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Q: What can I use Altair Inspire for?
A: Altair Inspire is used in the design process to save product weight and design time. Inspire generates an optimal concept for you that uses as little material as possible and is still stiff enough.
You can also simulate mechanical movements and optimize parts topologically for this.
Q: What is Topology Optimization?
A: Topology optimization is the process of generating a shape that, under predefined conditions, does not use more material to withstand the forces that occur.
A shape can also be an optimal plate thickness or lattice structure.
Q: What is the underlying technology?
A: Altair Inspire uses the Altair OptiStruct and SimSolid core. The OptiStruct core uses meshing to predict acting forces using the finite element method. It divides the smallest material thickness by 3 as standard and creates tetra-elements, which are distributed over the design where necessary. You can refine this locally or make it coarser.
The SimSolid core calculates with the mathematical description of the geometric surfaces, so that no mesh has to be created and we therefore have nothing to do with element size. This is also much faster than meshing and is therefore particularly suitable for larger assemblies.
Q: Can Inspire also take the natural frequency of a shape into account?
A: Yes. In a separate analysis, Inspire determines how a shape vibrates in different phases. The optimized shape will take this into account.
Q: What is that brown optimized shape, is it geometry?
A: No, those are elements where the concept needs material.
Q: Can I make an optimization for a situation where two forces act in opposite directions but not at the same time?
A: Yes. Simply place each force in a different Load Case and optimize for both situations in one calculation. Or use a Symmetry Plane, which works like a mirror.
Q: The optimization runs for a very long time without warning, how can I check the status?
A: Check the Run Path folder indicated in the preferences (under Run Options). It contains a file topoOpt.out that you can view with a text editor. Look for hints in this file such as memory space. Is this folder local or in the cloud? Do you have sufficient access rights?
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