation of material within a design
space based on defined loads and constraint sets.
Working within PTC Creo, TruForm allows a user to
utilise the powerful topology optimisation method
through a simple interface. This ultimately allows for
the development of the most efficient and effective
design. Saving mass, cost and time without
compromising performance.
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The TruForm results were then used to modify and improve the part. Sketch and Extrude features were used to remove sections of the existing part which were not being utilised.
To conclude, the design was refined, with features such as chamfer and round achieving a 46% reduction in weight.
DESIGN VERIFICATION
After topology optimisation design changes have been applied, the updated design was then verified in the simulate environment.
The maximum displacement in the part increases by approximately 0.04mm. This is insignificant considering that the design space mass has decreased to almost half.
Based on the design requirements, the verification can be carried out by identifying changes in stress.
In order to validate the optimized design, a comparison is made using the displacement plots from the Creo Simulate environment.
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BENEFITS OF USING TRUFORM CREO
Mass reduction within a design can: o Reduce - maintenance, production and running costs. o Improve - efficiency, effective use of material and environmental friendliness.
Minimise time to market.
Enable the development of creative and revolutionary designs.
TRUFORM CREO FEATURES
Mapkey Icons – Integrated icons that launch TruForm and import results
User interface – Simple and easy to use
Design Region Selection – Allows selection of part(s) which will be optimised
Simulation Study Selection – Selection of defined load and constraint set
Target Mass – Sets a target mass for the optimisation process
Optimisation refinement – Define optimisation detail
Progress – Window with a progress bar showing elapsed time
Case Study Examples
TruForm Creo enables seamless topology optimisation within PTC Creo for various applications including automotive, aerospace and motorsport giving a typical part mass saving of 30% and up to 50%. The Hook and Connecting Rod are both designs developed through the guidance of TruForm optimisation results, delivering weight, time and cost savings.
Using TruForm Creo
Since TruForm is integrated into the Creo environment, it is simply an extension of the Simulation process. Optimisation can take part at the user’s preferred stage. This can be an optimisation as a final part of the design, or the ‘Right First Time’ approach can be utilised on a given design space. TruForm Creo can also be used to resolve design strength and stiffness issues through the ongoing development of a part.